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Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree: Dance Theatre

    Undergraduate Degree in Theatrical, Commercial, and Concert Dance.

    • Offered on the Los Angeles Campus (See Dance Theatre Certificate to BFA for NY Campus Option)
    • Accelerated Option Allows for Degree Completion in 2.5 years
    • Access to AMDA’s Mainstage Production Opportunities
    • Culminates in an Original Showcase Production
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Program Description +

The Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Theatre Program is a physically rigorous course of study that prepares pre-professional dancers for career opportunities in dance companies, on Broadway and throughout the film and television industries. A range of dance styles are explored, including Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Tap, Commercial Jazz and Broadway. By working with some of the industry’s most sought-after choreographers, dancers learn to blend precise technical choreography with interpretive storytelling, enhancing their ability to meet the demands of a competitive industry. Additional courses in acting, singing, kinetic storytelling and content creation cultivate skills that broaden students’ casting and employment opportunities within the performing arts.

Program Learning Outcomes +

Students completing the BFA Dance Theatre program should be able to:

    • Create compelling performance arcs demonstrating physical, vocal and emotional specificity.
    • Demonstrate technical proficiency in ballet, jazz, modern and a variety of movement styles and disciplines.
    • Memorize and reproduce extended sequences of theatrical movement with respect to space, time, motion and energy.
    • Develop and apply safe physical practices and holistic self-care.
    • Apply critical and interpretive analysis related to theatre, film, performance and choreography.
    • Demonstrate ability to positively and effectively apply adjustments as directed.
    • Apply standard entertainment industry business practices regarding preparation, communication and professionalism.
    • Engage in a collaborative production process.

Curriculum +

Admission Requirements +

Please note that applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Be sure to follow ALL 6 steps below to ensure the submission of a successful application.

  1. Submit Your Application +

    To apply, you must be at least 16 years old and/or in the final two years of high school/secondary education*.

    AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp and Royall VIP. If you have already applied through one of our partners, you do not need to apply again through our website.

    * If you are not yet 16, we would encourage you to consider attending the AMDA High School Conservatory.

  2. Complete Your AMDA Audition +

    Admission and scholarship consideration to AMDA require an audition. AMDA offers a robust calendar of auditions including regional auditions, campus auditions, live-online auditions and video submissions. Scheduling your audition will prompt a phone call with one of our enrollment specialists to help you prepare for a successful audition.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: To better prepare for your AMDA audition, we strongly encourage ALL applicants to review the Audition Instructions page prior to scheduling an audition or submitting a video submission.
  3. Phone interview with Admissions +

    This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you, your educational background, and your interest in attending AMDA. We will be calling you, but if you would like to schedule an appointment for this interview, please email admissionsteam@amda.edu with the best day, time, and phone number to reach you.

  4. SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +

    Towards the bottom of the application, space is provided for you to write a personal essay (500 words minimum) on the following topic: "Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it." Remember, this is an important part of your application, so answer thoughtfully!

    If you submitted your application but still need to submit your essay, click the button below.

  5. Submit One Letter of Recommendation +

    Please request and submit one letter of recommendation from teachers, school leaders, guidance counselors, coaches, or anyone familiar with your background and potential. Your recommendation letter must be written in English and signed and dated. To help with this process, please feel free to use AMDA's recommendation form by clicking the link below. Recommendation letters/forms may be submitted via email to docs@amda.edu or by mailing to the address on the form.

  6. Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +

    Send an official transcript from your high school and (if applicable) college. Official transcripts from every educational institution that you listed in your application must be forwarded to AMDA. Please select one of the following options for submitting your official transcripts:
    1. If your high school or college uses the free service Parchment, please click below.

    2. If your high school or college does not use Parchment, please send the transcript request form to your guidance counselor/transcript office and request that they send your transcript(s) to AMDA using the address on the form.


    Important Note: The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for AMDA's programs is 2.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent in other grading systems.

Multiple dancers in matching white costumes frolic in synchrony
Two dancers share an intimate interpretive dance
A dancer strikes a triangular pose with his elbow and gaze towards the sky as he is filmed
A dancer moves into the embracing support of another while a third dancer walks past in the background
A dancing duet with one dancer supporting the standing splits of the foremost of the pair
A dancer in a long white dress dips backwards with the assistance of another's embrace
A dancer wearing an unmarked jersey strikes a pose with arms lifted and both palms pushing outwards the ground