Dance, Other.

Degree Overview

Dance, Other (CIP 50.0399) is a performing arts field focused on movement-based expression, physical storytelling, and choreographic practice that falls outside narrowly defined dance specializations. This classification includes interdisciplinary, experimental, cultural, and emerging dance programs that do not fit exclusively into ballet, modern, jazz, or commercial dance tracks. It reflects the evolving nature of dance as both an art form and a professional discipline.

For a degree search site, Dance, Other represents creativity, physical intelligence, and expressive power. Dance is one of the oldest human art forms, yet it continues to evolve alongside music, theater, film, technology, and wellness industries. This degree appeals to students who want a movement-centered creative career that blends artistry, discipline, and personal expression while remaining flexible across performance, education, and interdisciplinary work.

What Is a Dance Degree?

A Dance, Other degree is a studio-based performing arts program that emphasizes movement practice, choreography, performance, and critical understanding of dance beyond a single formal style. Programs under the “Other” designation often include experimental dance, world dance traditions, somatic practices, interdisciplinary performance, or hybrid approaches that combine dance with theater, media, or cultural studies.

This degree typically focuses on:

• Dance technique and movement training
• Choreography and composition
• Performance and stage presence
• Movement analysis and body awareness
• Dance history, theory, and cultural context

Colleges, universities, and conservatories offer this degree to:

• Support diverse and evolving dance practices
• Prepare students for professional and creative dance careers
• Encourage interdisciplinary and experimental performance
• Develop physically skilled and expressive artists

Dance programs emphasize studio practice, rehearsal, critique, and live performance.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how to use the body as a primary artistic instrument. You’ll study technique, alignment, rhythm, spatial awareness, and expressive movement while developing strength, flexibility, and coordination.

The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning. Students spend significant time in studios rehearsing, improvising, and refining choreography. In addition to physical training, programs explore the intellectual and cultural dimensions of dance—examining how movement communicates identity, emotion, and social meaning. Students also learn injury prevention, conditioning, and sustainable movement practices to support long-term physical health.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Dance technique and physical control—strength, balance, and flexibility
• Choreography and composition—creating original movement works
• Musicality and rhythm—movement timing and phrasing
• Expressive performance—emotional and narrative communication
• Improvisation and creative exploration—spontaneous movement
• Body awareness and somatic practice—injury prevention and alignment
• Collaboration and ensemble work—group performance dynamics
• Critical reflection and critique—artistic growth and refinement

These skills extend beyond performance into teaching, choreography, and movement-based careers.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies widely but often includes:

• Dance Technique and Movement Practice: multiple styles and approaches
• Choreography and Composition: structuring movement ideas
• Improvisation and Experimental Dance: creative exploration
• World, Cultural, or Social Dance Forms: global movement traditions
• Dance History and Theory: context and critical analysis
• Somatics and Body Conditioning: sustainable movement practices
• Performance Studies: stage presence and production
• Interdisciplinary Performance: dance with theater or media
• Capstone Performance or Choreographic Project: original work

Many programs allow students to shape their studies around personal movement interests.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Dance, Other degree prepares students for creative and performance-based careers, often involving multiple income streams. Professional paths are flexible and frequently portfolio- or reputation-based.

Common career paths include:

• Professional Dancer: stage, company, or project-based work
• Choreographer: original movement creation
• Dance Educator or Instructor: studios, schools, or community programs
• Movement Coach or Facilitator: physical expression and training
• Performing Artist: interdisciplinary or experimental performance
• Arts Administrator or Program Assistant: dance organizations
• Community or Cultural Arts Practitioner: outreach and engagement

Many dancers build careers by combining performance, teaching, and creative projects.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in a variety of artistic, educational, and community settings:

• Dance companies and performance ensembles
• Theaters and performing arts centers
• Studios, schools, and universities
• Community arts and cultural organizations
• Film, media, and interdisciplinary performance projects
• Wellness, fitness, and movement programs
• Independent or freelance creative work

Dance careers often involve collaboration across artistic disciplines.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings in dance vary widely based on location, experience, and employment structure.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level or freelance dancers: often $30,000–$45,000
• Experienced performers or instructors: commonly $45,000–$70,000
• Established choreographers, educators, or arts professionals: can reach $75,000–$100,000+

Income is often supplemented through teaching, workshops, grants, and project-based work.

Is This Degree Hard?

Dance, Other is considered physically and mentally demanding. Students must commit to daily physical training, accept critique, and manage the physical risks of movement-based work. Progress requires discipline, resilience, and self-awareness.

The challenge lies in maintaining physical health while continually pushing artistic boundaries.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Love movement, performance, and physical expression
• Enjoy creative exploration and improvisation
• Are comfortable with physical challenge and discipline
• Want a career rooted in artistic expression
• Value collaboration and live performance

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a dance program:

• Take dance, theater, or movement-based classes
• Practice strength, flexibility, and conditioning regularly
• Watch and study diverse dance styles and performances
• Develop discipline, body awareness, and resilience
• Participate in performances, workshops, or community arts programs

Dance, Other (CIP 50.0399) is a powerful degree for students who want to explore movement as art, communication, and cultural expression. It offers creative freedom, physical mastery, and opportunities to work across performance, education, and interdisciplinary arts. For those driven by movement, storytelling, and embodied creativity, this degree provides a meaningful and expressive pathway into the world of dance and performance.