Mission/Objectives
MFA Mission
The mission of the MFA Program is to foster substantive choreographic research that posits dance as a force in contemporary culture. The program embraces a wide spectrum of individual movement research and embodied practice.
MFA Program Objectives
The Dance Department expects MFA candidates to conduct a creative inquiry that leads to the development of a sophisticated sense of self-definition. Individual research and analysis should culminate in the development of a personal artistic process and mission and should be evident in the following contexts:
Choreography
Candidates will develop a distinctive research methodology and demonstrate its
skillful application in a performative context. Each candidate’s choreographic vision, built on a solid foundation for ongoing research and engagement, will contribute to the global dialogue on dance within contemporary culture.
Communication
Candidates will develop the ability to express their choreographic vision and process in verbal and written language that is clear, cogent, and convincing and demonstrates clear analytic skill, critical thinking, awareness of historical context, and knowledge of contemporary culture.
Movement
Candidates will demonstrate a commitment to movement investigation and practice that defines, advances, and sustains their choreographic vision.
Teaching
Candidates will apply their research vision in clear pedagogic principles while fostering a stimulating teaching/ learning environment.
Develop a Career Plan
Candidates will devise bold and innovative career strategies in order to advance their artistic mission in the field and demonstrate the capacity to implement these plans with professionalism in all the above contexts.
