Department of Theatre and Dance

 

The BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Dance Science allows you to merge your passion for dance with a strong foundation in science. This unique program develops not only skilled performers but also informed artists who understand the body as an instrument. Graduates gain the knowledge to move with intention, reduce injury risk, and sustain long, healthy careers in dance. It's not just about how to dance—it's about how to dance smarter.

The Dance Science curriculum includes courses drawn from the B. S. in Health Studies, concentration in Exercise, Sport and Movement Sciences and the B.F.A. in Theatre, concentration in Dance. The scientific study includes anatomical kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, and psychology. The dance study includes training in dance techniques, improvisation, composition, somatics, and performance.

Dance Scientists are professionals who are employed by dance companies and dance training facilities to devise effective exercise programs, as well as advise dancers regarding best training practices, injury prevention and care. Dance Scientists are better-informed dancers, choreographers and teachers. With additional undergraduate and graduate study, they also become researchers, dance therapists, and physical therapists.

Alumni Spotlight

 

 

Ilana Randle, Alumni of the Dance Science Program  (UofM student from 2021-2025)
“My four years in the Dance Science program at the University of Memphis honestly reshaped the way I see dance. The program opened my eyes for how deeply health, body awareness, and physical wellness are connected to a long-lasting dance career. I learned how to care for my body, train safely, and take healthier habits into my daily practice as a dancer. The community of dancers and professors who all want best for you was another pusher wanting to continue down the path of dance learning more about the body.

One of the parts of my experience that I enjoyed was being able to take what I knew from dance and apply it to my health studies classes. I created projects that centered around movement, injury prevention, and dancer wellness, and I also brought what I learned in my health courses into the studio. This program gives many opportunities such as: performing, creating, being a part of research studies, creating projects,helping you network, and more. One example of being about to take my knowledge into the studio would be getting to work with Collage Dance and their dancers in creating plans for the dancers to help them strengthen and create healthy physical habits. This strengthened my understanding of both fields and helped me grow as a well-rounded artist.

The program also broadened my perspective on the career paths available to me—showing me that I can combine my love for dance with health and science in meaningful ways. The University of Memphis truly helped pave the path for the dancer and help lead to my profession I am becoming.”

Countess Winfrey
Dancer, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
(As a student at UofM from 2007-2011, a Dance Science degree did not exist. Countess created her own dance science path by majoring in Health Studies with a concentration in dance.)
"As a result of what I was learning, I was becoming a smarter dancer in the classroom and on the stage. I started feeling so much more aware of my body, and the proper ways to use my body, both inside and out of the studio.

For my Senior Project I did a research study on how to increase flexibility in dancing bodies. I learned about the importance of dynamic stretching and static stretching, and when they were most beneficial for the body to healthily increase flexibility

If a Dance Science degree was available when I was a student I would have chosen it. I am delighted it is now possible: this degree provides an opportunity for dancers to learn about dancing from a physical and scientific scope so dancers can go out into the dance world in whatever field they choose with technical, practical, and scientific knowledge of the dancing body."