Introduction to the Major
Students in the Dance and Performance Studies major will engage with dance on physical, intellectual, and aesthetic levels, growing not only as performers but also as artists, thinkers, makers, viewers, and participants in the artistic event. The practical focus of the major is on the performance and choreography of contemporary dance and dance theater. Equally important is the study of theater and dance theory, history, culture, and literature.
Many of our graduates have gone on to careers in professional dance companies. Other students have gone on to graduate study in a wide variety of arts-related fields and have developed careers in universities, nonprofits, and professional fields in health care, education, and business.
“Embrace the dynamic journey, the interdisciplinary creativity, and most importantly, the supportive community of TDPS. This is your invitation to explore, discover, and thrive!”
- Gilberto Martinez Martinez, Dance & Performance Studies Major
Additional Opportunities
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Already have an intended major but interested in Dance and Performance Studies? Consider adding DPS as a double major or a minor
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As either a major or minor in Dance and Performance Studies, you will study with nationally and internationally known faculty respected for their scholarly research and creative work.
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The dance training and academic courses offered by our department are rigorous and geared toward the student who is interested in learning about dance and performance from multiple perspectives.
Amplify Your Major
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Get involved in student-led performance groups and our annual dance concert where students perform in faculty and guest-artist repertory pieces.
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Attend a myriad of diverse and exciting events including lectures, workshops, and performances.
- Bring together your undergraduate experience with an Advanced Study Opportunity (Capstone)
First Year
Explore Your Major
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Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
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Review major and college requirements
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Take THEATER 60: Introduction to Technical Theater and Production as soon as you can to get involved in department shows.
Connect and Build Community
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Get 1:1 mentoring with Berkeley Connect
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Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center
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Attend all productions in the department.
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Attend TDPS Welcome Back Celebration in August for prospective and returning students.
Discover Your Passions
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Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar or student-run DeCal course
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Add zest to your curriculum — take courses you never imagined taking.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
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Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center
- Explore study, internship, and research abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library
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Develop a plan for getting career ready.
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Set up a Handshake account and sign up for CareerMail
- Explore career fields in the Career Connections Networking Series.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
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Talk to TDPS peer advisors about options and possibilities in the major.
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Complete the lower division prerequisites and declare the major
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Start talking about ideas for an Honors Project or Thesis (THEATER H195A/B).
Connect and Build Community
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Join a performing arts groups on campus like AFX Dance or Dancework
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Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
- Sign up for the TDPS email list and start attending department events.
Discover Your Passions
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Take a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas Course or Discovery Course
- Assist faculty in their research through URAP to prepare you to do your own research project.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Contribute to a community organization with an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course
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Go on a service-learning trip with the Alternative Breaks Program
- Teach theater and promote the arts in local schools through the CREATE program.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator
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Shadow alumni through an externship
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Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
- Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
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Focus on upper division requirements
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Review your degree progress with your major and college advisor
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Ask your major advisor about Advanced Study Opportunities (Capstones)
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Take online summer courses like THEATER 117AC or 118AC to free up time your final year.
Connect and Build Community
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Give back by becoming a TDPS peer advisor
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Work with peers and graduate students in HUM 196: Mentored-Research and Discovery Groups
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Share your ideas with the department for future events, shows, and guest speakers.
Discover Your Passions
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Interested in joining a production? Check out the TDPS Callboard for calls and audition information.
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Pitch your idea for teaching a DeCal course in the department next year.
- Planning a senior thesis or project? Apply to the Haas Scholars Program or SURF.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program
- Intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital or in Sacramento with UCCS.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Learn about career fields and conduct informational interviews with people in those fields.
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Discuss graduate school options with advisors and professors.
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Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Attend career and graduate school fairs.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
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Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Complete any “bucket list” courses.
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Finish remaining major, college, and campus requirements
- Complement your major with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor.
Connect and Build Community
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Get support for your Honors Thesis or Honors Project in the Townsend Honors Thesis Workshop
- Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
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Bring together your undergraduate experience with an Advanced Study Opportunity (Capstone)
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Curious about entrepreneurship? Enroll in HUM120: Entrepreneurship for All
- Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders Program
- Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Utilize job board tools in your job search
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Ask professors and graduate student instructors for recommendation letters.
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Attend Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting
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Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
Jobs and Employers
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3D Film Production Asst., LBNL
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Adjunct Faculty, Monterey Peninsula CC
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Art Manager, Trinity Repertory Co.
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Coordinator, SF Opera
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Dancer, LevyDance Company
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Dancer, Washington Commanders (NFL)
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EMT, ProTransport 1
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Filmmaker
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Instructor, Alameda School of Music
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Marketing Asst., Joe Goode Group
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Member, San Francisco Ballet
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Software Engineering Intern, Zillow
Graduate Programs
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Dance, Masters - Mills College
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Drama & Theater Arts, Masters - American Cons. Theater
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Journalism, Masters - Columbia Univ.
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Social Sciences, Masters - UC Berkeley
Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit tdps.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
Students can email the Undergraduate Academic Advisor at laxmik@berkeley.edu to schedule an in-person or online appointment.
Advising Drop-In Hours
Tuesday & Thursday, 1:30-4:30pm.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
