Why study dance at BGSU in Ohio?
- Commitment to excellence. Our excellent dance faculty combines practical training with innovative pedagogical approaches that honor diverse movement traditions from classical ballet to contemporary, jazz to pop and cultural dance forms that reflect our global community.
- Beautiful studio spaces. BGSU dance studios feature professional-grade flooring, mirrors and sound systems. They provide the ideal environment for artistic growth.
- Close ties to active student organizations. Students are encouraged to join the University Dance Alliance. Classes are taught by different instructors in various dance styles each week. Or try out for the BGSU Dance Team to dance competitively.
- A greater purpose. BGSU emphasizes dance as a tool for healthy living, community building and social change. Beyond technique, students explore how movement can promote healing and connection and create inclusive spaces where all bodies are celebrated and strengthened.
The Department of Theatre and Film hosts the Annual Dance Concert in spring.
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Career - what can you do with a dance minor?
A dance minor from BGSU enhances your marketability in many industries by developing skills that are highly sought after in the workforce:
- Creativity
- Discipline
- Collaboration
- Time management
- Cultural competency
- Physical and mental resilience
- Ability to perform under pressure
Direct dance-related career paths include performance and choreography, education and instruction, and arts administration.
Minoring in dance also can be an excellent choice for those in seemingly unrelated fields. For those entering business, dance training builds exceptional presentation skills, stage presence and the ability to command a room. The collaborative nature of ensemble work translates directly to team management, which can serve professionals well in fields like event planning, corporate training and human resources.
Dance minors often major in fields like physical therapy, sports medicine, occupational therapy and theatre. Dance offers them unique insight into human movement and patient care. The discipline and grace under pressure developed through performance experience proves invaluable in high-stress medical environments.
Teachers with dance training are able to engage kinesthetic learners more effectively and understand how physical movement enhances cognitive development. They bring creativity to lesson planning, confidence to classroom management and innovative approaches to subjects from mathematics to history.
Career paths
- Arts administrator
- Choreographer
- Creative director
- Dance company manager
- Dance instructor (studio or private)
- Fitness or wellness coach
- Inclusive arts program developer
- Occupational therapist*
- Physical therapy assistant*
- Teaching artist (schools, community centers, nonprofits)
*with additional training/education/certification
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
At BGSU, the dance minor pairs seamlessly with majors like education, psychology, business and health sciences – adding depth, versatility and a unique perspective.
This flexible program allows students to train across multiple dance genres while developing key skills in teaching, choreography and performance. No audition is required for admission.
- At least nine credit hours in styles such as jazz, modern, tap and ballet, with placement guidance provided by dance faculty
- Six credit hours focus on dance composition, teaching methods and choreographic design
- Three elective credits from a broad list of options, including dance repertory, practicum and interdisciplinary courses in theatre such as stage management, lighting design, acting and arts management
The program culminates in live performance opportunities – including the Annual Dance Concert – offering valuable hands-on experience.
Sample courses
- Ballet Technique and Theory
- Ballroom Dance
- Jazz Dance Technique and Theory
- Musical Theatre
- Tap Dance
- Theory and Methods of Teaching Dance
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The dance minor is part of the Department of Theatre and Film in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 09/03/2025 08:27AM