The Conservatory of Dance
Bachelor of Fine Arts Program

The BFA curriculum offers the serious and dedicated dance student professional training in classical ballet and contemporary modern dance, as well as an extensive curriculum in composition. Performance both on campus and on tour is an integral and required part of dance training at Purchase.

Our programs are designed to graduate individuals who will meet or exceed the prerequisites of the dance profession. Through them we prepare you to become a dancer, choreographer, or enter the field of dance production. Our curriculum and policies reflect a dedication to the development of your individual talent. We stimulate your growth as a dancer through the performance techniques of American/European concert modern dance and classical ballet and the study of dance composition. A professional faculty provides the expertise, guidance, and inspiration required for excellence in teaching. Our students bring the talent, discipline, and passion needed for success. Our goal is to bring out the very best in technique, artistry, and creativity that our young dancers can achieve.

Concentrations

Students earn a BFA in dance. All students enter the Conservatory program in the area of performance.
Subsequently, they may apply for the following concentrations:

1. Performance (Ballet or Modern)
2. Composition
3. Dance Production

Concentration decisions are approved by the Dance Board of Study. Sophomore jury results determine a student's concentration status.

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The Training Program

Performance

Performance is an integral and required part of the professional training program. The Purchase Dance Corps (selected BFA. students in the Conservatory of Dance) performs major concerts in The Performing Arts Center; on tour in New York City, New York State, and abroad. Dance Conservatory students participate in special performances for children and at lecture/ demonstrations. The program culminates with the senior project, for which each senior performs a major repertory piece and co-produces a concert as required for graduation.

New works and classics in both ballet and modern dance are prepared and rehearsed for performance each year. The choreography is licensed from major artists or created by faculty and guest artists.

Dance Composition

The creative process of choreography is studied through three year-long courses in dance composition, either in modern or ballet idioms, preceded by one year of improvisation. Sophomores and juniors present choreographic projects. The program culminates in the senior project composition, performed in the Dance Theatre Lab as a requirement for graduation. Student choreography is auditioned for student concerts, student/faculty concerts, and lecture/demonstrations.

Dance Production

The Conservatory of Dance stresses a comprehensive professional dance curriculum; dancers should be well-versed in all aspects of technical dance production. A student concentrating in dance production receives training in lighting, sound, stage management, video production, and administration. Participation in all Conservatory productions is emphasized.

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S.U.N.Y. General Education Requirements

(Undergraduate only)

All students entering the BFA program at Purchase College who have not matriculated at another college before Fall 2000 are subject to the new SUNY General Education requirements. 

There are twelve knowledge areas and competencies (known a Student Learning Outcomes or SLOs) which must be covered by approved courses or experiences. The SLOs are as follows: Mathematics, Natural Sciences, American History, Humanities, Western Civilizations, Arts, Basic Communication, Foreign Languages, Critical Thinking, and Information Management.

Some programs are permitted to have one or more waivers from the twelve SLOs. The Conservatory of Dance at Purchase has waivers from two of them (Mathematics and Foreign Languages), Anatomy for Dancers fulfills the natural science area, Critical Thinking and Information Management are covered through both the Conservatory and General Education curriculums. The Balance of the SLOs are easily completed within the 30 required liberal arts credits.

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