Since the program emphasizes the creative process, students who opt to major in theater can do a senior thesis project. To date, all such projects have been an evening of choreography. Another dance option can be created through the Individual Interdisciplinary Majors program. Students also do independent studies in choreography and dance education. Studio courses include modern dance, ballet, African and hip hop.
Advanced students teach jazz and beginning and intermediate ballet to their peers.
Bates dancers have gone on to graduate school in dance as well as a variety of professions from professional dancers, teachers, writers, and historians of dance to doctors, lawyers, and careers in business, education, and social work. In addition to the director, guest faculty are brought in to teach and set pieces on the students so they can experience a variety of styles and points of view. Recent artists have included Michael Foley '89 and Gabe Masson, who danced with Doug Varone, Mark Dendy, and Doug Elkins. Usually, a guest dance company performs on campus once a year. Alvin Ailey, Paul Taylor, Doug Varone, and Mark Morris dance companies have performed within 50 minutes of the campus, allowing students to see a variety of work without having to travel to Boston.