Commercial Dance, BFA

Location
  • New York City

Bi-Coastal Dance Training

Studying commercial dance in the Pace School of Performing Arts, you’ll be a part of one of the few dance programs in the country that truly opens doors to the industry. Students not only train in ballet, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, modern, tap, contemporary, aerial arts, and other dance styles, but also take acting, vocal music, and other electives to broaden your experience and marketability as a dancer.

Individualized Dancer Training

  • Focus on dance styles and techniques relevant to you as an individual performer.
  • Develop impactful mentorship and job opportunities through meaningful exposure to the “gatekeepers” in the entertainment industry.
  • Choose from one of three concentrations: performance, choreography, or pedagogy.

Take Courses Like…

Our curriculum is designed to bridge the gap from classical dance technique to the professional world of commercial dance.

Add Opportunities and Experiences

Access to current industry professionals is a cornerstone of the Commercial Dance, BFA program. As a student, you’ll have multiple performance opportunities in student-driven shows as well as mainstage productions. Mainstage productions feature faculty and guest artist works, everything from new world premieres to noted repertory from major contemporary companies.  Past companies include Paul Taylor (Company B), Jose Limon (Psalm), and residencies with Jessica Lang Dance, 10 Hairy Legs, and others.  Additionally, numerous guest artists have created pieces in all genres of dance for the annual productions, Dance sPace (Fall) and Dance Out Loud (Spring). They include: Andy Blankenbuehler, Mandy Moore, Josh Bergasse, Jason Samuels Smith, Al Blackstone, Anthony Morigerato, Bo Park, Chloe Arnold, and Ephrat Asherie.

“Our BFA in Commercial Dance major is a comprehensive, all-genre-inclusive program preparing you for success in the entertainment industry in New York City and Los Angeles. Our unique courses will give you an edge in the commercial world of dance. You will be able to practice your audition, performance, and choreography skills for major guest choreographers and our world-renowned faculty.”—Rhonda Miller, Head of the BFA in Commercial Dance Program

Choose Your Career

As a commercial dance major, you’ll be fully prepared for a career in entertainment, and you’ll be able to access professional opportunities even before you graduate. Students gain additional “real-world” experience and many sign with agencies during the program or shortly after graduation.

Career Options

Where Graduates Are Employed

  • Broadway
  • National tours
  • Television and film
  • Backup dancer
  • Dance company member
  • Choreographer

What You Need to Know

Audition guidelines on Pace Performing Arts site.

Stats

Top 30

Commercial Dance, BFA named among the top 30 college dance programs in the country (Source: Onstage Blog)

#3

in the U.S for Choreography (Source: College Magazine)