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Dancers make beautiful music through movement in this integrative approach to performance.
Dance Degree
Take your technique and skill to the next level with our dance degree program, designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in dance.
Why Earn Your BFA in Dance?
You can perform in a dance company, or on Broadway, or do commercial work. Your dance major can help you pursue a number of different careers including dance therapy, arts management or teaching dance in schools or at a private studio.
Why Major in Dance at Adelphi in Garden City?
- Be part of a highly-ranked dance program — one of the top 10 in New York state, making Adelphi one of the best universities in ballet and contemporary dance.
- Receive personal attention in small classes taught by our world-class faculty.
- Perform in productions and student workshops under the guidance of our expert faculty and guest choreographers.
- Take advantage of our proximity to New York City by attending performances of renowned companies and work in dance-related internships.
What Can You do With a Dance Degree?
Our BFA in dance can help you perform with a touring dance company, on Broadway in numerous productions or pursue work on the big screen. You can perform in a dance company or on Broadway or do commercial work. You can pursue a career in dance therapy, arts management or in teaching dance in schools or at a private studio. Or you can choreograph dances on stage and in communities.
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Many dance majors go on to perform, but others have used their Bachelor of Fine Arts to create their own companies or schools or go into health professions such as physical therapy.
Adelphi’s dance department allowed me to tailor the program to my needs and gain invaluable experiences. It was through Adelphi that I largely found the grit, courage and determination to found my own dance company.
Joy Douglas ’18
BFA in Dance, Founder of Douglas & Co.
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Associate Professor of Dance Frank Augustyn, One of Canada's Most Celebrated Ballet Dancers, Named a 2024 Inductee to Canada's Dance Collection Danse Hall of Fame
Minor in Dance
A minor in dance gives a solid training in foundational and basic techniques.
Dance Minor in New York City
Dance minors receive training in modern dance and ballet and are introduced to acting, music and costume design. As a dance minor, you are also required to fulfill semester hours behind the scenes as a theatre tech.
Since only dance and theatre majors and minors are permitted to audition for roles, you’ll have ample opportunity to perform.
“Introducing Mrs. Baxter”
Department of Dance chair Orion Duckstein pays homage to his grandmother’s remarkable life story in a performance piece, titled “Introducing Mrs. Baxter,” that he choreographed for Adelphi’s dance students.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Our close proximity to New York City is ideal for providing firsthand field experience in our dance program through class outings, attending professional performances, auditions and internships, which have often led to full-time positions. More than 85 percent of our dance majors continue on as actual performers. Our BFA in dance students have interned at companies like:
- Alison Cook Beatty Dance
- Gallim Dance
- Gibney Dance
- Mark Morris Dance Group
- Paul Taylor Dance Company
Adelphi dancers on stage during a final dress rehearsal of Kylian performance.
Dance BFA Program Info
Course & Requirements
Application Requirements
To apply for this program, submit the appropriate application requirements along with an audition:
Transformative Educational Opportunities
All undergraduate dance majors have the opportunity to apply for the following programs to expand their educational landscape outside of our dance courses:
- The Honors College – fostering intellectual perspectives and critical skills
- Levermore Global Scholars – preparing students to become global thinkers and leaders
- Study Abroad – providing opportunities to experience another culture and see the world from a new perspective
Awards & Recognition
Niche
Niche.com ranked Adelphi University in the Top 9% of Best Value Colleges in America, Top 12% of Best Colleges for Nursing in America, and Top 10% of Best College Locations in America.
Ranked a Top College
The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review has ranked Adelphi University among the Best Northeastern Colleges based on academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives and activities.
Best Northeastern College
Colleges of Distinction: Career Development
Adelphi University has been recognized as a Career Development college for the exceptional way in which our institution is equipping students with the skills to succeed in their lifelong career journey.
Expert Career Guidance
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi is the highest-ranked university on Long Island in the 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse Best Colleges. It also ranks #7 in New York, with outstanding scores for student outcomes including graduation rate and salary impact.
Ranked one of the best
U.S. News & World Report
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for seven consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
A Best College
U.S. News & World Report: Social Mobility
We are a Best College for Social Mobility because we transform lives—at every income level.
Awards & Rankings
Times Higher Education
Adelphi ranked in the top 4 percent of universities in the nation by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, receiving the highest scores in academic reputation and international outlook.
Global Recognition
Beverly Frisk-Fox
BFA
Location
Performing Arts Center 149/235
Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
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