Dance
Pursue your passion for dance through the dance program at the Cornish College of Arts for Seattle University!
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Overview
Dance, BFA
At the heart of our dance degree is a dynamic blend of rigorous training and creative freedom—designed to help you thrive as a performer, creator, educator and leader in the field.
You’ll build a strong technical foundation in contemporary, modern and ballet, while exploring your interests through electives in jazz and global dance styles. Your coursework will emphasize choreography, improvisation, screen dance and performance, all grounded in sustainable practices that support your growth and longevity as a dancer.
With classes averaging just 15 students, you’ll receive personalized mentorship from faculty who bring deep professional experience to their teaching. You’ll also have access to cutting-edge facilities, including spacious studios, performance venues, motion capture labs and digital media centers.
From day one, you’ll gain hands-on experience—creating original work, performing in showcases and collaborating across disciplines. The program also prepares you for life beyond the stage, offering support in building your portfolio, writing grants and networking within the dance community. You’ll be encouraged to pursue internships with companies, studios and arts organizations, and there’s plenty of opportunities in Seattle’s thriving arts scene.
Program Information
Program Type: Major
Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts
School: Cornish College of the Arts
Campus: South Lake Union
Learning Format: In-Person
Duration: 4 years
Start Date: August, January
Credits: 120
Department Info
At-a-Glance
Core Skills & Techniques
Dance Techniques: Training in contemporary, modern, and ballet; with opportunities to take electives in various world dance styles.
Choreography, Composition, & Improvisation: Developing tools to create original dance works, through the exploration of storytelling and conceptual dance pieces through movement.
Screendance: Combining dance with film and digital media for innovative performance pieces.
Performance: Participating in choreographed, conceptual, and improvisational works, both on stage, in digital formats, and site-specific performance settings.
Dance History & Theory: Understanding the historical and theoretical contexts of dance and dance pioneers.
Anatomy and Kinesiology: Studying the human body, ranges of motion, somatics, and injury prevention.
Professional Practices: Career development, portfolio creation, grant writing, press releases, and networking in the dance industry.
Learning Outcomes
Staying Knowledgeable with Past and Developing Genre Perspectives: While having foundational knowledge/training in these genres (contemporary, modern, and ballet), dancers will continue researching these in a new lens that can further educate dancers, their communities, and how they approach some dated styles with new perspectives.
Portfolio and Website Development: Using tools to create and maintain a professional portfolio, resumé/CV, artist statement and artist website; showcasing a range of projects and skills.
Practical Application: Applying skills in real-world projects, from choreographing dances to performing in various settings. Participating in performances and showcases, simulating professional dance environments and dynamics.
Student Work
Senior Solos
Playlists cultivated by the Cornish Dance Department.
Student Choreography
Visiting Artists
Amiya Brown
Assistant Teaching Professor of Scenography
Hannah Simmons
Instructor
Hannah Colopy
Physical Therapist
Nia-Amina Minor
Instructor