Dance in Paris Semester Program
The Dance in Paris Semester Program is on hiatus for the 2026/2027 academic year with plans to return for the Spring Semester 2028.
Please contact the program director, Michael Foley (mcf@usf.edu), with any questions regarding the Semester Program.
Since 2016, the USF Dance in Paris Semester Program (USF/DPSP) has been a significant contribution toward providing an immersive study abroad opportunity for dance majors. The USF/DPSP distinguishes USF as the only American university to offer a fully accredited study abroad program specifically geared toward university-age dancers where students earn academic credits in dance technique, theory, and creative practice, which contribute directly toward their respective dance degrees. The USF/DPSP is also an opportunity for dance majors to expand their historical, cultural, and performance-based knowledge through exposure to the rich tradition of dance in the French capital over the course of one semester. The goal of the USF/DPSP is to facilitate the edification of the student global artist/scholar through the lens of dance in the city of Paris, and by extension, the society in which we all live.
The Dance Program at USF expanded the parameters of its curriculum by offering students
a unique semester program of study in Paris starting in 2016, in addition to their
dedicated summer program. Directed by USF Dance faculty member Michael Foley, co-directed
by celebrated dancer/choreographer, Wanjiru Kamuyu, and led by a world-class faculty
of dance professionals, the USF Dance in Paris Semester Program is an altogether different
kind of semester-long opportunity for serious dancers and choreographers to live,
dance and study in one of the world鈥檚 greatest cities. The curriculum, as well as
the multitude of performances and excursions included in the program鈥檚 offerings,
present an opportunity for dance majors to expand their historical, cultural, and
performance-based knowledge through exposure to the rich tradition of dance in the
French capital, and immerse themselves in a vibrant European dance culture.
The USF Dance in Paris Semester Program features studio classes in a range of genres
(contemporary, ballet, yoga, Gaga, Forsythe- based, West African, improvisation, Bodyweather,
and house, among others), as well as extended choreography workshops and historical
lectures taught by both Western and non-Western dancers and choreographers of distinction,
thereby exposing students to the contemporary Continental dance lexicon as it relates
to their own experience.
As Paris is one of the world鈥檚 capitals of art and culture, students visit the sites
of some of history鈥檚 greatest dance events, including The Paris Opera and Versailles,
and students will also take full advantage of the city鈥檚 many museums and music venues,
as well as those areas unique to the everyday life of the city, such as its caf茅s
and the metro.
Students attend over 25 concerts and events by an eclectic range of artists from around
the world not usually seen in the U.S., providing inspiration for their own choreography
as well contextualizing historical trends in performance. In 2025, students saw live
performances by The Paris Opera Ballet, as well as performances of works by Hofesh
Shecter, Emmanuel Gat, Pina Bausch, Sharon Eyal, Mourad Merzouki, Amala Dianor, and
Mats Ek, among many others.
The program also features two excursions to Berlin and Amsterdam to work closely with
major choreographers and their choreographic process, as well as to gain new creative
perspectives in other European cities.