Overview
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Why Study Dance at PBA?
Grow as an artist, performer, and servant leader through Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Bachelor of Arts in Dance. Students develop strong technical skills, artistic expression, and a biblical understanding of dance while preparing for careers in performance, education, ministry, and the arts. Through individualized instruction, performance opportunities, and faculty mentorship, graduates discover how dance can inspire, communicate, and glorify God.
- Christ-Centered Dance: Integrate faith and artistic expression while developing your unique voice as a dancer.
- Performance Opportunities: Gain experience through performances, master classes, collaborative productions, and international opportunities.
- Professional Preparation: Choose a concentration in Dance Ministry, Dance Pedagogy, or Dance Studies while completing a minor or second major.
- Renowned Faculty: Learn from internationally recognized dancers and educators with professional performance experience.
What You'll Learn
Students in the Dance program learn to:
- Master a variety of dance techniques and performance styles
- Develop choreography and artistic expression
- Understand dance from historical, cultural, and biblical perspectives
- Communicate effectively through movement and performance
- Integrate Christian faith into dance education, ministry, and artistic practice
Program Details
The Dance program combines rigorous technical training with artistic exploration and Christian formation. Through performances, internships, faculty mentorship, and collaborative productions, students develop the skills needed for careers in dance, education, ministry, and the performing arts.
PBA offers a variety of courses that students can choose from within this program. Take a look at what you’ll be learning while working toward your degree.
Students can customize their academic experience through elective coursework, minors, and additional majors that align with their academic and career goals. Explore the opportunities available at PBA.
Students train in dedicated dance studios while participating in performances, master classes, rehearsals, and collaborative productions. These facilities support technical excellence, artistic growth, and preparation for professional careers in dance.
Learn from dedicated faculty members who bring a combination of professional performance experience, artistic expertise, and a commitment to student success. Through mentorship, individualized instruction, and personalized guidance, PBA professors help students develop the technical, creative, and leadership skills needed for successful careers in dance.
Students gain valuable professional experience through internships, performances, choreography projects, and collaborations with leading dance organizations. These opportunities help students develop their technical, artistic, and leadership skills while preparing for careers in dance and the performing arts.
Students have completed internships and professional experiences with organizations including:
Internship Opportunities
PBA and the dance department have extensive relationships with many professional organizations. The most recent internship opportunities include:
- Palm Beach County:
- Ballet Palm Beach
- Ballet Florida
- Dancing Waters
- The Kravis Center
- The Dancers Space
- Many local dance studios
- South Florida:
- Other Opportunities:
Noteworthy faculty:
- Randall Flinn: The artistic director of Ad Deum Dance Company and Scholar in Residence with the PBA dance department who often sets choreography for PBA Dance Ensemble.
- Eileen Hebron: Artist in Residence at PBA, a former dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT) who is our full time faculty.
Entry Requirements
- Completed application
- Official high school transcripts
- Apply to the College of the Arts
- Complete the required dance audition
All application materials and dance auditions should be completed at least six weeks before your first term as a Dance major. Visit the Office of Admissions for current deadlines and audition information.
Career Outcomes
Dance graduates are prepared for careers in performance, choreography, arts leadership, education, ministry, and wellness. Through professional training, performance opportunities, and internships, graduates develop the technical expertise and artistic confidence needed to thrive in the performing arts.
Potential career paths include:
- Professional Dancer
- Choreographer
- Dance Teacher
- Dance Ministry Leader
- Dance Company Director
- Studio Owner
- Arts Administrator
- Dance Therapist
- Pilates or Fitness Instructor
Student Stories
Dance students gain valuable experience through performances, internships, choreography projects, faculty mentorship, and collaborative productions. These opportunities help students strengthen their artistic voice while preparing to lead, teach, perform, and serve through dance.
“PBA’s Dance department restored my love for dance. Through the curriculum, professors and students, I learned that dance was more than a means to entertain or share art; it was a way I could worship Jesus and bring hope to the nations.”
— Ali Darr ’18
PBA Impacting Lives Through Dance
Discover how Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Dance program equips students to use movement as an expression of faith, creativity, and service. Through performances, ministry opportunities, professional mentorship, and a Christ-centered approach to dance, students are prepared to make a meaningful impact both on stage and in their communities.
Aliya Rajnic: Worship Through Movement
Watch Aliya Rajnic’s story below to learn how her experience studying Dance and Christian Community Development at PBA helped her combine artistic expression, faith, and service. Through faculty mentorship, performance opportunities, and a Christ-centered education, Aliya discovered how dance can be used to share the gospel, build community, and glorify God.
Financial Aid
PBA’s robust scholarship program awards over $3 million every year. Invest in your learning with major-specific scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, which are awarded to 97% of our undergraduate students. Explore the resources below to learn more about tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
