This program will prepare you for professional practice in dance through a more in-depth and intensive study in the major dance area. PBA’s topnotch dance courses and curriculum will employ a highly-focused and rigorous approach to the subject, where you will develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in dance techniques, choreography, performance, and other dance-related studies. Are you ready to pursue a career in dance?
What Can I Do with this Degree?
- Professional Dancer
- Choreographer
- Art Administrator
- Dance Performer in productions such as musical theatre, major amusement parks and cruise lines
- Pilates / Fitness Instructor
- Dance Company / Theatre Director
- Dance Studio Proprietor
- Dance Therapist
- Dance Journalists
- Dance Ministry
- Dance Teachers – advanced level students
“Palm Beach Atlantic University’s dance program was the perfect choice for me. The small environment of a private university gave me the opportunity to receive the hands-on corrections, technique, advice, prayer and attention that the faculty give to each student who truly invest in the dance department.” – Madeline Thompson ’19, Dance Performance and Choreography
Program Details
B.F.A. in Dance
There are only two Christian universities in the United States and globally that offer B.F.A. degrees in dance. A student seeking an education with a strong emphasis on Christian character while also providing intensive preparation for a career as a professional dancer would find both of those needs met by the BFA in Dance at PBA.
Our Dance Department
PBA dance program offers classes and master classes appropriately sized to enhance individual instruction. Students have opportunities to work with local and global professional dance companies and perform in NYC, South Korea, France, and Canada. Dance students collaborate with other majors from numerous studies: music, visual arts, theatre, and more. Selected students have presented their dance research at Florida Dance Education Organization Conference (FDEO) and many PBA dance students are members of National Honor Society of Dance Arts (NHSDA).
PBA dance department is proud to have an internationally renowned faculty whose foundation is not only diverse, but also rooted in Biblical truth. Eileen Hebron, former American Ballet Theatre (ABT) company member and ABT certified, was hand-picked by Mikhail Baryshnikov during her study at School of American Ballet. Stella Almblade, certified in Horton Pedagogy, Limon Dance Technique, and Graham Technique, performed with Alvin Aliey American Dance Theatre, and Ad deum Dance Company. Jin Lee Hanley, former principal dancer with Park Premier Ballet in South Korea, is a second-generation Master of Joseph Pilates, certified by Lolita San Miguel. Amy Hamel, PBA alumni and current adjunct, danced on Broadway in Cats.
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.
All application materials and auditions need to be completed at least six weeks before student’s first term as a dance major. All dance major students will be required to audition, which includes ballet and modern group classes, and a solo presentation of the students’ own choice of dance style.
Learn more about your classes and requirements in the course catalog.
PBA awards over three million dollars in scholarships every year and 97% of PBA undergraduate students receive financial aid.
