University of California-Los Angeles

About the Program

The UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance (WACD), housed in the School of the Arts and Architecture, offers a B.A. in Dance that "thoroughly integrates learning to dance, learning to make dances, and critical interrogation of dance as a cultural practice." The faculty and students "forge new understandings about the social and cultural impacts of choreography, performance, media, visual arts, activism, and critical studies." Undergraduates enroll in a four-term sequence in dance composition alongside a core of courses studying scholarly discourse around the body and dance, with focus areas including choreography, performance, critical dance studies, videography, and dance in the public sphere. Graduate offerings include the M.F.A. in Choreographic Inquiry and the M.A. and Ph.D. in Culture and Performance.

Degrees Offered

Concentrations

Coursework

Four-term sequence in dance composition plus a core of four courses studying scholarly discourse around the body and dance. Program emphasizes critical dance studies and cultural analysis; students must demonstrate advanced proficiency in at least two movement disciplines, but the department page does not enumerate specific techniques (e.g., ballet/modern) taught. Graduate M.A./Ph.D. in Culture and Performance emphasizes theory and practice.

Performance Opportunities

Students participate in the creation of their own dances and work as dancers in faculty and visiting-artist productions, creating works in multiple formats.