The mission of Utah Valley University Department of Dance is to foster academic and artistic excellence through an intensive technical and reflective study of dance. Anchored in a common core curriculum with several areas of emphasis, our program provides a rich and stimulating environment where students cultivate their technical, aesthetic, creative, and scholarly potential. We value superior teaching, which promotes dance as an artistic and cultural expression that has the power to enrich and transform the individual, community, and society.
The Department of Dance offers three degrees, serving approximately 232 majors in four programs (Modern/Contemporary Dance, Ballet, Dance Education, and Ballroom Dance). A common core curriculum is shared by all programs that reinforces 21st century skills and knowledge in dance and transferable skills and dispositions.
UVU is an engaged teaching institution. Courses are taught by faculty with a focus on facilitating the growth and development of the pre-professional student. Dance major classes are generally small to provide personalized mentoring.
The Department of Dance resides within The Rebecca Lockhart Building and has six spacious studios. The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts provides students with two additional studios that transform into a 175 seat Dance Theatre. In addition, the department now presents its concert season in this new state-of-the-art facility.
Performance opportunities include fully produced formal concerts of eight performance companies as well as informal showings and performances of student and faculty works.
Nationally and internationally recognized guest teaching artists and choreographers are brought to campus yearly to mentor and work with students in all programs.
Performance scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis to outstanding students in the modern/contemporary, ballet, and ballroom programs.
Engaged learning is all about connecting students with professional organizations and opportunities which build bridges to better careers after graduation. Here at UVU, engaged learning is in our DNA. From bringing professional choreographers to campus, to regular collaborations with professional companies like the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Repertory Dance Theatre, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet, dance students have multiple engaged learning opportunities each year. Learn more about engaged learning at The School of the Arts Department of Dance.
"At the UVU Department of Dance, we are dedicated to nurturing your dance potential. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes, not only technical proficiency, but also artistic expression and professional competencies. Through rigorous training, performance opportunities, and collaborative experiences, you will gain the skills and confidence necessary to excel in the dynamic world of dance."
—Jamie A. Johnson, Chair of The Department of Dance
Utah Valley University
Department of Dance, MS 233
800 W. University Parkway
Orem, Utah 84058
Office: (801) 863-8610, Fax: (801) 863-7130
Office Location: LA 022 , Hours: Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Laural Hill, Administrative Assistant: (801) 863-8610, [email protected]
