Is a dance degree your next big move?

Key takeaways about a dance major

• A dance major blends performance, technique, theory, and creativity.
• You can specialize in areas like ballet, modern, choreography, or dance education.
• Dance majors often pair their degree with minors in psychology, business, or kinesiology.
• Career paths include performing, teaching, choreography, and arts administration.
• Dance careers vary widely in income, with opportunities to earn through performing, teaching, and creative work.

So, what is a dance major?

A dance major is more than just learning how to move—it’s about understanding movement as an art form, a discipline, and a career. You’ll study technique, choreography, dance history, anatomy, and performance. Think of it as training your body and your brain to express, create, and communicate through movement.

Whether you're into ballet, hip hop, contemporary, or cultural dance forms, a dance major gives you the tools to turn passion into profession.

Types of dance degrees and specializations

Dance programs come in different flavors depending on your goals:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance: Focuses heavily on performance and technique.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance: Combines dance with broader liberal arts studies.
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Dance Education or Kinesiology: Ideal if you’re interested in teaching or movement science.

Specializations might include:

• Ballet
• Modern/Contemporary
• Jazz
• Hip Hop
• Choreography
• Dance Therapy
• Dance Education

Common course requirements for dance majors

Coursework varies by school, but here’s a typical lineup:

• Technique classes (ballet, modern, jazz, etc.)
• Choreography and composition
• Dance history and theory
• Anatomy and kinesiology
• Improvisation
• Production and stagecraft
• Pedagogy (if you’re going into teaching)

Common double majors or minors to pair with dance

Dance majors often double up to expand their career options. Popular pairings include:

• Psychology – great for dance therapy or understanding movement and emotion.
• Business or Arts Administration – perfect if you want to run your own studio or work behind the scenes.
• Kinesiology or Exercise Science – ideal for injury prevention or physical therapy.
• Education – if you’re planning to teach in schools.

What skills will I learn as a dance major?

Besides becoming a movement master, you’ll build:

• Discipline and time management – rehearsals, classes, performances… it’s a grind.
• Creative thinking – choreography is problem-solving with your body.
• Collaboration – dance is rarely a solo gig.
• Resilience – rejection and critique are part of the journey.
• Communication – you’ll learn to express complex ideas without words.

What can I do with a dance degree?

Here’s where your degree can take you:

• Professional dancer – in companies, theater, film, or cruise ships.
• Choreographer – creating original works for stage or screen.
• Dance teacher – in studios, K–12 schools, or colleges.
• Arts administrator – managing dance organizations or events.
• Dance therapist – using movement to support mental health.
• Fitness instructor or personal trainer – especially with a kinesiology background.

How much can I earn with a dance degree?

Dance careers come with a wide range of earning potential. On average, dancers make about $25 per hour, while choreographers and dance educators can earn between $45,000 and $65,000 per year depending on experience and location.

Many dancers work freelance or gig-to-gig, so income can vary. Still, with smart planning and multiple income streams—like performing, teaching, and choreographing—you can build a sustainable career doing what you love.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, August 2025

Notable colleges with dance programs

Here are some standout schools known for their dance degrees:

• The Juilliard School
• University of North Carolina School of the Arts
• New York University - Tisch School of the Arts
• California Institute of the Arts
• Florida State University
• University of Michigan
• Point Park University

Use Scout College Search to find more colleges with dance programs that match your vibe.

Scholarships for dance majors

Paying for college can be a lot, but there are scholarships out there specifically for dance students. You can explore options based on your major through Scholarships by major, or use tools like Scholly Scholarships to find personalized matches. If you want something quick and easy, check out the $2K No Essay Scholarship. And for dance-specific funding, don’t miss the scholarships for dance majors page.

If dance is your thing—like, really your thing—then majoring in it can be one of the most fulfilling choices you’ll ever make. It’s not always easy, and it’s definitely not always glamorous, but it’s real, raw, and rewarding.

Just make sure you go in with your eyes open. Know your options, build your skills, and don’t be afraid to carve your own path. You’ve got this.