Department of Dance

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Programs & Certificates

Dance Science Certificate
Cross-Disciplinary Certificate in Digital Media
Joint NBS/York University Diploma/Degree Program
Joint School of Toronto Dance Theatre/York University (STDT)
International Exchange Program
Professional Dancers

Dance Science Certificate
A disciplinary certificate in dance science, in conjunction with the BA or BFA Honours degree, is  available. This certificate may be of interest to students who wish to pursue graduate work and careers in science-related fields, such as physiotherapist, certified athletic trainer, somatic practitioner and kinesiologist, and who want to engage in these professions with a dance medicine and science focus.

The following coursework is required for the dance science certificate:
Core courses:

3000/4000 level:

Upper level courses: Students will take a minimum of 18 credits, chosen from the following:

Please note: Not all of the courses at the 3000/4000 level will be offered every year.
For more information, please contact Professor Donna Krasnow or the Department of Dance.

Cross-Disciplinary Certificate in Digital Media

Dance students may work towards a Cross-Disciplinary Certificate in Digital Media in addition to fulfilling the requirements for their bachelor's degree. The Cross-Disciplinary Certificate in Digital Media is offered for students who complete a series of approved courses thematically linked by the use of digital technologies in the creation and performance of works of art, design, and audio or visual time-based recordings.

Students must successfully complete 24 credits as follows:

Students must declare their intention to pursue the Cross-Disciplinary Certificate in Digital Media prior to the completion of ten credits that are applicable to the Certificate. In order to be awarded the Cross-Disciplinary Certificate in Digital Media, students must obtain a 5.0 (C+) overall GPA in the 24 required credits. No more than three credits from outside York University will be accepted as transfer credits for this certificate.

Application forms and the list of approved courses for this certificate are available through the Faculty of Fine Arts Office of Student and Academic Services, 201 Joan and Martin Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts, 416-736-5135. The Department of Dance advisor for the digital certificate is Norma Sue Fisher-Stitt.

Joint NBS/York University Diploma/Degree Program
Through the Joint NBS/York University Diploma/Degree Program, dance majors can combine study toward their Honours BFA in Dance with the Teacher Training Program at the National Ballet School. Students in this program divide their five years of study into York for three years and NBS for two years. Students wishing to pursue this program are advised to declare their interest during their first year of study at York and to complete their audition for the National Ballet School at the end of their first year. Once accepted by NBS, students in the Joint Program receive separate advising so that all the graduation requirements for York are met during the three years. Prior to entering the NBS portion of the program, students are expected to have successfully completed their R.A.D. or Cecchetti Elementary Examination.

Joint School of Toronto Dance Theatre/York University (STDT)
The York-School of Toronto Dance Theatre (York-STDT) Consecutive Honours BFA program draws on the complementary strengths of both institutions and is similar to the existing Honours BFA Joint Program in Dance offered with the National Ballet School of Canada. The program is consistent with the Academic Plan of the Faculty of Fine Arts and the University’s strategic priority regarding the development of professionally related programs.

STDT is nationally and internationally recognized for its excellent contemporary dance training, preparing young dance artists for careers as performers, choreographers and teachers. Students who successfully complete the three-year STDT program, recognized by the Professional Training Certificate, with minimum B standing (6.0 gpa) will be eligible to apply for admission to the York Honours BFA Dance program. After successful completion of an interview/evaluation with the Department of Dance, students will be admitted the third year level studies in the Hons BFA Dance program, with recognition for a block transfer of 58.5 credits bound to this 120 credit program. Given the studio technique and performance orientation of the STDT program, students in the joint program will concentrate their York studies in dance history, theory and other non-studio courses. Please contact the Dance Department for further information.

International Exchange Program
During the second year of study, Dance majors may apply to be considered for an exchange program to be taken during their third year at the University of Chichester. We are exploring the possibility of other exchanges as well.

Information sessions for all these special programs will be held each year, normally in late fall or early winter.

Professional Dancers
Former professional dancers have the opportunity to obtain an undergraduate degree by receiving credit for experience gained in a performance career. If you are over 25 years of age and have been a professional dancer for more than five years, you are eligible to apply. Please contact the Dance Department for further information.

For the most up-to-date information on Fine Arts programs and certificates please visit the York Calendar.