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.

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.

Dance Associate Professor Eloy Barragan co-directs the festival with 2022 Dance BFA grad Emily Trapnell.

As the fall semester winds down, we’re looking back at some of the best moments captured by Performing Arts At Iowa photographer Jason Smith.

News from the Department of Dance and our alumni

Kyle Marshall is the 2025-26 Grant Wood Fellow in Interdisciplinary Performance (Dance)

The University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has named Professor Jennifer Kayle as the new Department Executive Officer (DEO) of the Department of Dance.