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

Dance BFA Concert promotional image

Dance BFA Concert

Thursday, May 8, 2025 8:00pm
Space Place Theater
BFA ConcertAll performances are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served.
Digital Graffiti showing promotional image

Digital Graffiti showing

Thursday, May 8, 2025 10:15pm
Theatre Building
Part of Iowa New Play FestivalThursday, May 8, 2025 - approximately 10:15 p.m., immediately after salt tongue 9 p.m. performanceFriday, May 9, 2025 - approximately 10:15 p.m., immediately after The Words of Ants 9 p.m. performanceUI Theatre Building Lawn - in front of the main entrance on the river sideThe world has seen the dazzling delights of digital artwork projection mapped onto some of the most iconic buildings: the Empire State Building, the Sidney Opera House... even our own Old Capitol...
Dance BFA Concert promotional image

Dance BFA Concert

Friday, May 9, 2025 8:00pm
Space Place Theater
BFA ConcertAll performances are free and open to the public. Seating is first come, first served.
Digital Graffiti showing promotional image

Digital Graffiti showing

Friday, May 9, 2025 10:15pm
Theatre Building
Part of Iowa New Play FestivalThursday, May 8, 2025 - approximately 10:15 p.m., immediately after salt tongue 9 p.m. performanceFriday, May 9, 2025 - approximately 10:15 p.m., immediately after The Words of Ants 9 p.m. performanceUI Theatre Building Lawn - in front of the main entrance on the river sideThe world has seen the dazzling delights of digital artwork projection mapped onto some of the most iconic buildings: the Empire State Building, the Sidney Opera House... even our own Old Capitol...
View more events