Dance Education & Dance Studies

Our Dance Education & Dance Studies Degree Programs

The Dance Education & Dance Studies Program at Columbia College offers a creatively rigorous community that encourages the student to investigate, generate, and articulate their unique artistry through dance. The program focuses on academic excellence, social justice, and leadership to equip dancers as collaborative performers, choreographers, teachers, scholars, and engaged professionals within the diverse contemporary dance field.

Columbia College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) and recognized by the South Carolina Department of Education.

Highlights

• 100% job placement for Dance Education.
• Columbia College is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.
• Columbia College Dance Company (CCDC) — the heart of the dance program and student leadership, organization, artistry performance, and production.  
• Offers annual dance scholarships and awards for creative merit.
• Access to regional and national conferences, festivals, and performance showcases ACDA,  NDED, NHSDA, and SCDA.
• Travel opportunities to perform nationally and internationally.
• Students have ample opportunities to choreograph starting in the first year of study.
• Recognized by the South Carolina Department of Education.

Columbia College is now a participating school for the Call Me MiSTER® program which aims to support teachers from under-served, socio-economically disadvantaged, and educationally at-risk communities as they prepare to become teachers. Learn more on how to apply.

Being a dance major and a member of the Columbia College Dance Company has changed my views on dance, the world, and how I see myself as an active member in both.

Sara Monts, '21

After Graduation

Job Placements 

Graduates from this program have received internships and job at:

• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Washington, DC
• Fine Arts Center | Greenville, SC
• National Dance Education Organization | Silver Spring, MD
• The Power Company | Columbia, SC
• Contra Tiempo Urban Latin Dance Theatre | Los Angeles, CA
• Gibney Dance Center | New York City, NY
• Trikelion Arts | Brooklyn, NY
• Central Carolina Community Foundation | Columbia, SC
• Midlands Arts Conservatory | Columbia, SC
• K-12 Schools and beyond
• Chunky Move Dance Company | Southbank Victoria, Australia
• World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) | film & production | Stamford, CT
• Reebok Fitness | Worldwide
• The Daily Burn | New York, NY
• Dance Wave | Brooklyn, NY
• Apple Fitness | USA | Canada | Mexico
• Atlanta Ballet | Atlanta, GA
• Dance Studio Owners
• Licensed Movement Therapist

Acceptance into Graduate Programs

Dance Graduates have pursued Master's Degrees at the following schools:

• Temple University 
• Sarah Lawrence College
• NYU Tisch School of the Arts
• Texas Woman’s University
• Arizona State University
• Ohio State University
• Antioch University
• SUNY Brockport College
• Florida State
• University of NC Greensboro

Dance Areas of Study

Learn about the classes we offer and areas you can focus on when you study Dance Education & Dance Studies.

Major Course Requirements

• Dance Education, BA (Undergraduate Program)
• Dance Studies, BA (Undergraduate Program)

Minor Course Requirements

• Dance Minor (Undergraduate Program)