The HU/ADF M.F.A degree in dance requires a total of 60 credit hours, offering students an opportunity to immerse themselves for six weeks during the summer in the international, collaborative community of the American Dance Festival; followed by an intimate learning atmosphere at Hollins University and abroad. This graduate program provides students with a wide range of experiences and opportunities, mentorships, and exposure to others in the international dance field. The program offers a flexible yet rigorous course of study. Using the resources of both institutions, the program offers three tracks: Year Residency Track, Low Residency Track - Two Summer (with credit qualification) and Low Residency - Three Summer Tracks.

Requirements for the Degree

The Year Residency Track is for highly motivated students with a strong interest in expanding their knowledge and experience, especially in their creative work, in an uninterrupted way. This track is ideal for recent graduates with an eye on the professional world of dance. Transfer credit is not accepted for students in the Year Residency Track.

The Two Summer, Low Residency Track is designed for mid-career artists, teachers, and dance professionals who must study in a limited time frame that accommodates their employment/performance schedule. Acceptance into this track will be determined through a review of accredited professional experience and artistic maturity by a panel of Hollins faculty and professionals in the field. Twelve credits toward the degree will be granted in recognition of appropriate professional work as evidenced by works presented to date (choreography and/or performance), grants and fellowships received, continued dance education, and/or teaching residencies, professional references, and letters. A portfolio of the work will be compiled during the course of study.

The Low Residency Three Summer Track is designed for emerging artists, teachers and dance professionals. This course of study is mapped over three summers to allow for an extended immersion in intellectual and creative experiences. This track is for highly motivated professionals seeking to substantiate their portfolio as they develop their professional careers. Acceptance into this track will be determined through a review of accredited professional experience and artistic maturity by a panel of Hollins faculty and professionals in the field.

All students will participate in at least two six-week terms at the American Dance Festival at Duke University. Students accepted to the Year Residency Track spend fall and spring semesters at Hollins University, while students accepted to the Low Residency Tracks study at Hollins for an intensive term following their first, second and/or third summers at ADF and undertake independent study during the fall and spring terms. For international students who would prefer to take more time with the course work, the year residency track lasting two years or the three-summer track are recommended options. Participants in all tracks establish a community of artists who share in the presentation of new work. The M.F.A. students and faculty establish a unique community of committed artists/scholars who range in ages and experiences and are working to sustain their careers and deepen their relationship to dance.