More Program Specifics
Understand the courses you’ll take, the curriculum requirements to meet, and the concepts you’ll gain mastery of. This program also offers a minor program option. Get the detailed information you’re looking for.
Dance Performance BA
With our Dance Performance bachelor's degree you can dance like everyone’s watching!
Put your passion into motion in our Dance Performance Program.
Our Dance Performance bachelor's degree combines a strong foundation in history and theory with rigorous training in style and technique, along with experiential learning opportunities in composition and performance. Dance Performance majors are prepared to work professionally within a dance troupe, choreograph performances and operate a dance studio.
Dance Performance Career Opportunities
- Professional Dancer
- Choreographer
- Dance Instructor
- Dance Studio Owner
- Movement Coach/Therapist
- Professional Performer
Why Earn a Dance Performance Bachelor's Degree at Rhode Island College?
- Our Dance Performance degree includes courses in modern, ballet, jazz, tap, choreography, studio ownership, dance history and more, with faculty who are working professionals.
- Our students gain performance and training experience through membership in the pre-professional RIC Dance Company.
- Our minor in dance performance enables students from other disciplines, such as music, physical education and theatre, to enhance their skill sets with movement.
- Topics covered include: modern, ballet, jazz, choreography, musical theatre and tap.
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Start Your Dance Dream - Audition Soon!
Auditions are required for music, theatre, and dance majors at Rhode Island College. What to expect at the audition.
You don't need to wait to be admitted to RIC to audition, but we recommend that you have your Admissions application completed by your audition date.
Join us December 4, 5 & 6 at 7:30 pm and December 6 & 7 at 1 pm for an original performance that weaves together acting, dance, and song to explore how we curate, perform, and search for connection in the digital age.
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- access_time Various times
- place Helen Forman Theater
Friday, December 12th at 10:00am, Saturday, December 13th at 1:00pm and 6:00pm
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- access_time Various times
- place The Auditorium in Roberts Hall - Rhode Island College
Friday 2/20 at 7:30pm, Saturday 2/21 at 7:30pm and Sunday 2/22 at 1:00pm
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- access_time Various times
- place Sapinsley Hall in the Nazarian Center
The RIC Advantage
Dance performance majors have multiple opportunities to train with national and international guest artists, teachers and choreographers in residence throughout the course of their studies.
Our Dance Faculty
If you're looking for a challenging and supportive environment where you can develop your artistic talents, we're excited to meet you and get started.
Our Dance Adjunct Faculty
Mrs. Sheramy Lynn Keegan-Turcotte
- Adjunct Non-Union
Ms. Michaela Pendola
- Adjunct Non-Union
Mr. Taylor A. Santoro
- Adjunct Faculty I
Hear from an Alum
Alyssa Maitoza
"The program prepared me for success in my career as a cruise ship performer, a musical theatre actor, and a dance instructor. While studying at RIC, I studied with renowned entertainers and dedicated professors who taught me the importance of hard work, reliability, professionalism and creativity."
– Cruise Ship Performer, Musical Theatre Actor, Dance Instructor
Life-Changing Experiences with the RIC Dance Company
RIC dance major discusses her passion for this art form.
Program Details
How to Apply
To qualify for acceptance as a BA in dance major, you must be admitted to Rhode Island College (following the general admission procedures described in Admissions & Financial Aid) and successfully complete a dance audition. You do not need to wait to be admitted by RIC Admissions to perform your audition, but we recommend that you at least complete your admissions application by your audition date.
Program/Learning Goals
Upon completion of this program, students will demonstrate:
- substantial facility within a diverse range of dance styles and techniques
- sophistication with, and control of, performance dynamics in a wide range of formal and informal performance events
- facility with improvisational choreography and compositional conventions in the creation of original dance works
- an understanding of, and facility for, historical and theoretical inquiry in dance, including its interrelatedness to various other cultural influences and forms of cultural production
- knowledge and understanding of the interrelatedness of allied disciplines that enhance dance creation and performance
- responsibility for support of ensemble management and ensemble productions
Minor in Dance Performance
Declaring a minor allows you to explore other areas of interest and make interdisciplinary connections. Minor areas at RIC complement and reinforce all major areas of study. By declaring a minor, you can set yourself apart as a candidate for job, internship and volunteer opportunities.
Take the Next Step!
Department of Theatre and Dance
RIC's Department of Theatre and Dance doesn’t just teach you to perform, it prepares you with the tools and experiences necessary to build a career on or directly related to the stage.
- emailwwilson@ric.edu
- phone401-456-9883
- placeRoberts Hall 216
