Dance Concentration Overview
The Dance concentration within the BA in Visual and Performing Arts is for students who are passionate about movement, expression, and creative performance. This program combines practical training in various dance styles with courses in dance history, composition, and performance studies. Whether your goal is to perform, teach, or explore choreography, the curriculum provides a solid foundation in both the artistry and theory of dance. Students gain the skills to perform confidently, analyze dance as a cultural and artistic form, and create original works of their own.
Key Aspects of the Program
Our Dance concentration offers students opportunities to study a range of dance techniques—including ballet, modern, jazz, and tap—at multiple levels. With classes in choreography, dance history, and performance, our courses emphasize both technical training and creative exploration. Students can showcase their skills through participation in the UTDance Ensemble, a dynamic performance group that collaborates with renowned choreographers and performs original works. The program’s interdisciplinary approach also allows students to broaden their studies through courses in other arts disciplines.
Career Paths with a Degree in Dance
Graduates of the Dance concentration emerge with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing them for careers in performance, choreography, arts education, and beyond. The program equips students to adapt to the evolving dance industry, giving them experience with technique, collaboration, and creative production. Whether performing on stage, teaching in classrooms, or contributing to artistic organizations, our students leave with the confidence and skills needed to thrive in the professional world.
Dance Careers
Actor, arts administrator, choreographer, dancer, dance educator, dance therapist, performer, teacher
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Dance Program Options
BA in Visual and Performing Arts – Dance Concentration
Fact Sheet
Related Minors
Dance Courses
Our dance curriculum includes courses at various levels, allowing students to progress from foundational techniques to advanced performance and choreography. Classes are offered in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theatre dance, alongside courses in dance history, composition, and conditioning. Students also have the opportunity to join performance ensembles, showcasing their skills and creativity in professional-level concerts and collaborations.
Opportunities for Involvement
UT Dallas dancers and choreographers can audition for the UTDance Ensemble, a performance group that collaborates with professional choreographers and peers. Ensemble performers immerse themselves in a dynamic environment where they not only refine their skills with advanced training, but also create original works, participate in a residency program, and attend American College Dance Association Regional Festivals. The UTDance Ensemble requires enrollment in Advanced Topics in Dance (DANC 3342). Interested dancers can email Micki Saba for audition details.
UTD’s Dance Residency Program invites renowned choreographers to collaborate with our ensemble, culminating in a full-length concert featuring both students and professionals. Through this immersive experience, ensemble members gain professional-level training, composition and performance opportunities, and exposure to the broader dance community.
Dance ensemble benefits may include:
- Technique and conditioning
- Composition and performance opportunities
- Residency program
- American College Dance Association Regional Festivals
- Learning historical aspects of dance
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Minoring in Dance
The Dance minor allows students from any academic field to develop their passion for dance. With a focus on both theory and artistic practice, the minor includes courses in technique, composition, performance, and dance history, providing a well-rounded dance education to complement any major.
See if you are eligible to apply for the Choral Arts Scholarship and learn about our music legacy at UT Dallas.