Dance Simon Fraser University

Overview

The Dance programme at Simon Fraser University offers an immersive environment where students explore the human body and its expressive potential through art and aesthetics. This comprehensive curriculum balances rigorous physical training in the studio with critical theoretical study in the lecture hall. Students are encouraged to develop their unique creative voices while gaining a deep understanding of contemporary dance traditions.

Throughout the four-year course, the curriculum emphasises the development of technical proficiency and creative innovation. Participants have frequent opportunities to produce and perform original works, fostering a professional approach to artistic practice.

Why Dance at Simon Fraser University?

Studying at the School for the Contemporary Arts provides students with a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment in the heart of Vancouver. The university’s location offers direct access to a thriving urban arts scene, allowing students to engage with professional networks and diverse cultural perspectives. This setting enhances the learning experience by bridging the gap between academic study and the professional dance industry.

The programme is distinguished by its commitment to original creation and performance. Students benefit from modern facilities designed to support both traditional techniques and experimental choreography. This focus on contemporary practice ensures that graduates are equipped with the versatility required for modern artistic careers, supported by a faculty of experienced practitioners and scholars.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 37442 per year
• National fee: CAD 7502 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates physical practice with theoretical foundations to provide a holistic education in the performing arts. Modules may include:

• Choreography
• Composition
• Contemporary Dance
• Dance Performance
• Dance History
• Movement Analysis

Careers with Dance

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a variety of roles within the global arts and culture sector. The combination of technical skill and creative problem-solving allows alumni to pursue diverse paths in performance and production. Many graduates find success as independent artists, company members, or creative collaborators.

Potential career destinations for graduates include:

• Professional Dancer
• Choreographer
• Arts Administrator
• Dance Educator
• Rehearsal Director
• Production Coordinator

The programme also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic research or specialised graduate studies in dance and the contemporary arts.