Performance Opportunities

Students in the KU Department of Dance have two opportunities to perform each semester through the University Dance Company and New Dance.

The University Dance Company is a pre-professional performance ensemble, accepting members by audition only. Students rehearse approximately four hours a week per piece for three months prior to the performance. Dancers perform at the Lied Center of Kansas, one of the most prestigious performing arts venues in the country. University Dance Company concerts feature choreography by faculty members and guest artists in modern, ballet, jazz, tap, flamenco, East Indian and other dance forms. Occasionally, outstanding student choreography is featured in the program. For a list of guest artists who have set work on the University Dance Company, please see the Guest Artists page.

New Dance is a showcase for student work. Choreographic studies and senior projects are featured in this concert, as well as work by student dance groups. Dance faculty advise and approve choreographic studies and senior projects. Artists from other disciplines like theatre, music or visual arts are also encouraged to submit work. Anyone who would like to enter a work for consideration in the program should audition the piece at least one month in advance of the performance dates each semester. Performance dates fall the week prior to the last week of classes. For more information contact the dance office at 785-864-4264 or kudance@ku.edu.

Dance students also have opportunities to perform in School of Music and Department of Theatre productions. Last December, students performed in the School of Music's annual Vespers at KU's Lied Center and Yardley Hall on the campus of Johnson County Community College. This April they will perform in a new Department of Theatre/School of Music production of Englebert Humperdinck's Hansel & Gretel. Performances will be April 29, May 1, 3, 4, 7, 8 in Crafton-Preyer Theatre on campus.