Duke University

Overview

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance: Embodied Interdisciplinary Praxis at Duke University is an intensive, two-year program designed for those passionate about the art of dance and its connection to various disciplines. This full-time, practice-led degree emphasizes the integration of embodied research, enabling students to create and perform dance works that reflect their scholarly inquiries. Throughout the program, students will develop a comprehensive thesis portfolio that intertwines their choreographic endeavors with interdisciplinary theories and methodologies.

What You'll Study

The MFA program is structured to support both artistic and academic growth through a combination of studio practice, graduate seminars, and a thesis project. The curriculum is designed to help students cultivate their unique research directions, document their artistic processes, and translate their embodied investigations into choreographic outputs.

• Year 1 (Foundations + Research Development)
  • Choreographic Praxis
  • Movement Research
  • Theories of Corporeality
  • Research Methods in Dance
  • Graduate Dance Elective (department-approved)
  • Critique (regular studio/peer review sessions)
• Year 2 (Thesis Development + Portfolio Completion)
  • Thesis Project (development, rehearsal/performance documentation, and writing)
  • Ongoing critique and portfolio review
  • Additional elective coursework as required by the student’s research plan

Capstone Requirement: The program culminates in a thesis portfolio that anchors the student’s interdisciplinary research questions, supported by written work and documented creative practice.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the MFA program typically requires standard application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a research proposal, and a work sample. Prospective students should also demonstrate proficiency in English, with accepted tests including IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or the Duolingo English Test.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the MFA in Dance: Embodied Interdisciplinary Praxis are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in the arts. They often pursue roles as choreographers, dance educators, researchers, and performers. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of the program equips them with the skills to engage in diverse fields related to performance studies, community arts, and cultural advocacy.