Dance
Overview
"SIUE has such an amazing dance program. The department has gone above and beyond to ensure my future as a professional dancer. We had so many performance opportunities, as well as professional experiences. Having these opportunities gave me the confidence to enter the workforce knowing I was ready to contribute."
-Rico Velazquez, 2014, “SpongeBob SquarePants” North American Tour
At SIUE, the dance specialization cultivates artistry, creativity and critical thinking in a supportive learning environment. Using a liberal arts approach, students are provided with professional development skills that lead to lifelong careers within the field of dance. Students also complete the necessary coursework to pursue a graduate degree. Our program is known for its small class sizes, individual artistic freedom and emphasis on injury prevention. Along with courses in dance techniques, students can explore courses in:
- Choreography
- Dance pedagogy
- Dance science
- Dance history
- Dance management
Our students have the opportunity to participate in the annual dance intensive; two annual dance productions featuring a student choreographed and produced concert; a faculty, guest artist, and alumni dance concert; a summer musical theater production; and a four-day experimental theater and dance festival in the fall.
The University Dance Company offers students the opportunity of professional performing experience, which most recently includes performances at the Grand Dance Fest, National Dance Week, CommUNITY Arts Festival and the Midwest Dance Festival. This group also attends the American College Dance Association's regional conference each year.
In addition to our regular curriculum, special workshops, guest artists and conferences are available to our students. Our most recent special learning experiences include:
- Master classes and choreography with Sidra Bell, Dance NY
- Master classes and choreography with Chicago Dance Crash
- Master classes and choreography with Jon Lehrer, Dance NY
- Master classes with Luck Plush Dance, Chicago
- Master class/seminar with Rico Velazquez, Diavolo Dance Theater, Los Angeles
The following courses are offered through the dance specialization:
- Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap
- Composition
- Dance History
- Dance Management
- Dance Pedagogy
- Dance Science
- Costume/Lighting/Sound Design
- Stage Management
