Dance

Pursue Undergraduate Program in

Dance

Designed to inspire, develop and enhance creative and critical thinking, the curriculum in AMPD's Department of Dance fosters deeply embodied and intellectual learning. Canada's largest and most comprehensive dance program educates innovative, thoughtful and articulate dance professionals, prepared to be engaged leaders in diverse environments. 

Program Structure

Dance students take a common first year and then branch into one of two streams according to their interests and goals. Upper-year students may audition to join the department's resident company, the York Dance Ensemble. They also have the opportunity to gain hands-on training in lighting design for dance, to embrace emerging media and integrate technology into their dance practices, and to extend their professional experience through field placements, collaborative research and guest teaching. 

Streams

Choreography/Performance

This stream centres on studio work in contemporary/modern dance, with options in urban, contemporary/ballet and world dance forms. Students acquire specialized knowledge and skills in movement observation, production and performance, informed by an understanding of choreographic elements and principles, somatics and embodied storytelling. they learn to create and present original works in a variety of performance spaces incorporating professional production values and contemporay media technologies.

Dance Education

Students in this stream explore practical and theoretical aspects of teaching dance in a variety of communities and settings, including innovative approaches and experience working with children, youth, adults in all stages of life, marginalized individuals and people with disabilities. Graduates are prepared to enter the field as educators in recreational, community-based and private settings.

Featured Facilities

  • Five spacious rehearsal studios
  • Two choreography studios
  • Black box dance theatre-studio
  • A 600-seat thrust stage
  • Strate Dance Studio Theatre
  • Pilates conditioning equipment
  • Extensive costume collection
  • Audio and video recording facilities
  • Extensive library collection of dance books and periodicals
  • Dance-specific computer software and peripherals

Program Details

Offered By

School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

Degrees Offered

BFA

Fall Entry

Yes

Winter Entry

Yes

Summer Entry

Yes

Ways to Study

Full-Time, Part-Time

Sample Schedule (First-year)

  • Contemporary/Modern Dance Forms
  • Fundamentals of Physical Practice
  • Dance Production
  • Dance Studies: An Introduction

Possible Career Paths

  • choreographer
  • performer
  • movement therapist
  • dance teacher
Explore what you can do with your degree
School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

BFA

Requirements for admission:
  • Alberta High School Diploma
  • ELA30-1 or English 30
  • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31
    • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
      • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
      • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
      School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

      BFA

      Requirements for admission:
    • British Columbia Secondary School Graduation Diploma
    • English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
    • And four additional Grade 12 Academic subjects
      • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
        • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
        • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
        School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

        BFA

        Requirements for admission:
      • Baccalauréat Général
        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
          • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
          • A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
          • A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
          School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

          BFA

          Requirements for admission:
        • Successful completion of the final year of senior studies
          • Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
          • Some programs require a higher GPA.
          • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
            • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
            • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

            BFA

            Requirements for admission:
          • Diploma with a total of at least six units, including prerequisites, and grades of 1, 2 or 3 in each unit.
            • A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
            • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
              • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
              • CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
              • CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
              School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

              BFA

              Requirements for admission:
            • One year of CEGEP
            • 2 semesters of English/anglais
            • And ten additional academic courses (high-school equivalent courses not accepted)
              • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                • Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
                • Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
                Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                BFA

                Requirements for admission:
              • Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate
                • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                  • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                  • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                  BFA

                  Requirements for admission:
                • Lise Diplomasi
                  • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                    • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                    • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                    BFA

                    Requirements for admission:
                  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examinations
                    • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                      • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                      • GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                      • GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                      Admission to this program depends on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview. Minimum of two Advanced-level (A-level) passes and three GCSE or IGCSE Ordinary-level (O-level) passes. Minimum average of “C” is required on Advanced-level and Ordinary-level passes. Higher grades required for certain programs. GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. To gain admission to this program, minimum average of C is required.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of C.
                      The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
                      School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                      BFA

                      Requirements for admission:
                    • Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
                      • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                        • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                        • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                        BFA

