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

X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week 2026

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Free Week returns for its second year from February 16 – 22, 2026, transforming Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District into a weeklong celebration of creativity, community, and connection.

Meandering River — a cross-campus collaboration

Sunday, December 21, 2025
Dance Assistant Professor Stephanie Miracle was a key collaborator in the project, which brought together academics and artists from across campus to engage the Iowa City community to expand and challenge perceptions of the Iowa River.

Iowa Dance Festival to return for the start of the holiday season

Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Dance Associate Professor Eloy Barragan co-directs the festival with 2022 Dance BFA grad Emily Trapnell.

Events

Hawkeye Dance Day promotional image

Hawkeye Dance Day

Friday, February 13, 2026 8:30am to 4:00pm
Halsey Hall
Campus visit day for prospective dance majors
Silent Disco @ the Museum promotional image

Silent Disco @ the Museum

Saturday, February 21, 2026 2:00pm to 6:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History hosts Silent Disco @ the Museum for Iowa City's FREE WEEK
Creative Matters Conversation "American Icons: The Joffrey in Iowa City" promotional image

Creative Matters Conversation "American Icons: The Joffrey in Iowa City"

Friday, March 6, 2026 6:00pm
Hancher Auditorium

Free and open to the public

Join us for a Creative Matters conversation with Ashley Wheater MBE, Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet.

Marking the Joffrey’s 70th anniversary, the conversation will feature discussion of American Icons, the company’s landmark anniversary program, as well as reflections on the Joffrey’s past, present, and future. Wheater will also speak to the company’s longstanding relationship with Hancher and Iowa City, and what it has meant to bring the Joffrey’s work back to...

Many Keys, One Conversation: Schizophrenia, Neuroscience and Creativity

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 5:30pm to 8:30pm
The James Theater

This event brings together storytelling, dance, science, and dialogue to destigmatize schizophrenia and mental illness. Through personal narratives, artistic expression, cutting-edge research, and expert insight, attendees will discover the power of vulnerability, resilience, and community support in mental health. When we share our stories, we heal together

5:30 - 6:00 PM | Reception with Hors d'oeuvres & Poster Session
6:00 - 6:15 PM | Michael Judge: A Brother's Perspective
6:15 - 6:45 PM |...

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