MFA in Dance > Degree Requirements
| Program Overview | MFA Degree Requirements | Fields: Choreography and Dramaturgy | How to Apply |
The York University MFA program in Dance features two specializations: choreography and dance dramaturgy. At the end of the first year students will select an area of specialization (either choreography or dance dramaturgy) and will focus in this area for their thesis.
The MFA in Dance is a full time program of study completed by Thesis only. Part time study, completion by Major Research Paper (MRP) or Coursework are not options.
First Year Courses
First year graduate students will participate in courses that focus on choreography, creativity, movement observation and dance dramaturgy, as well as one elective course.
Students will take four core courses:
- Initiating, Forming and Performing Choreography (6.0 course credit)
- Theory and Practice in Dance Dramaturgy (3.0 course credit)
- Methods & Materials of Movement Observation (3.0 course credit)
- One from the three following courses:
- Creativity Studies and the Performing Arts (3.0 course credit)
- Lighting Design for Dance (3.0 course credit)
- Dance Video and Intermedial Performance(3.0 course credit)
plus one 3.0 elective within the Dance MA program or a cognate course.
Second Year Thesis
Upon completion of coursework, students will conduct research in one of the two fields (Choreography or Dance Dramaturgy) to create their final Thesis Project. The Thesis will include both a practical creative component and an extended written paper and support materials as follows:
- Choreography Thesis
- Three choreographic works
- An autobiographical solo to be presented in studio
- A fully-produced work for the proscenium stage of the Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan Theatre
- A work created for an alternative venue determined by the student and produced and promoted by the student
- Extended paper and support materials
- Oral Examination by thesis committee and external examiner
- Dance Dramaturgy Thesis
- An autobiographical solo to be presented in studio
- Dossiers fully documenting the student’s contribution as dance dramaturg on two separate choreographic projects
- Extended paper and support materials
- Oral Examination by thesis committee and external examiner
More about the fields, and examples of potential research topics >>
Dance Practice
All Dance MFA students are required to participate in a physical practice designed to facilitate their understanding of the body and further their creative research. This is a compulsory, non-credit requirement in the spirit of professional dancers taking daily morning class. It is imperative that students develop physical practices that support their particular aesthetics. In consultation with their thesis supervisor, students will determine their own discipline and maintain, document and report on their practice throughout their studies. They may choose to take class in the Department’s undergraduate program, or study with a particular mentor or master teacher, or take class with other professional dancers within any of Toronto’s diverse dance traditions. Normally students will devote one to two hours daily to their physical practice and meet once a month with their supervisor to discuss their progress.
MFA Colloquiums
MFA students are required to attend eight colloquia or workshops over the five terms of their study. Colloquia topics may include:
- Ethics in Dance Research and Creation
- Dance and Human Rights
- Making Dance Films
- Dance Science and the Expressive Body
- Preventing Injury and Encouraging Risk
- Teaching Dance to a Diverse Student Body
- Financing Dance and Living Above the Poverty Line
- Time Management and Stress: Strategies for Health
- Dancing with Older Bodies
- Designing Dance – lighting / costumes / makeup
- Choreography for and with Children
- Dance with Diverse Ability
- Communities of Dance
- Copyright Laws and Dance
Various studio workshops in such things as Alternative Bodywork, Social Dance, Butoh, Physical Theatre as well as classes with guests from Toronto’s many master teachers from various cultures.
Dance Production
Over the five terms MFA students will be required to complete one hundred and fifty (150) hours of production, rehearsal direction, design, and administrative work related to the creation and mounting of theatrical dance events. This works out to thirty hours (30) for each of the five terms. The MFA requirement will be organized by the Director of the MFA Programme in Dance, the Dance Department’s Performance Committee
Chair and the Department of Dance’s Production and Design Professors.
