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The University of Iowa’s Department of Dance has an outstanding national reputation for its high standards and long tradition of excellence in teaching and in creative productions.
In the words of the late choreographer Alwin Nikolais, founder and director of the Nikolais Dance Theatre, “The dance department of The University of Iowa is one of the best in the United States. The program is broad, yet professionally detailed, and handled with very experienced skill. The staff is well equipped to carry on the curriculum and administration with warmth, understanding, and good grace.”
Why
Study Dance at Iowa?
Iowa’s dance program is widely considered one of the top 10 in the country. You’ll discover numerous opportunities to gain experience through 10 to 12 annual student and faculty productions in Space/Place Theater; Dancers in Company, the University dance touring company; and the annual Dance Gala performance in the 2,400-seat Hancher Auditorium.
Each year the department offers guest-teacher residencies that expose its majors to noted teachers, choreographers, and dance artists. Touring companies performing at Hancher add diversity through guest lectures and workshops in the department.
The Division of Performing Arts encourages and promotes interaction and collaboration among its dance, music, and theatre arts departments. Dance majors have opportunities to perform in operas and theater productions as well as joint new productions. This further enhances the exciting arts climate at Iowa.
The Undergraduate Dance Organization plays a vital role in supporting and generating student participation in departmental events.
Faculty
Nine full-time professors specialize in various teaching areas. In the studio area, ballet and modern dance training are equally emphasized. Dance students work closely with the faculty members in their courses and by dancing in faculty dance works. Students also receive individual attention from faculty through performance coaching and student project advising.
Faculty members are nationally recognized and professionally accomplished, remaining active in regional, national, and international dance activities through staging their choreography, teaching, and presenting papers. Also, the department invites some of the finest teachers, artists, and dance companies for guest residencies.
Facilities
The department’s home in Halsey Hall features six technique studios, a media library and classroom, music studio, Pilates lab, and student lounge. Space/Place Theater in North Hall is the department’s 220-seat performance space.
Admission
Admission to this major is selective. Entering first-year students are designated as having an interest in dance for advising assignment and course selection. Students must audition for acceptance to the dance major or minor for technical placement in classes. Four audition dates for entering students are offered each year. For more information about auditions or to submit an audition form, refer to the Department of Dance web site.
Course
Work
The undergraduate major in dance has two options, a BA or BFA degree. Both offer strong liberal arts education and thorough preparation for professional and educational careers.
BA
in Dance
The BA degree program emphasizes a rigorous studio curriculum combined with a broad liberal arts background. Students meet the degree requirements through course work, concert productions, and independent projects. The degree encompasses technical and creative practice, body sciences, theoretical studies in dance, and other areas of inquiry.
The plan of study is made up of the required core courses, studio courses, dance technique, and dance electives. To graduate with the BA, students must complete 50 semester hours (s.h.) in dance courses and two semesters of Major II-level technique (either ballet or modern dance) with a grade of B- or better. A maximum of 50 s.h. in dance courses is accepted toward the 120 s.h. required for graduation.
BFA
in Dance
The BFA degree program emphasizes further immersion in choreography, performance, and technique, and requires completion of 62 s.h. of dance courses. The criteria for acceptance include outstanding commitment, academic capability, advanced technical ability, and exceptional creativity.
Students who have reached the equivalent of Major II-level technique and who show academic and professional promise may be admitted to the BFA program after completing 30 s.h. at The University of Iowa. BFA students are required to maintain a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.50 in dance courses.
BA
in Performing Arts Entrepreneurship
Some students may consider earning a BA in performing arts entrepreneurship. In this degree program, students combine a primary area of study in dance, theatre arts, or music with business course work in entrepreneurial studies. See Performing Arts Entrepreneurship for more information.
Minors
Students wanting to minor in dance must have a placement audition. Those who audition will receive priority on departmental waiting lists for courses. A minor in dance requires 15 s.h. of credit in dance department courses with a GPA of 2.00 or higher. At least 12 s.h. must be in University of Iowa courses numbered 137:100 and above.
Careers
Careers for Iowa’s dance majors include professional work in performing, choreography, education, private teaching, and related areas such as arts management, technical theater, or dance and physical therapy. More than 90 percent of graduates are working in the dance field.
The discipline and creative challenges of dance training also transfer well to other careers. Students have combined dance with a second major in another field such as business or communication.
Scholarships
The dance department has several scholarship offerings. First-year students are eligible for the Iowa Center for the Arts Scholarship, which offers $5,000 to students who demonstrate exceptional talent in their chosen area. Students must submit an application and arrange for an audition.
Also available are the Dance Department Scholarships for dance majors exhibiting talent, potential, and contribution to the department. Refer to the Office of Student Financial Aid for a complete list of available scholarships.
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