LEAP (Liberal Education for Arts Professionals)
LEAP (Liberal Education for Arts Professionals) is an internationally recognized education program specifically designed for current and former professional dancers. Today, with classes offered in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York/New Jersey*, LEAP serves more than 300 current and former professional dancers from leading ballet, modern, and ethnic dance companies as well as musical theater, TV, and film.
Traditionally, a dancer's rigorous training and the professional demands of a full-time dance career didn't allow for an academic education beyond secondary school. It was very difficult to prepare for the career transition that every dancer must face.
Founded in 1999, LEAP makes it possible for these working adults to receive a comprehensive liberal arts education and earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary's College in 3 to 4 years of part-time study. Courses are offered at convenient times and locations and the program's flexibility encourages dancers to pursue individual interests and explore different disciplines. Our alumni have continued on to graduate studies and successful new careers in a variety of fields.
The LEAP program works, and it has changed the world of dance.
*NY courses are offered in partnership with Manhattan College.
