Dance
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Dance Education (PreK-12) Major in Pennsylvania
Do you have a passion for dance and a calling to teach the next generation? Develop your skills in ballet, jazz, modern, and tap while preparing to inspire students in PreK-12 classrooms. Earn your Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance Education with PreK-12 Teaching Certification at Messiah University!
Study Dance Education (PreK-12) at a Christian University
At Messiah University, one of the top Christian universities in the U.S., our dance education program will equip you with the technical proficiency and teaching expertise needed to inspire the next generation of dancers. You’ll receive comprehensive training in ballet, jazz, modern, and tap while learning how to choreograph, mentor, and engage students of all ages. With hands-on classroom experience, dedicated faculty to guide you, and access to specialized studio spaces, you’ll build the skills and confidence to teach dance in schools, studios, and community settings. By graduation, you’ll be prepared for PreK-12 certification and ready to make a meaningful impact—helping students discover the joy of artistry and self-expression.
As a dance education with PreK-12 teaching certification major at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:
- Develop technical proficiency in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Tap, while mastering at least one to a professional standard.
- Gain a deep understanding of dance repertory, artistic styles, and cultural contexts, and develop the ability to critically evaluate choreography and performance.
- Learn to conceptualize and work with the fundamental elements of dance, from aesthetic properties to choreographic processes, while embracing diverse dance styles.
- Explore the intersections between Christian Faith and Dance, cultivating intellectual and creative stewardship in your artistic practice.
- Apply skills in real-world settings, working with K-12 students and engaging in dance production aspects like lighting, sound, and multimedia.
- Receive hands-on classroom experience, gaining the knowledge and competencies necessary for PreK-12 certification and success in teaching.
As a graduate of the dance education program, you will be equipped to pursue positions such as:
- PreK-12 Dance Teacher
- Dance Program Coordinator
- Choreographer
- Dance Studio Instructor
- Dance Ministry Leader
Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program places students in a variety of dance internships. A few examples include:
Dance Administration – Harrisburg Dance Conservatory
Marketing - Rebecca Davis Dance Company
Performing Arts Administration - Philadelphia Dance Alliance
Programs related to Dance Education (PreK-12 Certification)
In the dance education (PreK-12) program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
95% of the Class of 2024 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of this program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.