New York University | Tisch Department of Dance
The BFA training program is a comprehensive, organic approach to dance. Students are in their degree through an intensive three-year plus two summer curriculum. Every student at NYU Tisch dance will take technique classes all three years of their training. The first year focuses on learning to dance in the most efficient and healthy way with an emphasis on placement and alignment principles.
Students develop these principles in their second year through technique class and courses in dance history, acting, improvisation, music, and advanced dance composition.
In their third year, students integrate previous years of training in choreography as ensemble members of Tisch’s second avenue dance company. As part of the company, they gave professional dance experience by performing reconstructions of classic modern dance works in addition to original pieces made by established choreographers.
Dance Technique
During first and second year, students partake in daily ballet and contemporary classes. Other disciplines – including point, big jumps and turns, partnering, Pilates and yoga – are offered consistently throughout the year to supplement these classes.
During the third year, as part of Second Avenue Dance Company, students focus primarily on contemporary and ballet technique while still being offered the opportunity to work with guest artists in other disciplines.
Composition and choreography
Studies in dance composition and choreography start the first semester of every dance students’ freshman year and is continued throughout their Tisch career. The course comprises creative problem solving and task-based compositional assessments. Choreography is approached through exploration of resources that includes improvisation and development of craft.
First year students receive weekly assignments directed toward specific problems and dance elements. Students will apply those skills in their second year by focusing on a “body of work”, developing movement ideas through translation, adaptation, writing, and the cyclical nature of art-making. Students develop the research skills necessary for contextualization of work in a larger, global landscape and across disciplines.
In their final year, students bring these acquired skills to Projects class. They present works in process that are shaped by discussions with faculty advisors and fellow students. These pieces are performed in the Second Avenue Dance Company alongside works by prominent guest choreographers.
Works begun in all three years of the composition classes may be performed in our Jack Crystal Theater. Other performance opportunities come from Tisch dance works and master’s performance workshops choreographed by faculty, guest choreographers, and students who pursue choreography opportunities independently outside of coursework.
