Brenau’s Department of Dance offers an uplifting space that fosters creativity and pushes our students toward their artistic goals. We understand the impact dance has on society and culture, and carry this purpose with us both inside and outside the studio. As a dance student, you’ll train rigorously in an empowering, collaborative environment that prepares you to succeed as a creative artist, educator and scholar.

Why Brenau Dance?

  • Perform at multiple venues and shows inside and outside Brenau
  • Choreograph artistic works for the stage
  • Choose from one of six concentrations: advanced ballet, modern dance, dance pedagogy, dance movement therapy (minor), pre-occupational therapy or pre-physical therapy
  • Curate performative experiences for film, galleries, etc. 
  • Work with nationally and internationally recognized guest professional artists 
  • Complete a digital portfolio that will prepare you for your career 
  • Receive a paid internship with a professional dance company or art organization
Janan Mirza posing
Throughout my time at Brenau, the one thing that stood out to me and made my experience unique was the close-knit family created by my professors, colleagues and mentors. With this community, I was able to produce my best work, be authentically myself and make mistakes.
Laila Glover, performing on stage
Brenau gives me the opportunity to learn to love unexpected things. As a dance major, we have guest artists, and you’re able to get experience in different types of dance. I grew up with a classical ballet background. So, going from that to West African, modern and jazz, it’s definitely helped expand my wealth of knowledge of dance.

Upcoming Events

Internships & career development

When you graduate from the Department of Dance, you’ll be prepared to find a fulfilling career in the arts. In your senior year, you’ll create a portfolio, professional website and reel, and receive feedback from industry experts, giving you an advantage in the field.

We also partner with two organizations to offer paid internships to Brenau students.

  • Giordano Dance Chicago (Chicago): The joint collaboration between Brenau and Giordano Dance Chicago strengthens the development of career preparedness of young artists. Those who complete this educational internship learn valuable skills in arts administration and gain experience in observing professional dance rehearsals.
  • Aurora Theatre (Lawrenceville, Ga.): This internship prepares young dancers and choreographers to grow their artistic vision, communication, organization and problem solving skills. Interns complete administrative and production tasks, broadening their understanding of possible careers in the arts, including dance teacher, arts administrators, dance writer or dance business owner.

Learn more about our programs

  • Dance

    Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance

    BFA
  • College of Fine Arts & Humanities, Dance

    Bachelor of Arts in Dance

    Undergraduate / BA

2023-2024 Audition Season Information

Auditions will take place at Brenau East Campus (1001 Chestnut St. Gainesville, GA 30501) on:

  • Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, 9-11 a.m. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, 9-11 a.m. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, March 23, 2024, 9-11 a.m. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

For more information about Auditions, please visit the Dance Auditions page.

Our Faculty & Staff

Contact Us Today

Madia Cooper-Ashirifi
Department Chair of Dance and Associate Professor
770-534-6245
danceinfo@brenau.edu