BA/BS Dance in Dance

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The Bachelor of Arts (BA) and the Bachelor of Science (BS) are both 78 credit hour degrees that are designed for students who wish to double major in dance and another area of study. The Dance requirements for the BA and BS are the same. The difference in the two lies in the requirements of the university. 

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

Shannon Mockli Performing
Shannon Mockli
Associate Professor of Dance
“Among the strengths of our BA and BS degrees in Dance is students experience passionate training and performance opportunities with classes in history, culture, teaching, and anatomy, all with the flexibility to double major or minor and connect dance to your other interests.”

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

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Dani Gianettoni
BA in Dance/Certificate in Film Studies, 2025
"During my sophomore year, I took a screen dance class as a theory credit for my BA in Dance; it completely changed my life. For the first time I had true clarity about what I wanted to do after graduation and how I needed to get there. Completing a certificate in film studies gave me a deeper appreciation for different artistic mediums and allowed me to explore new ways in which dance can be enjoyed and perceived."

 

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Lilly Fox
BS in Dance/Minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, 2025
“Inspired by the Teaching Dance class and my attendance at the 2024 National Dance Educator Organization Conference, which was funded by a grant from SOMD, I focused my Clark Honors College thesis on teaching methods in dance that promote a balance between building physical skills and supporting personal well-being. Through this process, I found a niche in dance that I am excited to continue exploring.”

 

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Sam Guzman
BA in Dance 2025
"The UO Dance Department allowed me to explore many avenues of dance, helping me grow into a well-rounded artist through experiences in performance, choreography, pedagogy, dance studies, entrepreneurship, and arts administration. These opportunities sparked my passion for amplifying diverse voices and increasing cultural representation within dance communities. They also led to a post-graduation internship with the National Dance Education Organization(NDEO) and the chance to present my senior research project, Echando Raíces: The Importance of Grounding Cultural Roots in Dance Communities, at the 2025 NDEO Conference with the support of Dr. Amy Swanson"

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BA/BS 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.


Perform at UO

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

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Apply Today!

BA and BS students are accepted through the application process and do not need to audition. Placement classes are held to determine what technique levels are the best fit for you. More information on this and many other things will come to you once you apply.

Be sure that you apply to both UO and the School of Music and Dance. 

Please be sure that you apply to both UO 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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