University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This graduate programme combines advanced practical training, composition and scholarly study. Core strands include choreographic process and composition, performance practice and technique, somatic approaches to training, and research methods for dance. Students engage with historical, ethnographic and theoretical perspectives on dance—particularly Pacific, Asian and Indigenous Hawaiian forms—alongside contemporary concert dance practices.

• Choreography and composition: studio-based composition courses, collaborative processes, site-specific and interdisciplinary projects.
• Performance and technique: advanced technique classes, repertory study, improvisation and partnering.
• Contextual studies: dance history, critical theory, cultural context of Pacific and Asian diasporic dance, and performance analysis.
• Somatics and pedagogy: body-based practices, injury prevention, teaching methods for diverse classroom and community settings.
• Research and professional skills: qualitative research methods, practice-as-research projects, arts administration and grant-writing workshops.

The programme typically includes studio work, seminars, directed research and a capstone such as a choreographic thesis, public recital or written thesis, depending on the student’s pathway and degree option.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in dance or a closely related field, or to demonstrate equivalent professional experience. Admission is based on a combination of academic record, artistic potential and preparedness for graduate work.

• Academic transcripts: undergraduate degree from an accredited institution or recognised equivalent.
• Artistic submission: dance audition, video portfolio or documentation of recent performance and choreography work.
• Statement of purpose: a clear exposition of artistic goals, research interests and reasons for choosing the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
• References: two or three letters from academic or professional referees who can address your technical and creative abilities.
• Additional requirements: résumé or CV, and for applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency where applicable.

Specific entry criteria and audition formats vary by intake and pathway, so applicants should consult the department for detailed guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of professional roles across the arts and education sectors. Common career pathways include:

• Professional performer in contemporary, traditional or interdisciplinary companies.
• Choreographer and artistic director creating repertory, community projects or commercial work.
• Dance educator in higher education, conservatoires, schools or community programmes.
• Community arts organiser and cultural practitioner working with indigenous and diasporic communities.
• Researcher, writer or critic specialising in dance studies, cultural policy or performance scholarship.
• Arts administrator, producer or curator with responsibility for programming, outreach and funding initiatives.

The programme’s emphasis on Pacific and Asian dance traditions also supports careers in cultural organisations, museums, and government or non-governmental bodies focused on heritage and cultural sustainability.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a distinctive learning environment for graduate dance study, rooted in its geographic and cultural setting. The department’s faculty combine expertise in contemporary dance practice, choreography and in-depth knowledge of Hawaiian, Pacific and Asian dance forms, enabling students to pursue layered, culturally informed creative work.

• Unique regional focus: access to living Hawaiian and Pacific traditions and opportunities for community engagement and field study.
• Strong practical resources: dedicated studio spaces, performance venues and opportunities to present work publicly on campus and in the wider Honolulu arts scene.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: easy links with related programmes such as Ethnic Studies, Theatre, Music and Pacific Islands Studies for cross-disciplinary projects.
• Community connections: partnerships with local hālau, cultural practitioners and arts organisations that enrich learning and professional networking.

Students leave equipped with advanced technical skills, creative independence and the cultural literacy needed to pursue diverse careers in dance, education and cultural leadership.