By Suzy Alstrin
Becoming the first of its kind in Georgia, Reinhardt University launches a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Choreography degree this August. It also becomes one of a small number of low-residency options nationwide for a dance-related MFA. “Providing this opportunity is a big deal,” explains Program Director and Assistant Professor of Dance Jamie Trial. She adds, “The program’s competitive tuition makes it affordable for the thriving dance community in Georgia and across the country.”
The degree prepares students for a variety of careers including as a theatre artistic director, collegiate-level instructor, movement coach for actors, or a dance company manager. Combining an online curriculum with a summer residency provides aspiring choreographers with a means to further their education while continuing their careers. “Our mission is to make earning a Master of Fine Arts accessible to working artists and to provide an encouraging and challenging experience to better equip them to pair research with their creative choreographic practices,” Trial explains.
The program offers a comprehensive exploration of composition, movement analysis, and performance theory. It aims to refine students’ artistic vision and technical expertise while enhancing their teaching philosophies. Trial says it includes expert instruction, “Being remote for much of the year also allows Reinhardt to employ the best of the best as adjunct professors who are working professionals.”
In addition, students benefit from an Institute of the Study of Somatic Communication (ISSC) mentor, who works with them one-on-one during the Fall and Spring semesters, guiding them through the research process and enabling them to earn an ISSC certification.
A ten-day summer residency on the Waleska campus includes attending visiting artists’ workshops and lectures and putting their learning into practice in the studio. More program information and how to apply can be found by clicking HERE.
