Dance is an art form where story is told through movement of the body. Instead of using spoken word, artists use dance to convey action, ideas and emotion. The art of dance comes in many different forms, such as jazz, tap, ballet and modern. Colorado Mesa University offers a BFA in Dance.
The dance program at Colorado Mesa University is designed to prepare students in a wide range of dance disciplines. While maintaining the foundation training of ballet and modern, the program emphasizes the many styles of jazz and tap for those with an eye on a career in the professional world of dance. Students have the luxury of studying the performing arts in the Moss Performing Arts Center. CMU dancers are trained by faculty members who have professional backgrounds in all forms of dance and musical theatre. With four dance performances a year, students at Colorado Mesa University have the opportunity to choreograph original works and to dance for and with visiting guest artists from the professional world. During their time at CMU, students develop lifelong relationships with professors who help develop a strong technical background with positive reinforcement. CMU also has many clubs and organizations that can help prepare students for advanced study in their field or build campus and community connections.
• Activity leader
• Art manager
• Ballet mistress/master
• Cheerleading instructor
• Choreography
• Dance competition judge
• Dance costume/prop/equipment designer
• Dance critic
• Dance instructor
• Dance notation
• Dance therapist
• General manager for symphony
• Museum staff
• Personnel manager
• Physical therapist
• Professional Dancer
• Production assistant
• Wellness Instructor
• Writer (dance topics)
Note: Some of the occupations listed above may require additional education, experience, or training beyond a Bachelor’s Degree. To research these occupations use the Career Research Resources links below.
• Teach Dance at a University.
• Teach for a public or private school.
• Perform for a circus.
• Choreograph dance for film or stage.
• Choreograph dance for musical artists.
• Choreograph music videos or awards shows.
• Perform with musicians.
• Cheer camps
• Child care programs
• Circus
• Concert hall
• Crisis center
• Cruise lines
• Dance academies
• Dance companies/troupes
• Dance competitions
• Dance magazines
• Dance studios
• Drug treatment facility
• Gym
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Opera company
• Physical therapy centers
• Recreation clubs
• Rehab facility
• Theatres
• Theme parks
• TV/film studios
• Universities/colleges
• Wellness/fitness organizations
Skills Needed by Dance majors:
• Dedication
• Flexibility
• Willingness to learn new things
• Work well with others
• Coordination
• Balance
• Good posture
• Communication skills
• Ability to learn from others
• Creativity
Other Dance resources
Reach out to CMU Career Services for resources and guidance on reaching your career goals. Career Services takes an active role in providing career exploration, workshops, events and on-campus employer visits to encourage students to investigate and gain information while creating their career path.
You can also use these sites to research information about specific occupations such as nature of the work, training or qualifications, employment or job outlook, projections, earnings and wages.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Use the A-Z index to select the occupation you are researching.
- Dancers and Choreographers
The U.S. Department of Labor
- In the occupational search box type in key words, job titles, or occupational codes to research various careers.
My Future.com: https://myfuture.com/
The Department of Defense
- This site compiles information from departments of Commerce, Education and Labor.