The Conservatory of Dance
Master of Fine Arts Degree Program

The Purchase Conservatory of Dance is one of only a handful of colleges in the world capable of preparing you for the rigors of the professional dance world. The individual attention from the faculty, the superb facility, the proximity to NYC and the intriguing balance of artists in the BFA and MFA programs in Design/Technology, Music and Visual Arts provide a stimulating atmosphere for the mature student.

The MFA program is a rigorous 60 credit course of study that offers conservatory training in the master-apprentice tradition. The degree contains two closely allied and inter-related tracks in Choreography and Performance/ Teaching. Throughout this two year professional training program the candidate will research and develop a strong sense of personal artistic identity as a performing artist or choreographer.

A central component and driving force of both curricula is the Choreology sequence of courses. This holistic examination of choreography as a branch of knowledge or field of research which explores the history, design, music, theatre, visual arts and social and political pressures through which specific masterworks emerged will inform the choreographer and performer. In context with this study the students in both tracks will present their choreography or perform each semester.

MFA students have their own 'office' in the dance building fully equipped with computers, video and sound playback and a graduate seminar/studio room. Their performances are presented in the Dance Theatre Lab in the Dance Building or in the Performing Arts Center on campus. In class, out of class and all over campus you will discover virtually limitless opportunities to interact with actors, musicians, and others pursuing their graduate degree.

Assistantships

The Conservatory awards rehearsal, administrative, or teaching assistantships to help defray the cost of tuition and other expenses.