Dance Education

Established in 1932 by legendary dance educator Martha Hill, our program is one of the oldest and most prestigious in North America. Our multiple master’s degree tracks provide high quality professional development in the theory and practice of dance education for teachers, administrators, performing artists, and research scholars. We invite you to join our passionate and inclusive community and become a dance teacher and leader in the field of schools, studios, colleges, and community settings worldwide.

Master of Arts

Teaching Dance

Grades K–12, Initial Certification

Prepare for initial certification as a teacher of dance and a career as an educator and teaching artist in public and independent schools, studios, and more.

Application Extended: Still Accepting Applications

Degree Details How to Apply

Master of Arts

Teaching Dance

Grades K–12, Professional Certification

Educators who already hold initial certification in teaching dance can expand their dance and pedagogical skills and refine their teaching practices.

Application Extended: Still Accepting Applications

Degree Details How to Apply

NYU student making a heart with her hands

Master of Arts

Teaching Dance in the Professions

Prepare for a career teaching dance in postsecondary and professional education settings such as studios, community colleges, outreach programs, and more.

Application Extended: Still Accepting Applications

Degree Details How to Apply

Two dancers in metallic clothing in a stretch pose

Master of Arts

Teaching Dance in the Professions: ABT Pedagogy

Take American Ballet Theatre pedagogy, research, and arts management courses with master classes in ballet technique on your path to becoming a dance educator.

Application Extended: Still Accepting Applications

Degree Details How to Apply

NYU ballet dancers couple leaning forward with toe point pose

Master of Arts

Teaching Dance in the Professions: Dances of the African Diaspora

Prepare for a career teaching African dance in postsecondary and professional education settings such as studios, community colleges, outreach programs, and more.

Application Extended: Still Accepting Applications

Degree Details How to Apply

NYU guest dancers from Uganda performing masters concert

Advanced Certificate

Teaching Dance

Grades K–12, Post-Master’s Study

Build on your love of dance and complete all requirements to be eligible for initial certification as a teacher of dance in New York State, pre-K–12.

Application Extended: Still Accepting Applications

Degree Details How to Apply

Dancers in a circle posed bending backwards

Deborah Damast Receives 2020 Dance Teacher Award

Dance Education Turns 90

Celebrating its 90th anniversary last fall, NYU Steinhardt’s Dance Education program has been revolutionary since its inception.

NY Marathon Inspires Dance Theme

On Your Mark, a dance choreographed by first year Dance Education student Sky Morgan, was inspired by the NY Marathon. The piece will be one of 14 performed in the Master’s Dance Concert on April 21 and 22 at the Frederick Leowe Theatre.

Student Choreographs "Mambo Bohemio" for Master's Dance Concert

This piece incorporates NY Style Mambo and Latin Jazz, both music genres and dances that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s in New York City. "Mambo Bohemio" is a romantic, energetic, and passionate piece.

Carlie Bonilla Choreographs Dance in Honor of Her Mother and Grandmother

Dance Education Master’s student Carlie Bonilla, is choreographing a piece titled Kekoa for the upcoming Master’s Dance Concert (April 21 - 22). She discussed the inspiration her mother and grandmother provided, women warriors and the amazing students who are bringing her work to life.

Dance Education Celebrates its 90th Anniversary

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Dance Education program. Celebrations include the 2022 Distinguished Faculty Dance Concert, featuring original dances created by our faculty and performed by students and alumni.

Dance Education Program Hosted Masters’ Dance Concert

On April 29-30, the NYU Dance Education Program presented their 2022 Masters' Dance Concert at Frederick Loewe Theatre.

Choreographer Dominique M. Fontenot Discusses Weighting for You

Dance Education graduate student Dominique M. Fontenot will be choreographing one of nine dances as part of the 2022 Masters’ Dance Concert on April 29 and 30. We spoke with Dominique about her use of “weighting” versus “waiting, what it meant to her to gain weight during lockdown and why it feels good to accept yourself just the way you are.