Audition
Dates

Full Schedule >>

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 to four professors who teach for five weeks at a time with either a pianist or percussionist providing live accompaniment. The class sizes range from 10 – 50 students depending on the studio size and the majority of classes are one hour and twenty minutes in length. The UI Department of Dance maintains a very strict class attendance policy.

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 may register for: ballet, modern, and jazz 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://dance.uiowa.edu/performance_opportunities/index.shtml

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 hosted 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 moved 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 degrees in Dance?

The BA degree requires 50 semester hours in dance including six semester hours of ballet and six semester hours of modern technique, however both techniques are encouraged all four years. BA candidates must take two semesters of Majors Ballet II or Majors Modern II with a minimum grade of B- for graduation. The BA also requires 3 additional semester hours of Anatomy & Physiology class.

The BFA degree requires 75 semester hours in dance, including 14 semester hours of ballet and 14 semester hours of modern technique, however both technique styles are encouraged all four years. BFA candidates must take three semesters of Major Ballet III or Major Modern IV and earn a minimum grade of a B- prior to graduation. BFA students are also required to complete Choreography III and six dance performance credits. The BFA includes additional advanced level coursework in either ballet or modern pedagogy, an advanced history or theory course, or Choreography IV and one independent choreography project. BFA students culminate their experience with Senior Projects in choreography or performance. The Senior Project may also be taken for honors credit. Like the BA, the BFA also requires 3 additional semester hours of Anatomy & Physiology class.

May I obtain a teaching certificate in dance?

Students may choose to focus on teaching in the arts, however there is no specific certification for a teaching degree in Dance at The University of Iowa.

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

At least one letter should come from either a director or teacher of the dance school where you studied and at least one letter should come from a high school guidance counselor, teacher, or mentor.

Do I need to send an official high school transcript directly to the UI Department of Dance?

Yes. An official transcript is required when applying for the ICA Scholarship.

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 proper studios. Please contact Charlotte Adams, Undergraduate Director for Dance at charlotte-adams@uiowa.edu to set up an appointment.

To schedule an official University of Iowa campus tour, please contact the University Visitors Center at: http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/undergrad/visit/index.html

You may also contact UI Admissions for additional information at: admissions@uiowa.edu

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

Where can I obtain information regarding the Iowa Dance Team?

For information regarding the Iowa Dance Team, please visit the following website: http://www.hawkeyesports.com/sports/c-spirit/iowa-c-spirit-body.html