                        Requirements for admission:
                      • International Baccalaureate Diploma
                        • IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                          • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                          • Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                          • Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                          Admission to this program depends on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview. To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 28 is required.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 28.
                          The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
                          School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                          BFA

                          Requirements for admission:
                        • Completion of one of the following:
                          • All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
                          • Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
                          • Indian School Certificate (ISC)
                          • Intermediate Examination Certificate
                          • Pre-University Examination Certificate
                          • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                            • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                            • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                            BFA

                            Requirements for admission:
                          • Manitoba High School Diploma
                          • English 40S
                          • And four additional 40S level academic subjects (no more than one at the 40G level)
                            • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                              • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                              • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                              School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                              BFA

                              Requirements for admission:
                            • New Brunswick High School Graduation Diploma
                            • English 120, 121 or 122
                            • And five additional Grade 12 academic subjects (college preparatory 120, 121 or 122)
                              • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                                School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                BFA

                                Requirements for admission:
                              • Newfoundland and Labrador High School Graduation Diploma
                              • English 3201
                              • And nine additional credits at the 3000 level
                                • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                  • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                  • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                                  School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                  BFA

                                  Requirements for admission:
                                • Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma
                                • English 12
                                • And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced)
                                  • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                    • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                    • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                                    School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                    BFA

                                    Requirements for admission:
                                  • Nunavut High School Graduation Diploma
                                  • ELA30-1 or English 30
                                  • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31
                                    • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                      • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                      • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                                      School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                      BFA

                                      Requirements for admission:
                                    • Northwest Territories High School Graduation Diploma
                                    • ELA30-1 or English 30
                                    • And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31
                                      • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                        • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                        • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                                        School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                        BFA

                                        Requirements for admission:
                                      • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
                                      • ENG4U
                                      • And five additional 4U or M courses
                                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                          • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                          • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                                          OUAC code YB
                                          School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                          BFA

                                          Requirements for admission:
                                        • Completion of a diploma program or at least two full semesters or one year of full-time academic study at an accredited college
                                        • Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)
                                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                          • June 15, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                          • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                          BFA

                                          To be considered a mature student, you must:
                                        • Be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University
                                        • Have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years or have returned to upgrade after a two year absence
                                        • Have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited university or college
                                        • Have demonstrated potential for success through academic, professional or volunteer activities and other accomplishments
                                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                          • June 15, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                          • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                          BFA

                                          Requirements for admission:
                                        • Completion of at least four full-year courses or one year of full-time degree studies at an accredited university
                                        • Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)
                                        • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                          • June 15, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                          • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                          BFA

                                          Requirements for admission:
                                        • Prince Edward Island Senior Secondary School Diploma
                                        • English 621
                                        • And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (numbered 611 or 621)
                                          • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                            • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                            • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                                            School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                            BFA

                                            Requirements for admission:
                                          • Quebec Grade 12 Certificate of Graduation
                                          • Grade 12 English
                                          • And five additional academic (university preparation level) subjects
                                            • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                              • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                              • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                                              School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                              BFA

                                              Requirements for admission:
                                            • Transcript of Secondary Level Achievement
                                            • English A30 and English B30
                                            • And three additional Grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30
                                              • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                                • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.
                                                School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                                BFA

                                                Requirements for admission:
                                              • General Secondary Education Certificate
                                                • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                  • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                                  • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                                  BFA

                                                  Requirements for admission:
                                                • High School Diploma
                                                  • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                    • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                                    • AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                                                    • AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
                                                    School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                                    BFA

                                                    Requirements for admission:
                                                  • West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO)
                                                    • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                      • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                                      • School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

                                                      BFA

                                                      Requirements for admission:
                                                    • Yukon High School Diploma
                                                    • English 12 or English 12 First Peoples
                                                    • And three additional Grade 12 Academic subjects
                                                      • A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:
                                                        • February 3, 2021, for Fall 2021 entry
                                                        • Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your admission average required for this program is in the mid-70s.Depending on your combined performance in academics, audition, portfolio review and/or interview, your required final academic average will be between 75 to maintain your offer of admission.