"As a faculty member in UVU's Department of Dance, I've seen firsthand how our students gain a unique edge in the dance world. Through dedicated practice, supportive mentorship, a collaborative atmosphere, and diverse performance opportunities, they develop a depth of skill and artistry that sets them apart from their peers at other universities. Our students develop not only as dancers but as individuals. It is immensely rewarding to witness their journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration."
—Sarah Donohue, Department of Dance Faculty & Associate Chair
4
Bachelor
Degrees
Receive a Dance BFA (120 credits) or Dance Education BS (125 credits) in as little as 8 semesters (4 years)!
1
Associate
Degree
Receive a Dance AS (60 credits) in as little as 4 semesters (1.5–2 years)!
1
Certificate
Program
Receive a Ballroom Dance Certificate of Proficiency (19 credits) in as little as 2 semesters (1 year)!
Students interested in pursuing a degree in dance can choose from the following degree paths: AS Pre-Major in Dance; BFA in Dance with an emphasis in Ballet or Modern/Contemporary Dance; BS in Dance with an emphasis in Ballroom Dance, Commercial Dance, or Pre-Dance Therapy; and BS in Dance Education. A variety of student, pre-professional, and professional companies within the department provide excellent local, national, and international performing opportunities for students in formal and informal as well as adjudicated settings.
The Department of Dance understands the importance of dance as a means of self and cultural expression for all students. The department has a variety of courses available to all students. Come dance with us!
The BFA in Dance with an emphasis in Ballet at Utah Valley University offers a rigorous program grounded in technique, performance, and choreography that is approached through a historical, somatic, scientific, and theoretical lens. The common core curriculum provides a broad knowledge base that supports the Ballet Program’s specialized courses.
Performance opportunities include - Repertory Ballet Ensemble (RBE), a pre-professional performing ensemble that has earned a notable reputation for their presentation of classical and contemporary choreography, and Senior Capstone concerts, which culminate students’ learning. The UVU Ballet Program provides ongoing opportunities for students to work with national and international guest artists. In addition, opportunities exist for students to participate in academic conferences and regional festivals, such as the American College Dance Association Conference, the Utah Conference of Undergraduate Research, and the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.
The Modern/Contemporary Dance Program in UVU’s Department of Dance is a rigorous program that provides dance training for BFA students with a strong foundation in technique and choreography. This daily physical practice merges with serious scholarly study of dance in its historical, somatic, theoretical, scientific, pedagogical, and cultural contexts. The rigorous course study of the BFA in Modern/Contemporary Dance prepares the next generation of dance artists and scholars for myriad career opportunities. The Modern/Contemporary Dance Program provides opportunities for students to work with nationally and internationally recognized guest artists on a yearly basis, to participate in study abroad programs, and to work alongside faculty mentors in scholarly and creative research.
Performance opportunities include Contemporary Dance Ensemble (CDE), a pre-professional level modern dance company and upper division course; Synergy Dance Company, which produces student and guest artist work in concert; and Senior Capstone Concerts. The Modern/Contemporary Program participates annually in the American College Dance Association conference and has been selected to perform at the national festival held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Dance majors also participate in several academic conferences and regional festivals including the Utah Conference of Undergraduate Research and the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.
Students graduating from the UVU Modern/Contemporary Dance Program are prepared to enter the world as artists, teachers, performers, choreographers, critical thinkers, problem solvers, and engaged human beings.
The UVU Ballroom Program promotes access to and appreciation for ballroom dance through its courses, performances, and outreach. Majors and non-majors alike are integrated in the courses and performances which create a vibrant learning environment. The BS in Dance: Ballroom Dance emphasis, offers students a broad foundation in dance through its core class requirements, with a specialization in Ballroom Dance. Specialized courses include International Ballroom, Latin, and American styles of ballroom technique, as well as instruction in choreography, ballroom styles, and pedagogy.
Performance opportunities include participation with the Ballroom Company, comprised of the Tour Team, the Back-Up Tour Team, Intermediate and Beginning Teams, and Capstone Concerts. Students have the opportunity to compete and perform in regional, national, and international competitions both as individual couples and as a team.
