Chapman University

About the Program

Chapman University's Department of Dance offers rigorous professional training with high-caliber productions, renowned faculty and guest artists, a new state-of-the-art dance center, and all the benefits of a small liberal arts university. The BA and BFA degrees focus on equitable and varied training in ballet, jazz, and modern technique supported by tap, hip hop, ballroom, and other forms. Additional curricular strengths include choreography (with more than 100 student works produced annually) and dance science and wellness.

Degrees Offered

Concentrations

Coursework

Curricular strengths include choreography and dance science and wellness (courses in somatics, Pilates, yoga, anatomy, kinesiology). Guest artist residencies with Camille Brown, Cirque du Soleil, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Rennie Harris Puremovement, Mark Morris Dance Center, MOMIX, Peridance, Pilobolus, and Fatima Robinson. Master classes with BODYTRAFFIC, Tyce Diorio, Rina Mehta (Kathak), Matthew Rushing (Alvin Ailey), and others.

Study abroad available

Notable Faculty

• Dwight Rhoden
• Ido Tadmor

Facilities

Sandi Simon Center for Dance (2023 opening, 2023 Preservation Design Award and SCUP Excellence in Architecture Award): six dance studios including a performance studio that transforms into a black box theatre, dedicated training room for injury prevention, student lounge, classrooms, rehearsal studios. Performance venues: Musco Center for the Arts (88,000 sq ft, 1,044 seats), Waltmar Theatre (240 seats), Chapman Auditorium (905 seats in 1921 Memorial Hall), Simon Center black box (100 seats).

Performance Opportunities

More than 100 student choreographic works produced annually across four performance venues. Frequent master classes, performances, and auditions with LA's top artists and talent agencies.

Rankings & Alumni