Dance
The Barnard College Department of Dance, located in a world dance capital, offers an interdisciplinary program that integrates the study of dance within a liberal arts setting of intellectual and creative exploration. Making, thinking about, and writing about art are an essential part of the liberal arts education. For this reason, the Department of Dance offers technique courses for students of all levels of expertise, while opening its other courses to majors and non-majors alike, who may also audition for its productions. The Department partners with cultural institutions in New York City to connect students with the professional world.
The major builds upon studio courses, the Department's productions at Miller Theater, New York Live Arts, and other venues, as well as a rich array of dance studies courses, allowing students' creative work to develop in dialogue with critical inquiry into the history, culture, and theory of theatrical and global dance forms and performance, typically enhanced by study in other disciplines. Students work with accomplished artists whose work enriches contemporary American dance; they also study with outstanding research scholars.
Fall 2026 Block Schedule, Courses, & Rehearsal & Performance/NYLA Fall 2026
Going forward, the portal will be the primary place for schedule updates and announcements, so we recommend bookmarking it and checking in regularly.
Our Faculty
FAQ
The Barnard College Department of Dance is the center for performance and research for all of Columbia University. All current Barnard, Columbia College or General Studies students may participate in the Department’s academic and artistic programming at any level – from beginner to advanced – and whether you are a major or not. Unlike other university dance departments, Barnard does not require its students audition to enroll in department courses or to declare a Dance major or minor. During the first week of each semester, Instructors will assess all students in studio/technique classes to ensure they are enrolled in the appropriate class level. The only formal audition the Department holds is for students interested in being cast in Department concerts. Audition information is announced here.
The Department regularly hosts virtual information sessions (typically in July, October, and April) for prospective and admitted students. This is the best forum for you to hear about Department programming and to ask current faculty and students questions. Please send an email to dance@barnard.edu if you wish to be notified of the next virtual information session.
Prospective students should address questions about applications and campus visits to the appropriate admissions offices at Barnard and/or Columbia. Though Barnard and Columbia offer campus tours, the Department of Dance does not currently allow prospective students to observe dance classes nor does its faculty meet individually with prospective students. Please do not write to Dance faculty with inquiries nor send them resumes or links to performances. Faculty are not involved in admissions decisions and are unable to review or otherwise advise on your application. Please address all application questions directly to the appropriate admissions officer.
Admitted/incoming students may address questions to dance@barnard.edu
Contact Us
General Inquiries
Karen Arciola
karciola@barnard.edu
Prospective Student Inquiries
Marjorie Folkman
mfolkman@barnard.edu
Space Inquiries
Tim Cryan
tcryan@barnard.edu