Department of Dance

Why major in Dance at KU?

Professor Michelle Heffner Hayes, Chair of KU's Department of Dance, speaks about studying dance at KU: Watch the video.

World class faculty

You will train daily with nationally and internationally recognized faculty. Students receive one-on-one attention, from individual advising sessions to the mentorship process for a practicum in teaching and the creation of a senior project.

Performance opportunities

As an undergraduate-only program, KU provides offers experience in dancing principal roles from the moment you walk in the door! Students audition and are cast by choreographers each semester for performance in the University Dance Company concerts. Students have the opportunity to create and perform their own work in the New Dance concerts at the end of each semester.

Integrated training

We produce well-rounded dancers who can perform in any genre. Students receive core instruction in ballet, modern dance and jazz, but they are also required and encouraged to take courses in classical Indian dance, flamenco, musical theatre and African dance. Course Descriptions.

Option of BA or BFA

A BA in dance offers comprehensive technical training built on a solid liberal arts foundation, which allows our students to double-major or to pursue graduate study in any number of fields. The BFA focuses on technical training and preparation for a career in professional performance. An audition is required for entry in the BFA program. The BA does NOT require an audition for entry. Instead, students must complete an evaluation at the end of their sophomore year to complete the degree program.

Connections to professional companies

Through our unique Choreography Fellowship program, students have the opportunity to audition for and perform with professional choreographers in the field. These guest artists spend two weeks in intensive training and rehearsal with our students as they set work on our University Dance Company. These connections lead to professional dance opportunities upon graduation! Also, companies featured at the Lied Center of Kansas frequently offer master classes for our students while they are on tour..

Career guidance

Yes, you CAN earn a living in dance! We offer you the tools to create your own path. If you want to perform with a professional company, we recommend that you to participate in professional training intensives from your first year, and offer travel grants to support those experiences. If you see yourself teaching in a studio, we will help you to obtain an internship at an excellent teaching facility. Dancers who want to pursue graduate study in dance therapy, physical therapy, medicine, law or other areas are individually advised to take the appropriate prerequisite courses and obtain key internship positions prior to graduation. Our custom-designed course in arts administration provides dancers with the necessary skills to navigate their career trajectories: audition skills, resume writing, budgets, grants, marketing, creating a small business, and more! Information about our alumni