The UVU Department of Dance - Commercial Dance track offers a dynamic and engaging exploration of Africanist-derived movement forms. Students will discover the vibrant worlds of jazz, tap, and hip hop, examining these styles from historical, theoretical, and technical perspectives. Through a balanced combination of coursework and practical experience, students will develop a strong foundation in dance technique and performance. By participating in various department companies, including Esprit d.c. Hip Hop crew and Rhythmic Tap Company, students will gain valuable opportunities to showcase their skills and prepare for a successful career in fields such as choreography, dance education, entertainment, or professional dance companies.
The UVU Department of Dance’s Pre-Dance Therapy track offers a unique and enriching exploration of dance as a therapeutic tool. Students will delve into a variety of courses, including somatics, kinesiology, and psychology, to gain a deep understanding of the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of dance. This knowledge will provide a foundation for students to pursue careers in areas such as dance therapy, physical therapy, or rehabilitation. Additionally, the pre-dance therapy track can serve as a valuable steppingstone to advanced degrees in fields like occupational therapy, counseling psychology, or social work. This program is ideal for individuals with a passion for dance and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others through the therapeutic power of movement.
The Dance Education program is dedicated to preparing students to teach, create, and perform dance at the highest level. Students participate in a rigorous Bachelor’s of Science degree program focused on developing exceptional dance artists and teachers dedicated to the art, craft, creativity, and teaching of dance.
Students are encouraged to become part of the dance and education communities through interactions with guest artists, workshops, and conferences (regional, national, and international).
Rigorous coursework includes various dance techniques, choreography, performance, dance history, world dance, kinesiology, somatic studies, pedagogy, music, and production. Students receive their secondary certification with an option to receive their elementary endorsement in dance. Dance Education majors have numerous career options which may include public and private school settings, private studios, community centers, and higher education. Students are able to pursue both the BFA in Modern/Contemporary Dance and a BS in Dance Education.
Performance opportunities include Contemporary Dance Ensemble (CDE), a pre-professional level modern dance company and upper division course; Synergy Dance Company, which produces student and guest artist work in concert; and Senior Capstone Concerts. The Dance Education Program participates annually in the festival of the American College Dance Association, and has been selected to perform at the national festival held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. In addition, it also participates in several academic conferences and regional festivals including the Utah Conference of Undergraduate Research and the National Conference of Undergraduate Research.
Will the Dance Education degree meet the educational requirements for the professional credential in the state or US territory you might choose to live during or after completing your UVU degree? Visit the UVU Professional Licensure website to learn more!
The Associate of Science in Dance is a two-year pre-major degree that provides students with basic foundational knowledge and skills in dance. Students are engaged in an array of courses which include Modern/Contemporary Dance, Ballet and Jazz technique, improvisation, composition, dance conditioning, and somatic studies. Students pursuing the Bachelor degrees will also fulfill the requirements of the AS degree and are eligible to apply for it at graduation.
The Certificate of Proficiency in Ballroom Dance promotes access to an appreciation for ballroom dance, and provides rigorous instruction in ballroom dance technique. This program focuses on performance skills and teaching methods of ballroom dance, and prepares students to enter the field of ballroom dance as artists, teachers, choreographers, critical thinkers, problem solvers, and engaged human beings.
"Since graduating, I have performed with local project-based dance companies, founded my own dance company, and I have been offered training positions with various companies including SALT Contemporary Dance and DIAVOLO: Architecture in Motion. If it weren't for UVU's engaged learning opportunities, I don't think I would have known how many paths my career in dance could take."
—Whitney Collins, Modern Dance Graduate
Due to the nature of the coursework, Dance students should expect studio courses to have nine contact hours for three credits. This follows the national guidelines of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). Additionally, USHE institutions also follow this pattern. This ensures that students have sufficient contact with professors to help them fulfill the program learning outcomes for their degrees. Outside work will also be required of students as per the Class Periods/Credits section of Academic Policies and Standards in the UVU Catalog. For Lab courses, students may expect one hour of outside work per week for every two contact hours.
