Specialization in Musical Theater Dance

Program Overview

The specialization in musical theater dance is an intensive curriculum designed for students who already possess exceptional dance technique skills. As part of this program, students will learn and practice the prominent styles of choreographers who have shaped the evolution of musical theater through dance. In addition to increasing their engagement with musical theater dance repertory, students will take complementary courses in dance choreography and pedagogy to develop as well-rounded musical theater dance performers.

Entrance Requirements

The specialization in musical theater dance is only open to Conservatory musical theater majors who have successfully completed their first two years of study, including having maintained satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and Level-4 or higher ballet and jazzdance classes.

In addition, students must receive approval directly from the Theater Division to declare this specialization.

Program Requirements

The specialization in musical theater dance requires students to complete 10 credits, consisting of the course requirements listed below.

Required Courses

T-LT 79914 History of Musical Theater Dance (3 credits; year three or four, fall or spring)
T-PD 75910 Tap Pedagogy (1 credit; year three or four, spring only) or T-PD 78910 Musical Theater Dance Pedagogy (1 credit; year three or four, fall only)
T-ST 0849 Musical Theater Dance Choreography (1 credit; year three or four, spring only)
T-ST 4861 Advanced Musical Theater Dance 1 (1 credit; year four, fall only)*
T-ST 4862 Advanced Musical Theater Dance 2 (1 credit; year four, spring only)
xxxxx Dance Electives (3 credits total)**

*In addition to successful completion of Level-4 or higher ballet and jazz dance classes, students must receive permission from the Theater Division to begin the year-four Advanced Musical Theater Dance 1–2 course sequence.

**Dance Elective Options

Offered by the Theater Division:

T-ST 0519 Beginner Tap (1 credit)
T-ST 0529 Intermediate Tap (1 credit)
T-ST 0539 Advanced 1 Tap (1 credit)
T-ST 0549 Advanced 2 Tap (1 credit)
T-ST 0641 Jazz, Level 4 (1 credit)
T-ST 0651 Jazz, Level 5 (1 credit)
T-ST 0661 Jazz, Level 6 (1 credit)
T-ST 0741 Ballet, Level 4 (1 credit)
T-ST 0751 Ballet, Level 5 (1 credit)
T-ST 0761 Ballet, Level 6 (1 credit)
T-ST 0839 Advanced Hip-Hop Fusion for Musical Theater (1 credit)

Additionally, students may elect courses offered by the Dance Division or Liberal Arts and Sciences Department, such as those listed below. Registration is contingent upon seat availability and enrollment eligibility. The Theater Division will advise on available offerings prior to the start of each semester.

D-PD 73911 JazzDance Pedagogy (1 credit)
D-ST 1502 Floor Barre™ (1 credit)
D-ST 1503 Gyrokinesis® (1 credit)
D-ST 72520 Dance Improvisation (1 credit)
D-ST 73511 African Dance (1 credit)
D-ST 73519 Salsa (1 credit)
D-ST 73110 Beginning Hip-Hop (1 credit)
D-ST 73530 Intermediate Hip-Hop (1 credit)
D-ST 74510 Upside Down (1 credit)
D-ST 73520 Swing Dance (1 credit)
L-CM 75911 / LMSC-424 Human Anatomy and Physiology (3 credits)

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of the specialization in musical theater dance, students will be able to:

describe and discuss musical theater and jazz dance movement vocabulary across a range of styles;
explain and demonstrate professional expectations in mainstream commercial musical theater;
create and rehearse original works of choreography for the Boston and New York City showcase performances;
complete a professional dance reel and create short, need-specific video clips;
describe the structure and roles of dance in professional theater (e.g., dance captain, swing); and
cultivate high levels of fitness, flexibility, and endurance, focused on health and wellness, including injury prevention.