Southern Methodist University

What you'll study

The programme combines intensive studio work with scholarly enquiry and production experience. Core studio components emphasise contemporary technique, ballet, improvisation and somatic approaches, while composition and choreographic seminars provide sustained time for developing original work. Academic modules cover dance history and theory, research methods in performance studies, pedagogy for diverse settings and topics in dance science such as injury prevention and conditioning.

• Technical and performance training: daily technique classes, repertory studies, ensemble rehearsals and performance labs.
• Choreography and composition: choreographic process, score development, improvisation practices and collaborative creation with musicians and designers.
• Research and theory: dance history, critical theory, practice-as-research methodologies and preparation of a written or practice-based thesis/project.
• Production and professional practice: lighting and stagecraft basics, project management, grant-writing, arts administration and presentation of work in public venues.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: opportunities to work with departments across the Meadows School—music, theatre, film and visual arts—alongside community-engaged projects in the Dallas arts ecosystem.

The degree is structured around a balance of daily studio practice, seminar coursework, directed research and a culminating capstone that typically takes the form of a public performance, choreographic portfolio or practice-based thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised undergraduate degree in dance or a related field, or to demonstrate equivalent professional experience in performance or choreography. Typical application materials include:

• Academic transcripts from prior study;
• A current CV or résumé outlining training and performance experience;
• A statement of purpose describing artistic goals and proposed focus of study;
• A choreographic portfolio or samples of recent work — often a video submission and/or repertory excerpts;
• Letters of recommendation from tutors, directors or employers familiar with the applicant’s work;
• An audition or interview, which may be offered in person or via recorded/remote format.

Specific requirements and audition procedures should be confirmed with the Meadows School of the Arts. The programme may consider mature applicants with substantial professional experience even if their academic background is not in dance.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a variety of professional roles across the performing arts sector, education and creative industries. Typical career paths include:

• Professional performer with contemporary companies, regional theatres or touring ensembles;
• Choreographer or artistic director producing work for companies, festivals and commissioning institutions;
• Dance educator in conservatoires, colleges, universities, schools or community programmes;
• Rehearsal director, movement director for stage and screen, or director of repertory development;
• Arts administrator, producer or curator working within presenting organisations, festivals and cultural institutions;
• Independent artist working in interdisciplinary projects, dance film, site-specific performance and community-engaged practice.

The programme’s emphasis on both practice and professional development prepares graduates to pursue freelance careers or to take leadership roles in education and arts organisations. Those seeking specialised roles—such as somatic therapy or clinical movement work—may combine the degree with additional certification.

Why study at Southern Methodist University

Meadows School of the Arts offers a conservatory-level studio environment embedded within a larger research university, giving students access to cross-disciplinary collaboration, academic resources and professional networks. The school’s Dance faculty are active makers and educators, providing mentorship rooted in contemporary practice and scholarship.

• Facilities: dedicated rehearsal studios, performance spaces and media labs that support choreography, documentation and digital presentation.
• Performance opportunities: regular showcases, curated programmes and partnerships with local venues that allow students to present work publicly and build professional portfolios.
• Industry connections: proximity to a vibrant regional arts scene with resident companies, festivals and visiting artists, enabling internships, residencies and collaborative projects.
• Interdisciplinary resources: easy access to colleagues in music, theatre, film and visual arts for cross-disciplinary creation and research.

Students benefit from personalised mentorship, a strong conservatory ethos and the career-preparation services of the university, all of which support transitions into professional practice, higher-level academic study or leadership roles within the arts.