Why major in Dance at KU?

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 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 also 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.

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

The department of Dance is committed to providing every student with the tools necessary to create their own path towards a career in dance. For those interested in performing within a professional company, we encourage participation in professional training intensives and offer travel grants to support these essential experiences. For those who wish to open a studio and build a career in teaching dance, the department will assist in obtaining internships at teaching facilities. Many dancers pursue advanced degrees in Dance Therapy, Physical Therapy, Medicine, or Law. These dancers also receive individualized advising to ensure appropriate prerequisite courses are taken and key internship positions are obtained prior to graduation.

The department of Dance is also please to offer a custom-designed course in arts administration which provides dancers with the necessary skills to navigate their career trajectories: audition skills, resume writing, budgets, grants, marketing, creating a small business, and more.

There ARE careers for dancers, and the department of Dance is committed to helping students obtain them.