Bard College
Dance Program
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
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About the Program
The Bard Dance Program sees the pursuit of artistry and intellect as a single endeavor. We believe that the study of the dancing body is rooted in a relationship between physical practice and exposure to the broader, interdisciplinary contexts in which the art form exists. The Program fosters the discovery of a dance vocabulary that is meaningful to the dancer/choreographer and essential to their creative ambitions. Through intensive technique and composition courses, onstage performance, production experience, and dance studies, students are prepared to understand and practice the art of choreography and performance.
Degrees Offered
BA in Dance
Concentrations
Coursework
Interdisciplinary emphasis — students often combine dance with fields like mathematics, physics, or theater. Bard's Fisher Center anchors the on-campus performing arts ecosystem.
Notable Faculty
- Tara Lorenzen (Program Director)
- Maria Simpson (Professor of Dance)
Facilities
The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts is the primary performance venue.
Performance Opportunities
Villa Albertine partnership (2023–ongoing, bringing French choreographers into Bard technique + repertory courses). Jacob's Pillow partnership. American Dance Festival teaching-artist visits. Past partnerships with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and the Trisha Brown Dance Company. Senior Project performance requirement.
Rankings & Alumni
Rankings
Dance Magazine (May 2019): "Located just a few hours north of New York City in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, Bard College offers a dance major that places equal emphasis on technique and composition. The program simultaneously encourages dance as an intellectual pursuit and helps students forge connections with working artists through partnerships with dance organizations."
Alumni Outcomes
Sam "Asa" Pratt '14 (Baye & Asa duo, 2023 Dance Magazine Harkness Promise Award). Roobi Gaskins '19 (Houston Grand Opera debut in Urban Bush Women collaboration). Multiple alumni active in concert dance and choreography.
Want to Learn More?
Continue on Bard College's official site.