IntroductionRutgers offers two distinct programs of study in dance. Both programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in dance through one of the liberal arts colleges. This is a generalist program that combines a broad experience in the liberal arts with a specialization in dance. It prepares students to advance beyond the bachelor's degree in performance, teaching, dance criticism, or history.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts program (BFA) in dance is offered through the Mason Gross School of the Arts. It is more specialized for students who want to be professional dancers. Two primary goals of this program are excellence in modern dance technique and performance and outstanding creative achievement. The curriculum includes three main areas of focus: technique and performance; choreography; and theoretical studies.
Some graduates choose to pursue careers closely related to dance, such as performance, education, and choreography. Others choose careers behind the scenes, or in the business area of dance in careers such as production, management, publishing and sales. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions, but for entry into an area of specialization, an advanced degree may be required. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Thus, some graduates pursue careers in fields quite unrelated to dance. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability to employers through responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities.
A Sample of Related Occupations| Advertising Specialist | Dance Writer | Public Relations Specialist |
| Artistic Director | Dancer | Publicist |
| Choreographer | Director of Arts Advocacy Agency | Sales/Marketing Representative |
| Community Relations Director | Director of Arts Council | Special Events Coordinator |
| Costume Designer | Editor | Stage Manager |
| Dance Company Manager | Lighting Designer | Talent Agent |
| Dance Critic | Lobbyist | Teacher |
| Dance Studio Owner | Production Manager | Tour Manager |
| Dance Therapist | Promoter | |
Types of Employers| Private & Nonprofit Organizations |
| Arts Advocacy Agencies | Entertainment Companies | Production Companies |
| Arts Management Firms | Media Firms | Public Relations Firms |
| Colleges and Universities | Newspapers/Magazines | Publishing Firms |
| Dance Companies | Performing Arts Centers | Theater Companies |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | Private Dance Studios | Theme Parks |
| Government Agencies |
| Cultural Affairs Agencies | National Endowment for the Arts | Office of International Education |
| Department of Education | National Endowment for the Humanities | Peace Corps/AmeriCorps |
| National Archives | | |
Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates| Professional Dancers and/or Choreographers |
| American Repertory Ballet | Murray Louis and Nikolais Dance |
| Amy Pivar Dancers | Nicholas Rodriguez Dance Compass |
| Broadway Cast, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | Ohio Ballet |
| Cleo Mack Dance Project | Pilobolus Dance Company |
| Connecticut Ballet | Pittsburgh Dance Alloy |
| David Dorfman Dance Company | Race Dance |
| Doris Humphrey Repertory Company | Randy James Dance Works |
| Elizabeth Streb Dance Company | Rhombus Dance |
| Erick Hawkins Dance Company | Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus |
| Laura Glenn Dance Company | Sarah Pearson, Patrick Widrig Dance Company |
| LKB Dance | Stephanie Shura Dance Company |
| Mark Jaracke Dance Company | Stomp |
| Michael Foley Dance Company | Tennessee Dance Theater |
| Dance Educators |
| Adademie Des Tanzes, Germany | Mercer County Vocational High School |
| Ball State University | Middlesex County College |
| BOCES Cultural Arts Center | On the Move Performing Arts Center |
| Chicago State University | Piscataway Board of Education |
| Cicely Tyson High School | Princeton Ballet School |
| Columbia High School | Princeton High School |
| Duncan Centre Conservatory, Prague | Purnell High School |
| East Brunswick Vocational High School | Rowan University |
| Franklin Township Board of Education | Rutgers University |
| Laban Center, Goldsmith College, London | Smith College |
| Marymount Manhattan College | Temple University |
| Mercer County College | |
| Private Dance Studio Owners and/or Managers |
| Center Stage Dance Studio, Inc. | Kaye-Lynn Studio |
| Dance Express School | Miss Carol School of Dance |
| Dance Plus Studio | Standing Ovation School of Dance |
| Dance Unlimited | |
| Additional Related Fields |
| American Repertory Ballet Company, Marketing | Princeton Dance Book Publisher, Editor |
| Bill T. Jones Dance Company, Manager | San Francisco Ballet Association, Admin. Assistant |
| Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company, Lighting Designer and Stage Manager | Tricia Brown Dance Company, Manager |
| Duchess County Cultural Arts Council, Director | University of Southern Califormia, Graduate Student, Ph.D., Physical Therapy |
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