About The BFA Program
Professional Preparation
Whether dancing in a masterwork by MacArthur “genius” recipient Bill T. Jones in the world class Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, rehearsing in NYC studios with renowned dance maker and faculty member Tere O’Connor, shadowing Mark Morris Dance Company in Chicago, rehearsing in one of five spacious studios, or sliding across glass rooftops in site-specific works, Dance at Illinois prepares you for a professional career in dance.
Rich History
Called “progressive” by the New York Times, Dance at Illinois is also one of the oldest, most respected programs in the United States. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, the Department has been consistently included in the listing of Top Ten dance departments in Dance Teacher Magazine, and works performed by Illinois dancers have been recognized annually at regional and national conferences of the American College Dance Festival Association.
Exceptional Community
Our Department’s exceptional community of faculty,
graduate students, alumni and guest artists will connect you to a broad range of artists, teachers and professionals throughout the world - a vital aspect of career development. All of our faculty members are nationally recognized practicing artists and/or scholars who are committed to mentoring young artists. Undergraduate students build rich and dynamic relationships with graduate students, many of whom are returning professionals. Annual guest artists and touring companies also provide diverse viewpoints and networking opportunities.
In-Depth Mentoring
In our teaching/learning community, our studios are laboratories for discovery encouraging student empowered learning, rigorous inquiry and an entrepreneurial spirit. Our intentionally small program with an extraordinary 7:1 student/teacher ratio supports one on one interaction between students and faculty. With 12 full-time faculty, 2 full-time specialists in production and technology, 3 part-time faculty, 12 graduate students, over 10 accompanists, and an in-residence physical therapist, our students have access to in-depth mentoring.
Broad Curriculum
The emphasis of our program is the professional preparation of performers, choreographers and teachers. The BFA curriculum in Dance is an intensive program of study for the dedicated student, with concentration in the areas of technique, improvisation/composition, and performance. Required course work in the areas of history, theory, kinesiology and anatomy, somatic practices, music theory, teaching, technology, and production are designed to introduce a broad range of dance topics and related fields. In our program you will watch, write, create, travel, discuss and perform. The culminating experience of the BFA program is a self-produced shared senior concert.
Technical Training
Your physical practice will be based in contemporary and ballet technique, improvisation, and various popular and global forms such as hip-hop, Balinese dance and Capoeira. Program requirements include a minimum of seven technique classes per week. Technique placement is assigned by faculty at the beginning of each year and students must achieve advanced level placement in modern technique for one year prior to graduation. Study in somatic practices such as Alexander Technique and Contact Improvisation, as well as Pilates, and Yoga provide deepening experiences to the technical practice.
Interdisciplinary
Located within a top research one university, we encourage students to define and explore their interests through interdisciplinary activities. In the past students have worked collaboratively with other students in fields such as music, theater, architecture, visual arts, anthropology, kinesiology, and engineering in developing their senior thesis projects.
Performing
There are numerous opportunities to perform in the five concert series at the world-class Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, site-specific works, and public engagement activities. Our creative community of students, faculty and guest artists are actively engaged in process-based rehearsals and performances throughout the year.
Your experience at Illinois will deepen your understanding of the dance world and open up new possibilities.
