The master of fine arts in dance with an emphasis in choreography and performance is designed for students with an advanced level of modern dance technique. Our MFA program enables students to deepen their work, studying one-on-one with accomplished faculty dancer/choreographers in an environment rich with performance opportunities.

Located in the center of one of the largest and most vibrant dance communities in the country, Mills offers an environment conducive to advanced dance study. Our curriculum includes courses in choreography, history, theory, performance, and technique. MFA candidates in the choreography/performance program participate in the Mills Repertory Dance Company during both years of the program, performing work by luminaries such as Mark Morris, Paul Taylor, and Mills alumnae Trisha Brown and Molissa Fenley. Students have the opportunity to rehearse with renowned choreographers and participate in performances, festivals, and outreach events. MFA candidates can also debut their work at Studio One Performances at the end of the semester, and all MFA students participate in a capstone thesis concert that demonstrates their choreographic projects.

In addition to getting involved in the cutting-edge dance scene in the San Francisco Bay Area, we encourage our students to collaborate with our other distinguished fine arts programs to enhance their performance and choreographic experience and expand the boundaries of modern dance.