Bachelor's in Dance (BFA)

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a prestigious institution renowned for its comprehensive arts education and innovative programs. With a strong emphasis on creativity and experimentation, CalArts provides students with a platform to explore their artistic interests and develop their unique creative voices. At CalArts, students are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and push the boundaries of traditional artistic practices. The university boasts a faculty of experienced artists and industry professionals who provide valuable guidance and mentorship to students, nurturing their artistic development and helping them thrive in their chosen fields. With its vibrant artistic community, state-of-the-art facilities, and a focus on fostering a culture of artistic innovation, California Institute of the Arts continues to be a leading institution for aspiring artists seeking to make a meaningful impact in the creative world.

The BFA curriculum builds a strong foundation in ballet and contemporary dance styles. Two technique classes a day, four days a week provide a consistent means for developing the necessary skills throughout the four year degree program. Dance Composition and Choreography also constitute a steady curricular pathway through the four years. Numerous concerts are held every year to provide opportunities for showcasing student choreography, as well as providing performance opportunities for student, faculty and guest artist works. In the Fall semester of the second year, all BFA II students present a solo of their own making. In addition, all students are required to choreograph a group work for a school concert during their residency. All students and faculty participate in weekly Dance Showings. This provides a venue for the presentation of works in progress combined with artistic feedback from faculty and fellow students, fostering a unique collegial community. The curriculum offers comprehensive instruction in all areas of dance production. Courses in stagecraft, lighting design, costume design, audio and video production prepare students for a variety of design and production crewing responsibilities. In addition, students take courses in music for dance and dance for camera, gaining theoretical, practical and creative perspectives on the relationships between dance and media. At CalArts, students also benefit from courses offered in the Schools of Art, Theater, Music, and Film/Video, which can be taken to supplement and deepen one’s understanding of dance in relationship to these art forms. Collaborations and multimedia productions are prevalent and encouraged.