This innovative program enrolled its first students in fall 2001. Research based, its focus is American dance, through which are illuminated the deeper cultural structures that shape American art. Traditionally, dance studies in our nation have focused primarily on European history and forms, especially their relation to American ballet and modern dance. In the 21st century, however, this scholarship only partially helps us study and understand how America moves.
The MA in American Dance Studies provides fresh academic approaches that will prepare students to investigate the full diversity of American dance. Its emphasis is inclusive and non hierarchical, allowing exploration of a wide scope of dance, from religious to concert dance to social/vernacular dance, and of the stylistic contributions of many cultural groups. The degree culminates in comprehensive examinations and a master’s thesis.
Admission / Program Requirements
Curriculum Requirements
MA Application Checklist
Financial Aid
Contacts
Admission / Program Requirements
University Admission
In addition to Department of Dance admission, a student must also apply to and be accepted by the Office of Graduate Studies at Florida State University. It is crucial to proceed with university admission as quickly as possible. Please apply on-line at admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp/ or contact the University Admissions Office (850/644-3420) for more information.
FSU Office of Graduate Admissions
Graduate Record Examination
MA candidates in American Dance Studies must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) before their first semester. Admission to FSU requires a minimum score of 1000 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE or evidence of a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited/approved institution.
Previous Degree and Dance Requirements
Candidates should have an extensive background in dance and an undergraduate degree in an appropriate area of study such as (but not limited to) Fine or Performing Arts, History, American Studies, Cultural Studies, Women’s Studies, Anthropology, Humanities.
References
Candidates must submit three letters of recommendation from former instructors.
Application Essay
Applicants are required to submit an essay describing their primary interests in American Dance History, how their background has prepared them for this area of research, their goals for study in the program, and future career goals.
Writing Samples
Applicants are required to submit, with departmental application materials, two writing samples of previously written research papers.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Each student must complete the university-wide requirement regarding foreign language proficiency for a Master of Arts degree. This requirement may be met by one of the following:
- Achieving a satisfactory performance on the Graduate School Foreign Language Test
- Completing 12 semester hours of college level foreign language, Labanotation, or LabanAnalysis (Effort-Shape) with a 3.0 (B) average
- Four years of a single language at the high school level
- Achieving an intermediate level certification in Labanotation or Laban Analysis
Core Program
At least 21 of the student’s graduate level courses must be fulfilled by the courses in a core program and in thesis work. The remaining 15 hours may be filled by electives.
Movement Component
Because the integration of theory and practice enhances academic inquiry, MA candidates are required to include some movement in their program. Options parallel the program’s exploration of diverse dance forms. Technique classes are only one of many possibilities, which might include such forms as ballroom dance, tai chi, or clogging.
Thesis
Students are required to write and defend a master’s thesis, for which they must enroll in six semester hours of thesis work on an S/U basis.
Comprehensive Examination
The required comprehensive examination consists of two parts: written and oral. The examination is scheduled no earlier than the term in which the student is completing all required coursework. The comprehensive examinations are taken on a non-credit, S/U basis.
Curriculum | Requirements
Please note:
Course names, numbers, and requirements are subject to change.
Semester hours for each course are shown in parentheses.
I. Core Program (21 hours)
DAN 5191 (3) – Seminar: Studies in Dance History and Research
DAN 5147 (3) – History of American Dance I
DAN 5148 (3) – History of American Dance II
DAN 5149 (3) – History of American Dance III
DAN 5128 (3) – Theory of Dance
DAN 5960 (0) – Master’s Comprehensive Exams
DAN 5973 (6) – Master’s Thesis in American Dance Studies
DAN 8976 (0) – Master’s Thesis Defense
II. Electives (15 hours)
Students are required to investigate graduate electives outside the Department of Dance that relate to their interests. Other disciplines will deepen their understanding of American intellectual history and provide context for research in dance history. For example, courses in American and Florida studies, history, black studies, women’s studies,humanities, music, theatre, and art history may be suitable. Individual programs are planned by the student and the student’s faculty advisor.
III. Foreign Language
Click here for the alternatives to satisfying this requirement. Credit for foreign language courses may not be counted toward elective requirements.
IV. Master’s Comprehensive Examination (0 hours)
DAN 5960 (0) – Master’s Comprehensive Examination
Normative Time for completion of the degree is four semesters.
MA in American Dance Studies | Application Checklist
- Submit application for admission to Florida State University, which requires:
- Graduate Record Exam scores (GRE must be taken before first semester)
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Submit MA Application Form to Dance Department, which requires:
- Writing Samples
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Application Essay
Downloadable MA Application Form 
Graduate Financial Aid
Departmental Graduate Assistantships: These are available to qualified students and often combines teaching and research or a combination of different work responsibilities. When applying, it is important to include as much information as possible about special abilities, interests, and experience.
- Teaching Assistantships: To be eligible for an assistantship in technique (ballet or contemporary dance), the student must first successfully complete the apprenticeship program (see below).
- Research Assistantships: These involve work in specialized areas such as costumes, publicity, production, etc. Applicants must demonstrate ability in their chosen area.
Apprenticeship Program: Candidates for apprenticeships must have achieved the most advanced level in the technique they wish to teach. Their work at this level will be assessed for at least one semester. During the same term, the candidate will observe a minimum of ten nonmajor technique classes and will teach three nonmajor classes, which faculty members will observe and assess. After successfully completing this apprenticeship, the student is eligible for consideration as a teaching assistant. Candidates designated as returning professionals by the graduate faculty are exempt from the apprenticeship requirement.
How to Apply for Aid: Download, complete and return the MA in American Dance History graduate assistantship application form. MA Graduate Assistantship - Apprenticeship Form
For more information, contact:
Tricia Young
Professor
Department of Dance
P.O. Box 3062120
Florida State University
Tallahassee FL 32306-2120
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850.644.9975
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