Program Recognition
•Two-year, 48-credit MFA in Dance directed by choreographer John Jasperse (SLC theatre alumnus '85), whose own company, John Jasperse Projects, has been presented in 24 U.S. cities and 29 countries
•Curriculum integrates three areas: Creative Practice (Live Time-Based Art, Guest Artist Lab, Movement Materials Lab, Choreographic Laboratory), Movement Practice (daily studio work spanning contemporary, ballet, West African dance, improvisation, and somatic forms), and Analytic Studies (dance history, theory, experiential anatomy via the Irene Dowd method, lighting design, and pedagogy)
•Small class sizes support individualized mentoring; students meet regularly with advisers to discuss their objectives
Training
•Recent guest artists include Beth Gill, Ogemdi Ude, Jonathan Gonzalez, Yanira Castro, mayfield brooks, Jessie Young, and Ishmael Houston-Jones
•Students create original work each semester through mentored critical feedback
Performance & Productions
•Second-year students complete a performance thesis of approximately thirty minutes alongside a twenty- to twenty-five-page written thesis, followed by an oral presentation to faculty and the community
Notable Alumni
•Pam Tanowitz (MFA '98) — acclaimed postmodern choreographer described by The New York Times as a leading voice in contemporary dance theater; has created works for New York City Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance, and The Royal Ballet
Location
•Proximity to New York City connects students with leading faculty, guest artists, performances, and professional networks
Value
•The Greene Fellowship provides full tuition remission and a teaching stipend for two selected Dance MFA students each year
