Careers with a contemporary dance degree
Studying contemporary dance means discovering and defining your own aesthetic, methods and creative processes. You’ll focus on choreography within a social context, drawing from contemporary dance practices in an inclusive, collaborative studio led by artist-researchers.
What can I do with my degree? Contemporary Dance leads to roles in performance and creation, teaching, artistic production, media and research across the broader creative sector.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Generate original movement, structure phrases and create choreography with intent, form and dynamics.
Communication:
Lead warm-ups, workshops and community classes with clear, accessible instruction and inclusive training practices.
Management and organization:
Set the creative vision and plan the production, defining theme, movement, music, cast size, space and technical needs.
Teamwork:
Collaborate with musicians, lighting designers and stage managers, ensuring everything works smoothly from first rehearsal to final performance.
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Solve spacing, cueing, and lighting challenges quickly, while adapting choreography for the stage or camera.
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Get support organizing your busy schedule at the Time Management Clinic.
- Join the Dance Students Association or explore other student groups and initiatives that interest you.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation practice.
- Check out festivals like the Festival TransAmérique, Studio 303, Théâtre aux Écuries or Vous Êtes Ici.
- Discover your new creative home in the department’s studio facilities.
- Browse the CAPS online job bank for opportunities to gain work experience.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.
- Enrich your global perspective by studying abroad for an academic term.
- Step into the spotlight at one of the department’s performance showcases.
- Join the community-based internship program to drive meaningful change while building professional skills.
- Get paid work experience and tackle real-world challenges with District 3’s 12-week summer residency program.
Final year
- Explore faculty-driven research in movement science, media and technology and interdisciplinary collaborations.
- Help make campus greener at Concordia.
- Prepare to showcase your portfolio or pitch your independent practice with storytelling and entrepreneurship bootcamps from FutureBound.
- Explore leadership opportunities in the Dance Students Association.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Minors & elective groups
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or elective group.
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional associations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
Job banks
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
