California Institute of the Arts

What you'll study

The BFA in Dance and Choreography balances daily studio technique with coursework in composition, performance practice and theory. Core studio work typically includes contemporary technique, ballet-based alignment, release technique, improvisation, partnering, and somatic approaches (such as Alexander technique, Feldenkrais and body-mind centring). Choreographic training covers composition, scoring, rehearsal processes, dramaturgy and working with media and technology.

Complementary academic and creative courses often include movement analysis and anatomy for dancers, history and criticism of dance, music for choreography, film and video for performance, lighting and production basics, and classes in pedagogy and community-engaged practice. Interdisciplinary electives allow students to collaborate with theatre, film/video, music, fine arts and animation students.

Students progress from technique and foundational composition to increasingly independent projects: solo and group choreographies, evening-length works, site-specific pieces, collaborative productions and a capstone or thesis performance. Regular showing classes, critique sessions and public performances provide ongoing feedback and professional presentation experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a recognised secondary-school completion (or equivalent) and must apply to the institute’s undergraduate admissions. Admission is portfolio- and audition-led: applicants submit a recorded or live audition demonstrating technical proficiency, musicality and performance quality, along with a personal statement outlining artistic interests and goals.

Supporting materials typically include academic transcripts, a résumé of training and performance experience, and one or more letters of recommendation (often from teachers or choreographers). International applicants should provide evidence of English proficiency where required by the institute. A strong candidate demonstrates sustained dance training, creative potential, collaborative aptitude and readiness for an intensive conservatory-style environment.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of careers in the performing arts and related fields. Common professional paths include working as professional dancers and company members, independent choreographers, rehearsal directors and movement directors for theatre, film and television. Many alumni also build careers in dance education, community arts programming, arts administration and producing.

Other opportunities arise in interdisciplinary roles such as movement consultants for interactive media, choreographers for commercial projects, curators for performance festivals, researchers in dance science or somatic practice, and entrepreneurs running small ensembles or festivals. The programme’s exposure to production, media and collaborative processes also supports careers in stage management, lighting and design for performance.

Why study at California Institute of the Arts

CalArts is known for its artist-driven, experimental approach and for encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration; the dance programme emphasises individual artistic development within a community of practitioners across music, film, theatre and visual arts. Students train and create in professional-grade studios and performance spaces, with faculty who are practising choreographers, performers and researchers.

Located in the Los Angeles area, the institute provides proximity to a wide range of professional opportunities in contemporary dance, commercial performance and media. The conservatory-style training, regular public presentation opportunities and a curriculum that integrates making, research and production prepare graduates for versatile careers in today’s evolving dance and performance landscape.