BFA in Dance

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is a 133-credit hour degree (currently under revision to 120 hours) designed for students who seek a professional career in the field of dance and plan to make dance their primary focus in college. Requirements for the BFA are available through the UO catalog. We are often asked if BFAs can double major. Because of the commitment and dedication required to successfully complete the extensive course work and rehearsal/performance activities associated with the BFA, the answer to that question is, “it depends.” Factors might include how much college credit you have earned before coming to UO, how intensive the second major is, and if you can earn credit in that major during summer terms at UO or another institution. In addition to dance requirements, there are classes required by the university (Core Education Requirements) that all students must take to graduate. 

Dance at the University of Oregon is a unique and exciting program of study that celebrates individual artistry. Students are inspired to:

• Develop physical and expressive skills by exploring African, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and other movement practices.
• Nurture their unique choreographic voice through improvisation and composition.
• Understand their body’s systems and structural design through somatic practices.
• Discover how cultural and historical investigation intersects with their personal history.
• Build the confidence to trust that their artistic voice can transform them, their community, and the field of dance.

Hear from Faculty

Joshua Ikechukwu 

Assistant Professor of Dance

"The University of Oregon Dance program is a complete package with the necessary components for students' all-round growth. The department provides a learning environment that encourages students to believe in their choreographic choices and nurture their inherent movement vocabularies with the available movement practices ranging from Ballet and African to Hip-hop and Contemporary. I am, indeed, glad to be a part of this exceptional department."

Read Joshua's Bio

The faculty carries a breadth of experience in performance, choreography, somatics, dance science, music composition, cultural/historical research, and filmmaking. 

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Hear from Students

Natalie Reyes

BFA in Dance/Minor in Legal Studies, 2025

"This journey taught me that growth doesn’t come all at once, it comes one count, one correction, one day at a time. With those lessons, I now move boldly into my MFA, ready to fly."

Read about Natalie's Journey

Emily Andaya

BFA, 2025

"My time in the BFA program allowed me to focus on my practice through a multifaceted lens. Getting to combine my research of choreography and performance in the OWE collaboration concert allowed me to gain professional experience working with others to bring a show to life!"

Watch Emily's Solo Performance

Gabriel Warren

Incoming BFA

"I’m looking forward to being immersed in a multifaceted process that intertwines dance and academics. UO Dance BFA and Clarks Honors College classes will allow me to deeply explore this relationship both conceptually and through applied performances. My role as an aspirant in Eugene Ballet Company gives me the opportunity to take this process and knowledge to the professional stage. I am grateful for the UO BFA dance program and the Eugene Ballet Company for their collaboration and support!”

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BFA Dance Courses

Students are encouraged to bring elements of their work in other areas of the university such as the Honors College, a second major, or a minor, into our community through creative work and research projects.

Many BFA students choose to minor in a second area of study. UO offers 90 minors, most of which require 26-28 credit hours.

We are often asked if BFA’s can double major. Because of the commitment and dedication required to successfully complete the extensive course work and rehearsal/performance activities associated with the BFA, the answer to that question is, “it depends.” Factors that play into whether this might be possible include how much college credit you have earned before coming to UO, how credit intensive the second major is, and if you can earn credit in that major during summer terms either at UO or another institution.

Perform at UO

BFA’s are eligible to audition for all departmental concerts which include works by our accomplished faculty, renowned guest artists, and fellow students. BFA students also have opportunities to choreograph for showcases, special projects, and for a fully produced concert. 

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Apply Today!

An audition is required to be accepted into the BFA.

Please be sure that you apply to both the University of Oregon and the School of Music and Dance (SOMD). If you have questions, reach out to our Dance Coordinator, Dana Gorman at dgorman@uoregon.edu.

 Student Support

Have questions about your degree requirements? Need information on undergraduate scholarships and awards? Check out these resources to get the support you need.

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