About Dance
Dance is a core specialization within the discipline of Performing Arts, itself part of the broader academic field of Humanities & Arts. It focuses on embodied practice and creative research in movement, combining technical training, choreography, performance studies, dance history and theory, somatic practice, notation and documentation, and production skills. Students develop physical virtuosity, creative voice, and critical understanding of dance as an art form and cultural practice.
Dance encompasses diverse traditions, ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, world dance forms, and experimental practices, while engaging with questions of embodiment, identity, community, and social change. The field bridges studio practice with scholarship, preparing graduates for careers as performers, choreographers, teachers, community dance practitioners, researchers, and administrators in professional companies, educational institutions, and cultural organizations.
Online Study Options
Online pathways in Dance are limited due to the embodied nature of the discipline, but technology increasingly supports dance history, theory, notation, and choreographic documentation. Bachelor's programs combine intensive studio training with academic study. Master's programs enable specialization in choreography, performance, teaching, or dance studies.
Online Courses
MOOCs & Self-Paced Learning
Short online courses (often a few weeks) in dance history, notation, or choreographic theory provide foundational knowledge. Best combined with in-person training for technique development.
Certificates
Professional Credentials
Professional certificates in Dance typically require significant in-person components. Online elements may cover history, theory, or teaching methods, but studio training needs hands-on instruction.
Semester Programs
Credit-Bearing Study Abroad
Credit-bearing semester programs at international dance conservatories or universities. Excellent for intensive training with different teachers and exposure to diverse dance traditions.
Bachelor's Degrees
Undergraduate Programs
BFA or BA Dance provides intensive training in technique, choreography, and performance alongside academic study. Strong preparation for professional dance or graduate study.
Master's Degrees
Graduate Programs
MFA Dance emphasizes advanced choreography and performance. MA Dance Studies focuses on scholarship and research. Both prepare for professional, educational, or academic careers.
Doctorate Programs
PhD & Research Degrees
PhD Dance Studies or Performance Studies trains scholars for academic careers. Practice-based PhDs combine creative work with scholarly research. Original contribution to dance scholarship.
Career Opportunities
Academic & Research
University faculty, research scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and laboratory directors in dance.
Industry & Private Sector
Specialists, consultants, managers, and technical experts in companies related to dance.
Government & Policy
Policy advisors, program managers, and regulatory specialists in government agencies and international organizations.
Extension & Consulting
Extension agents, technical advisors, and independent consultants providing expertise in dance.
Sources
Information as of: 16 October 2026
- Online courses: typical length (most courses 2 to 6 weeks), edX, accessed on 16 October 2026
- Professional Certificates: 2 to 10 months to complete, edX, accessed on 16 October 2026
- The three-cycle system: bachelor 180 to 240 ECTS, master 60 to 120 ECTS, European Higher Education Area (EHEA), accessed on 16 October 2026
- Section 3 Bavarian Study Accreditation Ordinance: standard periods of study (bachelor 3 to 4 years, master 1 to 2 years), Bayerische Staatskanzlei, BAYERN.RECHT, accessed on 16 October 2026
- anabin: assessment of foreign qualifications in Germany, Kultusministerkonferenz, Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen, accessed on 16 October 2026
This content was created with the help of AI, mainly for research and first drafts. Reviewed and approved by our editorial team.
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