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Undergraduate FAQs

What classes are offered for dance majors?

Ballet, modern, pointe, partnering, Pilates, floor barre, contact improvisation, improvisation, choreography, Intro to Dance, Dance History, Dance and Society, kinesiology, run crew, dance production, music fundamentals, and more

What are the classes like?

All major level ballet and modern classes have three professors who teach for five weeks at a time with either a pianist or percussionist for accompaniment. The class sizes range from 10 – 50 students depending on the class and the majority of classes are an hour and twenty minutes.

What is a typical day like for a dance major?

*This is a general schedule with room for change*

Can you double major?

Yes, you can. However, you may run into some class conflicts along the way. So, it's important to plan your semester schedule in advance to make sure all course work for both majors gets completed by graduation.

Can you take dance classes without being a major?

Yes, dance classes are available for all students, but everyone must audition for class placement to be admitted into ballet and modern technique courses at or above, the intermediate level. To register for these classes you must have been placed by audition. Major level dance courses are open to dance minors and others, however students with a declared major will take precedence if a course becomes overfull, followed by dance minors, and then others. Minors and other students must put their names on a waiting list in the Department of Dance office and then attend the first class where they may be admitted into the class upon teacher approval. If you are neither a major nor minor then you can take: ballet, modern and azz with levels ranging from beginning to continuing and intermediate. Afro-Cuban and Contact Improvisation are offered as night classes.

What performance opportunities are available?

Almost every performance is cast by an audition, and students are selected for pieces based upon what the individual choreographer is looking for and the students’ availability. During the fall, performance opportunities include: Afro-Cuban Drum and Dance in October; Dance Gala, our main production in November, and Advanced Choreographic Design and Grad/Undergrad concerts in December. In the spring semester, performance opportunities include: the Faculty/Grad concert in February, thesis concerts in the spring and the Undergraduate Concert in May. There are also other opportunities each semester depending on what choreographers are doing. Also, the University of Iowa’s Dancers in Company, the student performing company for the Department of Dance, tours in the spring semester. Auditions for this are at the beginning of the school year and rehearsals start in November. http://www.uiowa.edu/~dance/performanceopps.htm

http://www.uiowa.edu/~dance/calendar.htm

Do you have guest artists?

Yes, we have guest artists that either the Department of Dance contracts or Hancher Auditorium brings in from their shows. Some examples of the people we have had in the past years are:

What can a degree in dance prepare me for?

Students with a BA in dance focus on the art of dance while gaining a broad liberal arts education within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Those students interested in teaching have taught in dance schools and studios, become artists in residence, and have gone on to work as guest teachers for companies, conferences, or open their own school. Students have also combined their academic interest to become dance reviewers, dance historians, production assistants, or administrators/ managers for theaters and companies. Dancers interested in the science of the body have become physical therapists, massage therapists, Pilates or yoga instructors, and other numerous and various somatic practitioners.

Students with a BFA in dance are prepared for positions in performing and choreographing. Those whose focus has been choreography have worked as guest artists, artistic directors of their own companies, or for theater, dance, or opera organizations.

Where are alumni performing following graduation?

Students have gone on to perform with a wide variety of regional, national, and international companies. Some examples of companies that have placed UI dance alumni are: David Dorfman, Shen Wei, Trisha Brown, Hubbard Street, The Joffrey Ballet, and Cisne Negro to name a few.

What is the difference between the BA and the BFA?

The BA requires 50 semester hours in dance, including 6 hours of ballet and modern technique, however both techniques are encouraged all four years. BA candidates must take three semesters of Majors Ballet II or Majors Modern II with a minimum grade of B- for graduation.

The BFA requires 62 semester hours in dance, including 12 hours of ballet and modern technique, however both technique styles are encouraged all four years. BFA candidates must take three semesters of Major Ballet III or Major Modern III with a minimum grade of a B- for graduation. Also in the BFA students have to take choreography III and have six performance credits.

Can I obtain a teaching certificate in dance?

You can choose to focus on teaching in the arts, however there is no specific certification for a teaching degree in dance.

Who should write my letters of recommendation for the ICA Scholarship?

One letter should come from either a director or teacher of the dance school where you studied and the other should come from your high school counselor.

What type of photo should I include with my ICA Scholarship application?

You should include one headshot for identification purposes.

Can I visit the Department of Dance?

Visitors to the department are welcome to observe classes and visit the department. All major level ballet classes meet from 10 – 11:20a.m. and major level modern classes meet from 12:30 – 1:50p.m. Please check with the office to be directed to the studios.

Please contact Charlotte Adams at charlotte-adams@uiowa.edu to set up an appointment to meet with someone. Also please contact the University Visitors Center to schedule a campus tour at http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/undergrad/visit/index.html

Is there a dorm or residence floor designated for dancers?

Yes. There is the Performing Arts Living & Learning Community for dance majors, theatre majors, and music majors. Please visit the link below:

http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/undergrad/housing/performing-lc.htm