When to Pursue a BFA in Dance
High school students who want to go on to become professional dancers or work in the dance field have a decision to make. Should they pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance, or should they go the alternate route and obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Dance? One is considered to be a professional degree, getting dancers ready to work on the stage or in the studio, while the other is more well-rounded, teaching skills other than dance. It’s a tough decision to make!
Not sure which path to choose? Here's how you can determine if it's time to enroll in a BFA Dance program.
You're Determined to Work as a Professional Dancer
Professional dancers work in many different fields. Some go on tour with Broadway stage productions or professional musicians, while others appear in movies, television shows, and even on the Broadway and off-Broadway stages as part of non-touring productions. Plus, there are professional dance groups, like the American Ballet Theatre. If you've spent your childhood in dance classes and want to work as a professional, then it's time to pursue a BFA in Dance.
You Want to Enhance Your Skills
Do you want to not only get better as a dancer but enhance your skills by learning more about the history of dance, how to choreograph a routine and more? A BFA in Dance is designed to make you a better all-around dancer, as you'll learn everything that there is to know about the style that you prefer, from the history of that style to the techniques involved in dancing.
You Won't Take “No” for an Answer
Auditioning for show after show and gig after gig can be exhausting, especially when you hear the word "no" or are turned down for many of them. However, if you're determined to work as a professional dancer and won't let the word "no" deter you, or if you even refuse to take it for an answer and insist on being given a chance, then a BFA in dance is right for you.
You're Ready for High-Intensity Training
Many Dance BFA programs are considered to be pre-professional programs. This means that they consist of plenty of high intensity dance training. High schoolers who've only attended lessons once or twice a week may not be ready for this level of training. However, those who've spent quite a bit of time in a dance studio, practicing most days of the week for hours on end, will be well prepared for this type of training.
Come dance with us! If you're ready to obtain a BFA in Dance, you’re in the right place. Our Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance offers a BFA program that requires students to choose a specialty in concentrations like Performance or Choreography, providing you with useful skills as well as plenty of dance training. Ready to get started? Request more information, today!