Why Iowa?

Iowa Dance is a close-knit creative community, nestled in the heart of a major university, in a vibrant small city that loves the arts and ideas. Guided by nationally respected artist-professors, you'll dance, study, and perform as part of a well-rounded liberal arts and sciences education.

Prepare for any career

Earn your MFA in choreography or performance

Extraordinary artists, scholars, and teachers

Join the Iowa Dance Family

We're a welcoming and supportive community of creators on a campus full of friendly people doing fascinating things. We invite you to train and perform with professors and fellow students who are as passionate about dance as you–and to develop your artistry, your career, and your knowledge of the world.

Write Your Story

You have lots of interests–and we want you to explore them all as part of our Iowa Dance family. As an undergraduate, we'll encourage you to double-major, to transcend disciplinary boundaries, and to build your unique life and career.

Earn your Masters of Fine Arts in Dance

Your MFA in Dance prepares you to take the next step in your professional journey. If you're an expressive, curious, and passionate dancer seeking an immersive education in a creative community through supportive, comprehensive training, we invite you to experience our graduate program.

undergraduate students practicing ballet at barres in Halsey Hall gym

1 ST

university to award MFA degree in the U.S.

undergraduate student Ellie Daley dressed in black dancing on the steps of Catlett Hall. she is linging forward with her arms stretched over her head in the opposite direction and looking back at the camera

12 +

student-led dance concerts and performances each year

1

The only comprehensive Dance Program in Iowa

dancer in Intermediate Jazz dance class. Primary Instructor, Lovar Kidd

64 %

of BA students are double majors

group of BFA students performing onstage

News and announcements

Department of Dance April e-News

Monday, April 28, 2025
Sharing announcements, awards, and accomplishments from Iowa Department of Dance alumni, faculty, and students--including a retirement announcement.

Meeting students where they are in graduate mentorship

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Dance Professor Jennifer Kayle is featured in this story about the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award she received this spring.

CLAS faculty members receive grant for interdisciplinary project focused on the Iowa River

Thursday, April 17, 2025
Stephanie Miracle, an assistant professor in the Department of Dance, is leading a project that will guide the audience through an immersive journey.

Events

DanceWorks Chicago - Summer Intensive / Week 1 promotional image

DanceWorks Chicago - Summer Intensive / Week 1

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 9:00am to 4:30pm
Halsey Hall
WEEK #1Monday, May 199am Meet / Greet / Eat gathering      Breakfast in the Dancer's Garden      UI Dance provides juice, coffee, pastries, fruit9:30am-11:00am Technique Class11:15am-1:15pm Rehearsal1:15pm-2:00pm Lunch break2:00pm-4:30pm RehearsalTuesday-Friday, May 20-23:9:30am-11:00am Technique Class11:15am-1:15pm Rehearsal1:15pm-2:00pm Lunch break2:00pm-4:30pm Rehearsal
DanceWorks Chicago - Summer Intensive / Week 1 promotional image

DanceWorks Chicago - Summer Intensive / Week 1

Thursday, May 22, 2025 9:00am to 4:30pm
Halsey Hall
WEEK #1Monday, May 199am Meet / Greet / Eat gathering      Breakfast in the Dancer's Garden      UI Dance provides juice, coffee, pastries, fruit9:30am-11:00am Technique Class11:15am-1:15pm Rehearsal1:15pm-2:00pm Lunch break2:00pm-4:30pm RehearsalTuesday-Friday, May 20-23:9:30am-11:00am Technique Class11:15am-1:15pm Rehearsal1:15pm-2:00pm Lunch break2:00pm-4:30pm Rehearsal
DanceWorks Chicago - Summer Intensive / Week 1 promotional image

DanceWorks Chicago - Summer Intensive / Week 1

Friday, May 23, 2025 9:00am to 4:30pm
Halsey Hall
WEEK #1Monday, May 199am Meet / Greet / Eat gathering      Breakfast in the Dancer's Garden      UI Dance provides juice, coffee, pastries, fruit9:30am-11:00am Technique Class11:15am-1:15pm Rehearsal1:15pm-2:00pm Lunch break2:00pm-4:30pm RehearsalTuesday-Friday, May 20-23:9:30am-11:00am Technique Class11:15am-1:15pm Rehearsal1:15pm-2:00pm Lunch break2:00pm-4:30pm Rehearsal
DanceWorks Chicago - Summer Intensive / Week 2 promotional image

DanceWorks Chicago - Summer Intensive / Week 2

Monday, May 26, 2025 9:30am to 4:30pm
Halsey Hall
WEEK #2Monday, May 26: Memorial Day9:30am-11:00am Technique Class11:15am-1:45pm Rehearsal2pm-4pm, picnic and tell-it-like-it-is artist talk)      Dancers pack a lunch and gather at IMU AmphitheaterTuesday-Thursday, May 27-29:9:30am-11:00am Technique Class11:15am-1:15pm Rehearsal1:15pm-2:00pm Lunch break2:00pm-4:30pm Rehearsal* Movie Night: Tuesday or Wednesday of this week at 7pmFriday, May 30: Class / rehearsal / tech day      9:30-4:30 Rehearsals and tech at Space Place
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