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. Some assistantships may also include or, in
some cases totally cover medical
insurance.
