George Washington University
Dance (Corcoran Theatre and Dance Program) · Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Washington, DC
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About the Program
The Bachelor of Arts program in dance at GW's Corcoran School trains students to tell their own stories through movement, dedicated to "educating dancers and choreographers of the future through our global, interdisciplinary community located in the heart of Washington, D.C." The program emphasizes modern, postmodern, and contemporary dance techniques with an emphasis on experimentation through the creative process, alongside somatic theories, improvisation, composition, dance history, and production skills.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Dance
- •Theory
- •Technique
- •Creative Process and Performance
Minor in Dance
Concentrations
Coursework
39-credit BA structured as 15 credits in one concentration (Theory, Technique, or Creative Process and Performance), 9 credits in each of the two remaining concentrations, and 6 elective credits. Coursework spans modern technique at four levels, postmodern and contemporary dance, dance history, performance analysis, "Hip-Hop Theatre," choreography, composition, improvisation, "Devising New Works," somatic theories, performance art, and production skills (lighting, costuming). Major culminates in a thesis/senior project; honors thesis available for Special Honors (3.4 major GPA). Minor requires 18 credits (3 required + 15 electives). Note: IPEDS reports a master-level dance completion (2020-22) but no current standalone dance master's/MFA is listed on GW's dance or bulletin pages.
Notable Faculty
- Anna Jayne Kimmel (Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dance)
- Brendan Drake (Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance)
Performance Opportunities
Spring and Fall Dance Concerts at Betts Theatre, NEXT Festival performances, National Gallery performances, guest artist collaborations, dance film shorts projects, and internships with professional organizations.
Rankings & Alumni
Alumni Outcomes
Program graduates are prepared for professional careers in the multifaceted field of dance as artists, entrepreneurs, managers, or dance specialists.
Want to Learn More?
Continue on George Washington University's official site.