Department of Fine & Performing Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Dance
Jennifer Dorsey
Program Coordinator
Associate Professor, Department of Fine & Performing Arts
301-860-3718
jdorsey@bowiestate.edu
Fine & Performing Arts Center, room 3106
Shawn Short
Assistant Professor, Department of Fine & Performing Arts
301-860-3755
sshort@bowiestate.edu
Fine & Performing Arts Center, room: 3104
Earn Your Degree at Bowie State University
A Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Bowie State University prepares you for a career rooted in both the historical and technical applications of dance as an art form and cultural tradition. As Maryland’s first HBCU, we've created a program rooted in the Black experience that traces the influence of dance from African traditions to contemporary and popular forms worldwide.
Led by faculty members with real-world experience, you’ll explore contemporary and modern dance, musical theater, cultural and ethnic forms, and dance education, while building career-ready skills in performance, choreography and leadership.
You will explore global dance traditions from a scholarly perspective while receiving technical training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, social dance, modern and West African techniques.
Your courses will cover the history and culture of Black American dance, dance and technology, advanced study in contemporary techniques, and the kinesiology and somatics of dance.
Why a Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Bowie State University?
You’ll train in our state-of-the-art Fine & Performing Arts Center while connecting with the region’s thriving creative economy in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The National Theatre, the historic Hippodrome in Baltimore, Arena Stage and other regional theaters provide access to internships, auditions and professional networking opportunities. You’ll also collaborate with leading companies such as DC’s Contemporary Ballet, Dissonance Dance Theatre, and Mosaic Theater.
After completing the program, you’ll be ready to pursue careers in touring productions, education, nonprofit leadership, or advanced graduate study. At Bowie State University, you’ll develop your performance and artistic leadership skills while strengthening your technical abilities and global perspective as a leader in the field.
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Bowie State University, you must complete a minimum of 120 credits.
The degree program is broken into the three requirements below:
- General Education: 46 Credits
- Dance Core Requirements: 42 Credits
- Additional Dance Requirements: 32 Credits
See the catalog for a complete breakdown of courses.
Start Your Career Here
Build Your Skills
You’ll have many opportunities to perform while studying at Bowie State University. As a dance student, you can showcase your talents in concerts such as DanceShare, the BSU Dance Concert, and The Collective’s student-run production of “Excellence in Black Dance.”
You’ll also train and perform in the Fine & Performing Arts Center, which includes the 374-seat Dionne Warwick Theatre, a 173-seat Recital Hall, and a 65-seat Movement Studio and our 165-seat Black Box theater. In addition, you can collaborate with the BSU Theatre, which produces multiple productions each season and creates even more opportunities to grow as a performer.
Handshake
After enrolling, take advantage of Bowie State's many opportunities and get familiar with Handshake. Handshake is an online database for Bowie State students that allows thousands of employers to post internships and job openings. Use this tool to search for an internship while you study or to jump-start your career after you graduate.
Career Outlook
After earning your degree at Bowie State University, you can explore careers such as dance performer, educator, dance and stage technician, somatics practitioner, fitness instructor, arts administrator, influencer, studio owner and more.
Scholarships
Once you enroll at Bowie State University, you will automatically receive a list of scholarships you qualify for, based on the SAT/ACT scores and GPA provided on your admission application. Review each scholarship’s requirements and apply to as many as possible. You are also encouraged to apply for private donor, departmental and external partner scholarships.
Get Involved with Bowie State
Clubs and Organizations
At Bowie State, student organizations such as the Theatre Guild, DFPA Dance Company: The Collective, Alpha Psi Omega Honor Society, the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, and the National Dance Education Organization help you strengthen your performance skills. They provide outlets to apply new techniques, knowledge and artistry from class while growing as a performer and connecting with others who are also honing their craft.
Community Service
Gain a greater understanding of your role in the community, as well as the impact of your contributions toward those in need. Connect with others who understand the value of community service and build a network of friends and colleagues. Together, we can make a positive impact.
