University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The programme balances daily studio practice with theoretical study and creative research. Core emphases include choreographic composition, advanced technique (contemporary, release-based and other contemporary practices), improvisation, somatics and performance-making. Students also study dance history and critical theory, research methods for practice-based enquiry, pedagogy and professional practices for sustaining a career in the field.

Typical modules and learning activities may include:

• Advanced Choreography: long-form composition, site-specific work, collaborative creation and development processes.
• Performance Practice: intensive technique classes, repertory study and performance preparation.
• Somatics and Body Awareness: approaches such as release technique, body-mind centring and injury prevention.
• Improvisation and Composition Labs: structured improvisation, scores and movement research.
• Dance History & Theory: critical studies of contemporary dance, cultural contexts and aesthetics.
• Research Methods / Practice-as-Research: methods for documenting, analysing and presenting creative research.
• Pedagogy and Professional Practice: teaching methods, class design, arts administration and career development.
• Capstone Project or Thesis: a public choreographic project, written thesis or studio-based research culminating in a performance and reflective exegesis.

Delivery typically mixes studio classes, seminars, individual mentoring, collaborative projects and public performances. Students often have opportunities to work with visiting artists, participate in department seasons and engage in interdisciplinary projects across campus.

Entry requirements

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

• A curriculum vitae highlighting training and professional experience.
• A written statement of purpose outlining artistic aims and research interests.
• A choreographic or performance portfolio — this is usually submitted as video documentation of recent work and may be accompanied by choreographic scores or reflective writing.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers, choreographers or employers who can speak to your potential for graduate study.
• Academic transcripts from previous tertiary study.

Some applicants may be invited to an audition or interview (in-person or virtual). International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. The department evaluates applications holistically, considering artistic potential, readiness for advanced study and fit with faculty expertise.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of careers across the performing arts, education and cultural sectors. Common pathways include:

• Professional choreographer and independent artistic director, creating work for festivals, companies and commissions.
• Performer with contemporary companies, dance-theatre ensembles or freelancing across multidisciplinary projects.
• Rehearsal director, movement director or company manager in professional settings.
• Dance educator at secondary, tertiary or community levels; developers of outreach and community-engagement programmes.
• Arts administrator, producer or curator within presenting organisations, festivals and cultural institutions.
• Further academic study (MFA/PhD) in practice-led research, dance studies or related disciplines.

The programme's emphasis on both practice and research also prepares graduates for entrepreneurial careers, creating sustainable project-based work and engaging with funding, producing and collaborative networks.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

The University of Colorado Boulder offers a creative, interdisciplinary environment where dance students can draw on strengths across performing arts, music, film and humanities. The department provides access to well-equipped studios, regular production seasons and opportunities to present work to public audiences and in community settings.

Students benefit from faculty who are active choreographers, researchers and teachers, and from visiting artists who bring contemporary professional practices into the training. The campus's proximity to a vibrant regional arts scene expands performance, internship and collaboration possibilities, while institutional support for research and creative projects helps students develop both artistic practice and professional portfolios.