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Two dancers wearing all white in front of a large white face sculpture

Dance

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 120 Credits

Dance is the art of expressing emotions, stories, and ideas through rhythmic movement and gestures.

Overview

Dance at Grand Valley State University provides extensive training to develop and refine techniques in various dance styles. Students engage in a wide range of courses that combine practical and theoretical skills, emphasizing critical thought and artistic growth. The program encourages collaboration across disciplines and offers opportunities to explore innovative areas in dance history, theory, technology, and production. 

You can expect to study a variety of dance techniques, including modern, ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and African dance forms. The curriculum also includes courses in choreography, dance pedagogy, performance, choreography, anatomy, costuming, and screendance. This curriculum is designed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of both the physical and theoretical aspects of dance. 

Grand Valley State University stands out for its small class sizes, which allow for individualized attention from world-renowned faculty members and guest artists. The program's emphasis on performance opportunities, including workshops, showings, and student choreography concerts, provides valuable real-world experience with a strong focus on your artistic and academic excellence. 

Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance

gvsu.edu/mtd
1300 Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts
(616) 331-3484

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Learning Strategies
  • Active Listening
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 21,046.50 10%
$ 27,373.61 25%
$ 39,103.22 50%
$ 58,408.71 75%
$101,172.85 90%

Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.

Top skills
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 20,267.02 10%
$ 27,061.30 25%
$ 45,221.93 50%
$ 76,423.57 75%
$107,031.51 90%

Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.

Top skills
  • Instructing
  • Coordination
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 14,327.92 10%
$ 23,746.21 25%
$ 37,716.10 50%
$ 64,246.90 75%
$101,229.63 90%

Teach or instruct individuals or groups for the primary purpose of self-enrichment or recreation, rather than for an occupational objective, educational attainment, competition, or fitness.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Learning Strategies
  • Active Listening
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 24,585.15 10%
$ 32,763.54 25%
$ 45,487.83 50%
$ 68,438.39 75%
$114,294.38 90%

Perform dances. May perform on stage, for broadcasting, or for video recording.

Top skills
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 23,584.58 10%
$ 30,518.25 25%
$ 48,035.45 50%
$ 81,798.01 75%
$123,656.26 90%

Create new dance routines. Rehearse performance of routines. May direct and stage presentations.

Top skills
  • Instructing
  • Coordination
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 24,578.26 10%
$ 31,920.79 25%
$ 50,382.87 50%
$ 77,307.72 75%
$113,591.16 90%
94%
Graduates Employed
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com

Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

Career Advising

Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.

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Page last modified June 5, 2025