She is looking for a program with an emphasis on contemporary and choreography where she can also take classes in pedagogy.
When I make the distinction between a “strictly conservatory” and other BFA programs, it’s that she doesn’t want a program that is only performance-oriented (the choreography component is very important) and where she can take a decent number of academic classes–which seems to vary a lot. Some BFA programs (George Mason is one I’m thinking of off the top of my head) specifically describe themselves as combining strong studio training with a liberal arts education, and seem to prioritize growing well-rounded artists.
We are assuming that most BA programs will not have enough studio dance at a level to keep her happy–but at the same time we’ve heard the same can be true of some BFA programs! So it does seem that we have to look at each program individually. We’re going to have a gander at Sarah Lawrence and the New School this spring when we are in NYC to get a feel for the dance programs there.