Shelly (Michelle) Cochrane, BFA 2018.
Strong dance technique, intensive theory, guest artist residencies, and abundant performance opportunities are the trademarks of a program in which you'll test your boundaries.
Rigorous conservatory training combined with a liberal arts education provides the foundation for a professional career as a performer, teacher, creative artist, administrator, or for graduate studies.
Core classes include modern dance, ballet, anatomy and kinesiology for dancers, somatic studies, dance history, teaching, theater production, choreography, and Senior Synthesis.
Enrich your dance portfolio with electives in African and Afro-Cuban, jazz, and tap.
How to Apply
Admission into the dance program is a two-step process. Students wishing to pursue a Dance BA or Dance BFA must follow the steps below.
Apply to the university. Your application to the university must be on file prior to your audition. The early action and academic scholarship application deadline is November 1,the regular decision application deadline is January 15, and the transfer application priority deadline is March 1.
Schedule an audition for the School of Dance. Complete the Audition Registration Form and select a date for your video audition (from list below) to be reviewed. Applicants will receive an email confirming their audition date and listing the requirements of the video audition. It consists of:
- a barre
- center adagio
- suspension/release
- a traveling phrase
- jumps, and
- a 2-minute solo in any dance genre.
Applicants will be emailed results within 2 - 3 days, and responses will either be a callback to an online interview/discussion, or Deny. Applicants who are called back will be directed to call the School of Dance to reserve an interview time. Responses following the callback session will be either Accept or Waitlist.
Applicant may audition only once during an academic year. The status of applicants placed on the Waitlist will be reviewed weekly, from February 1st through May 1st.
Audition Dates
Video reviewed on October 30, 2020
Select this date for early action or merit scholarship consideration. Callback online interview on November 14, 2020,
or
Video reviewed on January 30, 3021
Callback online interview on February 13, 2021
Degree Programs and Minor
The BFA in Dance is a performance-oriented modern dance program designed to prepare students professionally as performers, choreographers, educators and active leaders in the dance community. Students in this program demonstrate technical mastery and devote their college curriculum to a comprehensive dance curriculum that includes daily intensive training in modern and ballet.
The BA degree is a 120-credit general program of dance study within a liberal arts degree framework. The curriculum includes technical training in modern dance and ballet and opportunities to study other dance genres. Students acquire a basic knowledge of dance composition and production. Graduates are active members of the dance community and become advocates for dance.
Auditions are not required for students wishing to pursue a minor in Dance Appreciation. For more information, please visit the Dance Appreciation Minor page in the university catalog.
Please contact School of Dance (dance@gmu.edu) to declare a minor.
The minor in World Dance (21 credits) develops knowledge and appreciation of the vast diaspora of the philosophies, history, and cultural diversity of world dance forms.
Contact us
Email us or call us: 703-993-1114. Visit us at the deLaski Performing Arts Building, A300, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.
