About the MFA Program
About our Program:
Choreographic Research
The MFA program was implemented in 1980 and has a longstanding tradition of fostering innovative choreographic research in multiple contexts. Candidates are pushed to interrogate their forms and experiment with different approaches for understanding the complex factors shaping our world through dance.
World-Class Facilities
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts has four world-class theaters and the Dance Department has six spacious light-filled studios for candidate’s research needs, including our new Storefront Studio.
Intellectual Exchange
The MFA program places a strong emphasis on communicating choreographic research in both written and verbal language, as well as offering critical feedback to colleagues in cogent and constructive ways. In their final year, students produce a comprehensive written thesis and oral presentation that encapsulates their creative contributions, situating their work within evolving conversations throughout the field.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Located within a Research 1 university, MFA candidates can connect with other artists, scholars, and research and technology centers on campus to broaden the scope of their ideas and pursue collaborative work.
Teaching
Teaching Assistants gain three years of experience at the university level—a prerequisite for most academic teaching positions—and receive one-on-one mentoring with our world renowned faculty in honing their pedagogical practices. Candidates with Teaching Assistantships over 25% time receive a tuition waiver for their graduate studies!
Professional Development
Our intentionally intimate program (a 12-person cohort, with 3-4 candidates admitted each year) allows for a hands-on, in-depth approach to helping students develop innovative career strategies that advance their artistic mission in the field. Professional networking and career development is supported through a specially tailored “Next Phase” process within the program, as well as coursework, workshops and engagement with faculty, alumni and guest artists.
Community
Dance at Illinois prides itself on its diversity of perspectives and horizontal approach to learning and creativity. Candidates are expected to contribute to our close-knit community by sharing their research, collectively solving problems, opening themselves up to new ideas, offering considered feedback to peers, exploring opportunities for collaboration, engaging in vigorous debate, and bringing their full selves to this intimate, pluralistic environment.