Sobat UNNES, having talent and passion in the world of dance is a gift. However, when deciding to bring that passion to the university level, many prospective students get trapped in a classic confusion: should I choose Dance Arts (Pure Dance) or Dance Education?
At a glance, both seem similar, studying body movement and aesthetics. In reality, the difference between dance education and dance arts is fundamental. Choosing the wrong major could mean steering your career toward a destination different from your dreams.
Let’s break down the differences!
1. Focus of Curriculum and Learning
The most basic difference lies in the “menu” of courses you will devour every day.
- Dance Arts (Pure)
Here, the main focus is creation and presentation. You are molded to become a professional artist (performer) or a creator of works (choreographer). The curriculum is dominated by deepening dance techniques (traditional/modern), dance composition, performance management, and art criticism. The portion of dance practice is very dominant.
- Dance Education
In this major, you are molded to become an educator and academic. You will still learn dance techniques and move gracefully, but you get “extra weapons” that the pure major does not have: pedagogical sciences. You will study Educational Psychology, Teaching and Learning Strategies, Curriculum, and Learning Evaluation. The goal is to enable you to transfer that dance knowledge to others effectively.
2. Output and Career Prospects
This is the point that most determines your life direction post-campus.
- Dance Arts Graduates
The main target is the creative industry and performance. Relevant careers include professional dancers in dance companies, choreographers, stage managers, or cultural researchers.
- Dance Education Graduates
The scope is broader and institutionally more stable. You are prepared to become an Arts and Culture Teacher (Civil Servant/PNS/PPPK) in formal schools, Lecturers, or Instructors in dance studios, as well as art curriculum developers. However, because you also possess dancing skills, it is entirely possible for education graduates to also become choreographers or performers.
3. Academic Degree
The title you will bear behind your name is also different. Dance Arts graduates usually hold the title S.Sn. (Sarjana Seni) or Bachelor of Arts. Dance Education graduates hold the title S.Pd. (Sarjana Pendidikan) or Bachelor of Education.
Why UNNES Dance Education is a Strategic Choice?
Sobat UNNES, if you want to possess a double advantage (artistic ability as well as teaching ability), then Dance Education is a very smart choice.
This is where the advantage of Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) lies.
We do not just produce teachers who “can dance”, but we produce artists who can educate. UNNES students are equipped with qualified artist-practitioner lecturers and an adaptive curriculum.
Find complete information regarding our curriculum and registration at Universitas Negeri Semarang!




