Prepare for a career as a performer, choreographer, teacher, or arts administrator in a wide variety of professional settings. Become part of a close-knit and supportive dance community with regular advisement by both dance and academic advisers.
About the Program
Hofstra Dance offers ...
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An easy commute to New York City for auditions, performances, internships and additional training.
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Participation in the American College Dance Association and the National Dance Education Organization conferences.
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State of the art teaching spaces that include four beautiful dance studios and a multi-purpose space used for rehearsals as well as dance courses such as Kinesiology, Dance History, Teaching Methods, etc.
Degrees & Programs
The Dance Program offers three degrees: the BA in Dance, which gives students the opportunity to major or minor in an additional area of interest; the BFA in Dance (by audition), which focuses on a more rigorous training program in performance and choreography; and the BS in Dance Education, which teaches students how to design and implement creative and comprehensive dance programs in Pre-K-12 schools.
Also available:
Minor in Dance, which is completed by taking three required courses: Dance Appreciation, Dance History, and Choreography, which total 9 credits. The remaining credits may be chosen from offerings including Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, African dance, Irish dance and Hip Hop.
Minor in Musical Theater (by audition) includes a selection of classes from Dance and the Department of Music. To participate, the student must be enrolled in voice lessons each semester through the Music Department.
BA in Dance
The BA in Dance complements the university’s liberal arts program and allows students to pursue a second major or minor in an additional area of interest. Students are provided with a rigorous program of dance training as well as the same opportunities as the other dance degrees to audition for all faculty and student performances.
BFA in Dance
The BFA in Dance Performance is for students who want to immerse themselves in a more intensive program leading to careers in performance and choreography. The focus is on developing technical proficiency in traditional and contemporary styles of dance. An audition is required for admission, as well as a personal interview with dance faculty.
BS in Dance Education
The BS in Education: Dance Education is designed to prepare students to become creative and skilled dance instructors at the K-12 education level. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible for New York State initial certification as a teacher of dance in all grades.
Performance Opportunities
In fall and spring concerts, students perform choreography by faculty and guest artists like Doug Varone, Sean Curran, Larry Keigwin, Earl Mosley, Adam Barruch, Liz Gerring, Trisha Brown and Martha Clarke and legends like Martha Graham and Jose Limon.
Students also audition for the Drama program's annual musical and present original choreography at the American College Dance Festival, the New York City Choreo Seminar, and at club presentations.
More on the Student Experience
Dance students have ample opportunities to enrich their education with experiences both on and off campus.
During their first year, students travel into New York City to see dance performances as part of the First Year Connections cluster (clusters are sets of two or three classes, linked by a common theme, that fulfill general education requirements).
Dance Education students have the opportunity to work with children enrolled in Hofstra’s Diane Lindner-Goldberg Child Care Institute. They also enjoy volunteering their time to lead creative dance workshops in partnership with AHRC of Long Island, a nonprofit organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Campus performances take place at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse, a large proscenium theater that seats more than 1,100, and the more intimate Joan and Donald Schaeffer Black Box Theater.
Dance Clubs
Many organizations and clubs on campus support and promote dance. Dance majors are required to be active members of MoVoM, a student-administered Hofstra Dance Program performance group. Other groups include Danceworks Productions; Imani, which unites hip-hop, Afro-Caribbean, jazz, and house styles; and Rhythmix, a tap dance club.
Internships
Students are encouraged to do one or more internships during their time at Hofstra. Examples of dance companies, festivals, or organizations where students have recently completed internships include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, David Dorfman Dance Company, New York City Ballet, Bates Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Boston Early Music Festival, Urbanity Dance, Mark Morris Dance Center, and Peridance Capezio Center.
In the Classroom
Learn from the Experts
Professors are connected to New York City's dance scene and to national and international opportunities. Under their guidance, you will:
- Become proficient in multiple dance disciplines
- Broaden your understanding of dance as an art form
- Obtain technical expertise and understanding in exercise systems and somatic practices
- Develop skills to evaluate dancing and dance experiences
- Mature as a choreographer and performer
The Outlook
Hofstra graduates are currently working in professional dance companies, musical theater and commercial productions, public and private dance schools and nationally recognized arts organizations. Others have gone on to complete higher degrees in areas such as Dance/Movement Therapy and Physical Therapy. Read what our alumni say about the program
Where recent alumni are employed
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American Ballet Theatre School
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BLOC Talent Agency
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Camille A. Brown & Dancers
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Forces of Nature Dance Co.
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The Joyce Theater
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The Mark Morris Dance Center
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New York Baroque Dance Co.
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New York Theatre Ballet
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Paul Taylor Dance Co.
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Pentacle Arts Management
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Radio City Rockettes
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School of American Ballet
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STEPS on Broadway
Where our recent alumni are pursuing advanced degrees
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Columbia University
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New York University
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CUNY Hunter College
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Pratt Institute
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Hofstra University
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Antioch University
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Naropa University
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Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (UK)
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Lesley University
Dance Education outcomes
Dance Education majors have found employment at schools and studios throughout the New York metropolitan area, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, Connecticut, Long Island, Manhattan and Queens.
Grants and Scholarships
The Dance program awards more than $130,000 every year in grants and scholarships available only to dance majors.
Contact Us
Our Office
Emily Lowe Hall
Room 102
Phone: (516) 463-5444
Fax: (516) 463-4001
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
DEPARTMENT SECRETARY
Angela Visco
DIRECTOR OF DANCE
Professor Rachel List
Phone: (516) 463-5661
111 Emily Lowe
E-mail
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Professor Royston Coppenger
(516) 463-6540
202 Emily Lowe Hall
Email
Dance concert photography by Johan Elbers.