University of California-Santa Barbara
Department of Theater and Dance (Dance Division) · College of Letters and Science
Santa Barbara, CA
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About the Program
UCSB's Department of Theater and Dance offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Dance. Both programs are studio-centered and emphasize performance and choreography, requiring daily classes in modern dance and ballet. The BFA is a specialized professional-track degree requiring a minimum of eight technique classes per week, plus coursework in improvisation, choreography, repertory, dance history, criticism, music analysis, and design. The BA provides a strong dance component within a broader liberal arts education, preparing students for alternative dance careers such as dance therapy, administration, history, and education.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts in Dance
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance
Coursework
BFA requires a minimum of eight technique classes per week (ballet and modern), plus improvisation, choreography, repertory, performance, dance history, criticism, music analysis, costume/lighting design, acting, mime, and anatomy. Jazz and musical theatre offered as optional coursework. BFA proficiency requires passing Dance 147C and 156F.
Performance Opportunities
Both BA and BFA integrate performance throughout the curriculum via departmental productions, choreography projects, and repertory work. The department also runs UCSB Dance Company as a performance program.
Want to Learn More?
Continue on University of California-Santa Barbara's official site.