Commercial Dance
Introduction & Overview
Manhattanville University's Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Commercial Dance degree offers a student-centered education for the dancer who wants to perform in a professional dance company, on Broadway, or in film and television. Taught by industry leading professional choreographers, dancers, and educators, the commercial dance curriculum encompasses conservatory style technical skills in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap, dance for musical theatre, voice, and music theory. Students in the Commercial Dance BFA program will not only develop into dancers who are prepared to get the job, but also develop skills in learning to choreograph, teaching dance through pedagogy, dance history, dance on camera production, filming dance, video-editing, and backstage technical theatre production. You will graduate prepared for the first audition with a dance reel, headshots, and a digital portfolio to increase your employment potential.
Every semester, you will perform for faculty, student, and industry leading choreographers throughout the Division of Arts & Humanities season. You can tailor your technical interests by swapping technique classes to get the most out of your degree, all while residing on a cozy campus where the guest artists come to you. Manhattanville's Commercial Dance BFA program is designed to prepare you to audition for agency representation, teach dance classes, choreograph for dance companies and studios, create dance films, video-edit and utilize technical theatre production skills upon graduation. If you want to dance professionally and dance with NYC's finest choreographers and teachers, Manhattanville's Commercial Dance BFA program is for you.
Degree
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Commercial Dance
Minor
Dance
Career Ideas
Professional Dancer, Dancer in Commercials, Television Dancer, Backup Tour Dancer, Broadway Dancer, Amusement Park Performer, Stadium and Team Dancer, Cruise line Industry Dancer, Concert Dance Company Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Teacher, Dance Studio Owner, Dance Competition Adjudicator, Social Media Content Creator, Dance Therapist, Producer, Recreational Therapist, Costume Designer, Stage Crew, Stage Manager, Production Assistant, Event Planner, Arts Administration, Somatic Body Therapies, Public Relations, Radio and TV Entrepreneur
Division Chair
Gregory Swedberg, 914.323.5216, Gregory.Swedberg@mville.edu
Faculty and Staff
Shawn Bible
Vincent Mraz
Procedures For Acceptance and Entrance Requirements
Students wishing to major in Commercial Dance must audition for the program in the spring before they enter Manhattanville. Acceptance and Performing Arts Scholarships are based on the audition, high school GPA, and SAT and ACT scores or equivalent.
To arrange an audition, contact Manhattanville Admissions: 914.323.5464 or 1.800.32.VILLE or admissions@mville.edu.
Undergraduate Audition Requirements:
- Completed application for admission to Manhattanville University.
- Essay describing why you would like to study Commercial Dance at Manhattanville University and your career goals.
- A resume detailing when, where and how long you have studied your craft, performance experience and any other skills you may have (musical instruments, etc.)
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher in the field.
- Perform: Two minute piece of choreography
Transfer students will be admitted as majors on a case-by-case basis.
Career Ideas