Purchase College, SUNY Conservatory of Dance

For aspiring professional dancers and passionate artists across New York and beyond, the search for truly world-class training often leads to the esteemed Purchase College, SUNY Conservatory of Dance. This isn't just another "point of interest"; it's a globally recognized institution, widely regarded as one of the "best dance schools in the world" and "one of the best dance conservatories in the country." Located within the vibrant Purchase College campus, the Conservatory offers an unparalleled environment for serious dance students to hone their craft, explore their artistic voice, and prepare for impactful careers in the dynamic world of professional dance. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and where the next generation of dance artists are meticulously shaped by prominent faculty and acclaimed guest artists.

Even those outside the Conservatory consistently hear "great things about it," a testament to its stellar reputation. The rigorous professional training in classical ballet and modern techniques is complemented by diverse contemporary dance forms, ensuring a well-rounded and versatile education. Students are not only immersed in intensive technique classes but also encouraged to develop their individual choreographic voices through a comprehensive four-year composition program. Beyond the studio, an extensive array of somatic offerings nurtures the "whole being," emphasizing holistic development. In-depth study of improvisation, music, anatomy, production, and dance history provides a comprehensive entrée to the professional dance world. This commitment to both physical and intellectual growth, combined with an active performance schedule through the Purchase Dance Company, makes the Conservatory an exceptional choice for New York locals dedicated to a professional career in dance.

Purchase College, SUNY Conservatory of Dance is situated at Lincoln Ave, Purchase, NY 10577, USA. As part of the wider Purchase College, SUNY campus, it benefits from a serene and expansive setting in Westchester County, New York, while remaining conveniently accessible to the vibrant dance scene of New York City. The campus location provides a focused environment for intensive study, away from the immediate hustle of the city, yet close enough for cultural excursions and professional opportunities. For New York locals, particularly those in Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties, the campus is within a reasonable commute, making it a viable option for pre-professional and collegiate dance training. Access to the campus is typically well-managed, with designated parking areas and public transportation options connecting to surrounding communities and major transit hubs. This blend of a dedicated campus environment and proximity to one of the world's dance capitals makes its location ideal for serious dance students.

The Purchase College, SUNY Conservatory of Dance offers a highly selective Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program with a strong emphasis on professional training in various dance disciplines. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and rigorous education, preparing them for diverse careers in the professional dance field.

• Daily Technique Classes: All BFA students engage in daily classes in classical ballet and/or modern or contemporary dance. Placement auditions may be required to determine the appropriate level.
• BFA Concentrations: While all students begin in the dance performance area, at the end of their sophomore year, they may apply for specialized concentrations, including:
  • Ballet: Designed for the serious ballet student, offering the highest level of professional ballet training, including advanced pointe and partnering.
  • Dance Composition (Choreography): A three-year program preceded by a year of improvisation, focusing on the creative process of choreography and culminating in fully produced senior projects.
  • Dance Performance: Continued intensive training focused on developing versatile performers.
  • Dance Production: Provides an understanding of the technical and logistical aspects of dance production, preparing students for roles behind the scenes.
• Extensive Somatic Offerings: The curriculum includes various somatic practices for dancers, such as Pilates, which nurture the whole being and contribute to injury prevention and overall well-being.
• Improvisation: A foundational component that encourages spontaneous movement and creative exploration, enhancing adaptability and artistic expression.
• Music for Dancers: A strong commitment to musical training, with courses exploring shared elements of temporal arts, musicality coaching, score reading, and the historical relationship between music and dance.
• Anatomy for Dancers: Essential coursework providing a deep understanding of the human body's mechanics, crucial for technique, injury prevention, and longevity in a dance career.
• Dance History: In-depth study of the historical evolution and cultural context of dance, enriching students' artistic perspectives.
• Dance Production: Courses covering the practical aspects of staging dance, including lighting, sound, costumes, and stage management.
• Performance Opportunities: Integral to the program, students participate in various performances through the Purchase Dance Company, including major concerts in the Performing Arts Center, student and faculty concerts, and tours.
• Senior Project: A culminating requirement for graduation, where each senior performs a repertory piece and co-produces a concert, showcasing their comprehensive artistic development.
• Academic Rigor: As part of Purchase College, students also complete a liberal arts and sciences curriculum, fostering critical thinking, communication, and a broad range of knowledge.

The Purchase College, SUNY Conservatory of Dance stands out for numerous features and highlights that solidify its reputation as a premier dance institution globally.

• Globally Recognized Excellence: Consistently ranked among the "best dance schools in the world" and "one of the best dance conservatories in the country," its reputation attracts highly talented students and faculty.
• Prominent Faculty and Acclaimed Guest Artists: Students receive instruction from an internationally distinguished faculty and have the unique opportunity to work with acclaimed guest artists and choreographers, providing exposure to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge practices.
• Rigorous Professional Training: The Conservatory provides intensive professional training designed to prepare students for the demands of a career in professional dance, emphasizing both classical foundations and diverse contemporary forms.
• Comprehensive Curriculum with Unique Concentrations: The BFA program offers a comprehensive education that includes not only performance but also specialized concentrations in ballet, dance composition (choreography), and dance production, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals.
• Extensive Performance Opportunities (Purchase Dance Company): Students are an integral part of the Purchase Dance Company, performing major concerts in the state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center, in student/faculty concerts, and on tour in New York City, New York State, and internationally. The company performs a diverse repertoire including works by renowned choreographers like George Balanchine, Merce Cunningham, Ohad Naharin, and Mark Morris, as well as new commissions.
• Focus on Choreographic Voice: The four-year dance composition program encourages students to develop their individual choreographic voices, culminating in fully produced senior projects, a significant advantage for aspiring choreographers.
• Holistic Dancer Development: Beyond physical training, the extensive somatic offerings (like Pilates) and academic components (anatomy, dance history, music) nurture the "whole being," emphasizing health, longevity, and a deep understanding of the art form.
• Proximity to NYC Dance Scene: The campus's location offers a tranquil environment for focused study while providing relatively easy access to the unparalleled professional dance scene and opportunities in New York City.
• Strong Alumni Network: The Conservatory boasts a network of successful alumni who are active as performers, choreographers, educators, and leaders in the dance world (e.g., Kyle Abraham, Rena Butler).
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students train in professional studios and perform in the exceptional venues of the Performing Arts Center on campus.

For more information on programs, admissions, or to learn more about the Purchase College, SUNY Conservatory of Dance, New York residents can use the following contact details:

Address: Lincoln Ave, Purchase, NY 10577, USA

Phone: (914) 251-6000

Mobile Phone: +1 914-251-6000

For New York locals, especially those serious about pursuing a career in dance, the Purchase College, SUNY Conservatory of Dance represents an unparalleled "point of interest." Its global recognition as one of the world's leading dance schools, coupled with its rigorous professional training in diverse styles, comprehensive academic curriculum, and extensive performance opportunities through the Purchase Dance Company, ensures that students receive a truly transformative education. The blend of a focused campus environment and proximity to the vibrant New York City dance scene offers the best of both worlds. Whether an aspiring performer, choreographer, or dance professional, the Conservatory provides the tools, mentorship, and experiences necessary to thrive in the competitive dance world. Choosing Purchase College's Conservatory of Dance means choosing a path to artistic excellence and a profound future in dance, right here in New York.

Purchase College, SUNY Conservatory of Dance

Lincoln Ave, Purchase, NY 10577, USA