The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) offers a comprehensive program for students passionate about dance as both a creative practice and an academic discipline. Taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty, the program draws on diverse backgrounds including choreography, performance studies, African diasporic ritual cultures, Hip Hop, Indian diasporic dance, Indigenous studies, and digital technologies. Students engage in rigorous creative research alongside critical cultural and historical perspectives through studio and seminar courses. The curriculum examines aesthetics, the body, gender, race, class, and sexuality within the broader field of dance studies. Students are expected to maintain a consistent movement practice, with opportunities to explore various dance forms such as Hip Hop, Modern, Ballet, Jazz, West African, House, Capoeira, Somatics, Yoga, and Latin American Social Dance. Students pursuing the B.A. in Dance will complete core courses in both Choreography/Dance Making and Dance Studies. The program allows students to choose a specialization for their capstone project, focusing either on performance-based work or a research paper, with the option to complete projects in both areas. Throughout their studies, students have numerous performance opportunities, including annual concerts like 'UCR is Dancing' and 'Spring Forward,' as well as potential involvement with the undergraduate ensemble for the Gluck Fellows Program of the Arts. The department frequently hosts workshops, master classes, and lectures by visiting professional dancers, choreographers, and scholars, enriching the student experience.
The B.A. in Dance program equips graduates with a versatile skill set applicable to various career paths within and beyond the arts. The rigorous training in creative research, choreography, performance, and critical analysis prepares students for professional careers in dance, as well as related fields. Graduates are prepared for roles in performance, choreography, teaching, arts administration, and research. The program also provides a strong foundation for further academic study at the graduate level.
Admission to the B.A. in Dance program does not require an audition. Students apply directly through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at UC Riverside. Active UCR students wishing to change their major to Dance or declare it as a second major should contact the Dance Undergraduate Advisor. Transfer students should apply for admission through the transfer application portal.
Information regarding tuition, fees, payment options, and potential waivers can be found on the UCR Registrar's website and through Student Business Services. Financial aid information is available through the Financial Aid office.
You need a High School Diploma or equivalent. An audition is not required for admission to this program. You apply directly through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
Apply online through the University of California (UC) application portal, selecting 'Dance' as your major. Submit all required academic transcripts and supporting documents by the specified deadlines.
Tuition and fees vary by quarter and academic year. Specific figures for undergraduate students are available on the UCR Registrar's website. Information on payment options and potential waivers can also be found there.
Yes, the Marius de Brabant Scholarship offers up to $2,000 for Dance majors, and the Maxwell H. Gluck Fellowship provides $1,500 to selected students. Both are merit-based.
Graduates are prepared for roles as Dancers, Choreographers, Dance Educators, Arts Administrators, Dance Researchers, and Performance Artists. The program also provides a foundation for graduate studies.
The program allows exploration of diverse dance forms including Hip Hop, Modern, Ballet, Jazz, West African, House, Capoeira, Somatics, Yoga, and Latin American Social Dance, alongside creative research and critical analysis.