Dance (Dance of the 20th and 21st Centuries)
The Dance (Dance of the 20th and 21st Centuries) program at the University of Duke offers a comprehensive exploration of modern and contemporary dance practices, their histories, and their evolving roles in society. Spanning four years, this program provides students with a deep understanding of dance as both an art form and a cultural expression shaped by politics, identity, and innovation. Emphasis is placed on performance, choreography, movement analysis, and critical theory, allowing students to study dance through both physical embodiment and intellectual engagement. Learners are introduced to seminal choreographers, artistic movements, and landmark performances that have influenced contemporary dance practices across diverse global contexts.
The program encourages students to develop their artistic voice while engaging with a variety of dance traditions from the 20th century to the present. Through technique classes, creative workshops, interdisciplinary collaborations, and critical reflection, students investigate the intersections between dance, media, politics, and technology. The curriculum fosters both creative experimentation and academic research, with opportunities to present original choreography and conduct scholarly work on dance history or theory. Whether through solo performance, ensemble work, or site-specific projects, students strengthen their expressive capacity and gain valuable insight into how dance continues to shape—and be shaped by—contemporary culture.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Dance (Dance of the 20th and 21st Centuries)
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: Duke University, United States
- Field of Study: Dance
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Modern Dance
• Introduction to Dance Studies
• Modern Dance Technique I
• Choreography Basics
• History of Dance in the 20th Century
Year 2 – Movement, Identity and Expression
• Contemporary Dance Practices
• Improvisation and Composition
• Dance and Social Change
• Anatomy and Somatic Awareness
Year 3 – Interdisciplinary Approaches and Theory
• Dance in Film and Media
• Collaborative Performance Projects
• Critical Theory in Dance
• Global Dance Perspectives
Year 4 – Research and Artistic Development
• Senior Capstone Project
• Advanced Choreography
• Dance Criticism and Writing
• Seminar in 21st Century Dance
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are well-prepared to enter the professional world of dance and the broader creative industries. Many pursue careers as performers, choreographers, dance educators, and arts administrators, while others apply their training in areas such as arts journalism, movement therapy, or cultural programming. The program’s focus on both creative practice and critical inquiry provides students with transferable skills in communication, collaboration, and analytical thinking. Graduates may find employment in dance companies, theaters, schools, museums, or nonprofit organizations, and are also well-positioned to establish their own projects or pursue graduate studies. With a foundation rooted in both technique and theory, they bring to their careers a nuanced understanding of dance’s artistic, historical, and societal dimensions.
Why Choose This Program
This program offers an in-depth and intellectually rich study of dance as a living, evolving art form that responds to—and reshapes—the world around it. From the classroom to the studio, students engage in movement practice, choreographic experimentation, and critical discussion that deepen their understanding of performance as a mode of inquiry and cultural commentary. The curriculum is designed to support both technical proficiency and conceptual exploration, empowering students to navigate multiple roles: dancer, thinker, maker, and advocate. Through mentorship, interdisciplinary projects, and public presentations, they develop a portfolio of creative and scholarly work that reflects their unique voice and vision. The program’s commitment to integrating embodied knowledge with cultural analysis makes it an ideal path for those seeking to explore dance not just as motion, but as meaning.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 (919) 684-8111
Email: admissions@duke.edu
Address: University of Duke, Durham, North Carolina, United States
