Performance and Movement, BA
Step into a program where creativity, collaboration and innovation come first. This program is for students who want to shape the future of performance --- on stage, in studios and in their communities. You'll work with passionate faculty and artists, build real-world skills, and discover how your voice and movement can make an impact.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or any math course that meets the MATH designation.
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in performance and movement, you refine your skills in a community of versatile performers. You gain practical, current industry knowledge in both dance and theater that prepares you for professional careers. Most importantly, the program provides you with the opportunity to grow as an artist and leader while you do what you love.
You choose one of three focus areas:
Dance and theater: You blend movement, acting, voice and storytelling. Whether you're a dancer wanting to act, an actor wanting to move, or a writer or director looking to bring ideas to life, this focus area provides the tools to create bold, original performances and collaborate across disciplines.
Social and partnership dance: You turn your love of dance into leadership. You explore Afro-Latin and ballroom styles, learn how to teach and perform, and use dance to connect communities, making real change through movement.
Hip Hop arts: You immerse yourself in the culture and artistry of Hip Hop. You train in dance, music, visual art and spoken word, and collaborate with leading artists and scholars. This focus area prepares you to create, perform and share your work with audiences while honoring Hip Hop's roots and future.
Courses
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Students graduating with a BA in performance and movement will be able to apply creative processes in their art-making that reflect contemporary understandings of dance and theatre practices.
- Graduates will be able to execute the stages of long-range creative projects.
- Students graduating from the BA in performance and movement will be able to implement culturally sensitive, ethical and socially grounded teaching, facilitation, and community-building practices.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, performance and movement students are able to tailor their experience to their interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | 0.0% | Not available | Learn more |
| Art Professor | 2.2% | $78,620 | Learn more |
| Choreographer | 3.1% | $55,310 | Learn more |
| Dancer | 2.2% | Not available | Learn more |
| Fitness Instructor | 7.3% | $47,160 | Learn more |
| Health and Physical Education Professor (HPE Professor) | 2.2% | $77,270 | Learn more |
| Healthcare Professor | 17.9% | $107,310 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Middle School Teacher | -0.4% | $64,370 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Graduates are prepared for careers in performance, choreography, teaching, directing, arts leadership, and community engagement.
They have an excellent broad-based foundation for work in the arts or entertainment professions and are ready for further creative development and research via graduate programs or conservatories. The program's liberal arts framework, combined with rigorous physical practice and culturally aligned performance standards, prepares graduates for a variety of occupations in both performance and movement-related fields. Opportunities include:
- arts entrepreneurship
- professional performing
- studio ownership and management
- themed entertainment
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
|
MUSIC E167
mdtadmissions@asu.edu
480-965-5069
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

