ARTS in NYC introduces students to the professional dance world, not as tourists but as working members of the inner community. The program offers a supportive way to study for a semester in NYC while figuring out how to negotiate the city and the arts. As a fully credited program, ARTS in NYC offers structured classes and carefully selected internships that help students assess how they might fit into the field. ARTS in NYC is a mentored system of interlocking classes, performances and events that immerse students in the NYC arts and culture. This enables students to use the city as an arts resource and allows them to begin serious networking and gain confidence for the future.

The core course “NYC as Arts and Resource” includes a 3-credit seminar followed by a practical 3-credit complementary event, tour, guest class, or lecture that underscores what was covered in the class. The 10-hour per week, 3-credit Internship is an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the active healing and sustainability of the NYC arts industry in NYC; a creative research lab that develops professional artistic materials and culminates in a student-produced showing. In addition, we attend a minimum of three performances per week with some pre and post-performance gatherings and discussions. Students independently take dance classes and/or arts classes and workshops in studios of their choice. Besides going to museums and tours as a class, students are encouraged to explore the city on their own. From working at the best arts organizations in the city connections are established that extend beyond the single semester.

We excel in the high quality and diversity of class experiences and opportunities to meet and talk with well-known figures in the arts and dance world, including scholars, performers, choreographers, critics, filmmakers, and producers/presenters. Guest have included: Monica Bill Barnes, Bill T. Jones, Ana “Rockafella” Garcia, “Storyboard P,” Noemie LaFrance, Ephrat Asherie, Brahms “Bravo” LaFortune, Okwui Okpokwasili, Doug Elkins, Nora Chipaumire and Jorge “PopMaster Fabel” Pabon. Additionally, participating students enjoy opportunities to engage with the broadening network of ARTS in NYC alumni to build professional contacts. 

ARTS in NYC is Directed by Hannah Schwadron, MFA, Ph.D. For more information email hschwadron@fsu.edu

ARTS in NYC is Directed by Hannah Schwadron, MFA, Ph.D. For more information email hschwadron@fsu.edu

Between lecture classes and guests who are the renowned dance-makers of our time, the internships, and the freedom to take class and see shows, the ARTS in NYC program allowed me to discover my own cogs and wheels and how they fit into the machine of the New York City performance world.

– Andrew Chapman

I learned how to respond quicker, think faster, and be concise; I had to learn how to turn garbage into gold using what little I had AND have the moxy and the organization to keep on making outside of school (I am happy to say I have been successful). These are lessons no amount of academic training can teach you.

– Hans Rasch

The program encourages self fulfillment, providing the space for students’ budding artistry. It also gave me access to a network of diverse leaders in the field who still give support as I develop my career.

-Mikaila Ware

The ARTS in NYC program was pivotal in my transition from student to professional dancer, as it is truly an insider’s guide to living and thriving artistically.

-Maggie Cloud

Through ARTS in NYC, I gained an immense amount of knowledge on how to independently navigate the crazy world of NYC and I made connections that will propel me forward in my 5 year plan. I feel like my brain has grown 5 sizes. I also feel like I can have an intellectual conversation about dance, dance history, and critiquing other people’s work. If I could do this program 5 more times, I would.

-Ashley Pierre-Louis

As someone not from the dance dept, the ARTS in NYC was a perfect opportunity for me to explore and embody the dialogue that exists between the visual and performing arts.

– Nathaniel Hendrickson

Graduating students will be able to contribute to any artistic ecosystem in the US by learning how to thrive in the largest and most complex environment as we do in ARTS in NYC… Any dance program that focuses exclusively on the creation and development of artistic work without exposure and immersion into the producing realities of the current field is remiss. Technique and craft alone are not enough.

-Lauren Slone

Our co-directors often ask us to think about how we’re going to “support our art habit” in the current dance environment where it’s so important that as artists we’re also able to fill the role of composer, dramaturg, production assistant, etc. The structure of the program offers us the ability to really “try-on” all these hats and understand how to create our own niche within the field.

-Cydney Watson

ARTS in NYC was one of the best experiences I have had in my collegiate career. As a non FSU student, this program provided me with a community and allowed me to experience new perspectives. The individualized curriculum gave me confidence to find my own path within New York City.

– Nicole Miller

This program was a crucial experience for my development as a person and artist. While being immersed in the non stop life of NYC, I was forced to weigh my options on a daily basis, honing important skills such as time management, networking, and budgeting—while still exploring myself creatively and understanding my identity as an artist.

– Maximo Olivera

As a highlight of the program, students are required to intern 10-hours per week. Students are placed with well-known arts organizations and companies that give hands-on, real experience and networking opportunities. Please Note: Internship placements are arranged only with faculty consultation and consideration.