This 60-credit innovative M.F.A. offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves for six weeks of the summer in an international, collaborative community of the American Dance Festival followed by the intimate learning atmosphere at Hollins University and abroad. Few graduate programs can provide students such a wide range of experiences, opportunities and imaginative approaches to thinking about dance, unique mentorships, and direct 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 will offer two tracks: Year Residency Track and Low Residency Tracks.

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. During the spring term, students travel abroad for international residencies.  In 2008, students traveled to Vienna and Brussels.

The Low Residency Tracks are designed for mid-career artists, teachers and dance professionals. For low-residency acceptance applicants must be mature working artists with at least ten years of experience. Accomplished, nationally recognized candidates may receive up to 12 credits for professional experience.

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.

Time Out New York - interview with Donna Faye Burchfield.