In the Department of Dance, students find rigorous dance training and academic preparation and the flexibility and support needed to pursue individual interests and career paths.  Dance is an open access program, committed to equity and inclusion. The curriculum develops students’ performance, creative, critical, and collaborative abilities, preparing them with skills to enter dance and related professions.  Faculty are diverse in their perspectives and trainings and innovative leaders in performance, choreography, dance scholarship, teacher training, and community engagement.  Our professional advisors help students navigate double majors and minors.  Dance study is enhanced by state-of-the-art facilities; the interdisciplinary nature of our College of the Arts + Architecture; study abroad opportunities; and the activities of a vibrant campus and the bustling, arts-minded city of Charlotte.  The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.

Degree Programs

The Department of Dance awards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance.  All students receive a well-rounded experience of dance while concentrating in one of three areas:

1. Applied Dance
2. Performance, Choreography, and Theory
3. Dance Education with preparation for North Carolina K-12 Fine and Performing Arts, Dance Teacher licensure

Students who have diverse backgrounds and interests are highly valued for what they bring to the dance program.  Dance advisors and faculty work carefully with students to create plans of study that suit individual needs.

Technique courses include classical ballet, modern dance, contemporary dance, hip hop, jazz, West African, African-Brazilian, and classical Indian dance.  Students work with guest artists, faculty, and other students to perform in a 360-seat theatre, studio theatre, and in dance for the camera works.  Dance student organizations perform and organize events in the department. Students’ individual interests are nurtured through mentored projects  Students participate in faculty research projects on and off campus.  Field studies include travel across the Southeast and to New York City to study and perform and study abroad dance programs in the United Kingdom and in Italy.

Students have access to internships, major arts and education institutions such as Charlotte Ballet and Blumenthal Performing Arts, and to professional touring artists.  Alumni have varied careers, among them professional concert or commercial dancer, choreographer, K-12 educator, studio owner, college professor, community arts organizer, arts administrator, arts writer, arts marketer, dance therapist, and physical therapist.

The Department of Dance offers dance scholarships and work opportunities.  Students attend summer programs on scholarship, including Martha Graham and Paul Taylor intensives and American Dance Festival.

Programs

• Dance, Applied Dance Concentration, B.A.
• Dance, Dance Education Concentration, B.A.
• Dance, Performance, Choreography, and Theory Concentration, B.A.

• Dance, Minor

• Advanced Dance Studies, Undergraduate Certificate
• Dance, Professional Training, Undergraduate Certificate