Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in dance gain in-depth knowledge of dance as an art form and an area of scholarly inquiry. The degree provides a foundation for eventual careers in professional dance, dance teaching in K-12 and higher education, dance entrepreneurship, dance/movement therapy, Pilates, the health and fitness industry, arts administration, as well as many other fields.
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Dance requires a minimum of 57 major credits and is designed for students who wish to pursue a degree in dance and another major or degree program in a second area of interest.
A dance degree at UW–Madison offers opportunities to:
- Study with a world-class faculty, with excellent teacher-student ratios.
- Perform frequently in faculty and student-choreographed works, in state-of-the-art facilities.
- Pursue an additional major or degree in a second area of interest.
- Experience an interdisciplinary, rigorous approach that connects dance to the arts and humanities, as well as the social, biological, physical, and biological social sciences.
- Earn scholarship and award funding for study in the academic year and summer, including departmental awards for honors study.
- Work with nationally and internationally renowned guest artists and master class instructors, such as the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Pilobolus, Meredith Monk, Elizabeth Streb, David Parsons, Sean Curran, Danielle Russo, Carrie Hanson, Joe Goode, Susan Marshall, Kun-Yang Lin, and Tim Miller, Abdel Salaam/Forces of Nature.
- Train intensively in choreography to create solo and group works for performance.
An audition is required to declare a dance degree. Auditions are held in November and February.
The Dance department also offers five certificates: a general certificate in Dance, a certificate in Dance Education, one in Dance Studies, a certificate in Dance/Movement Therapy, and another certificate in Pilates.
How to Get In
Program Admission Overview
All students wishing to major in dance must complete a performance audition to be admitted to the program. Consult the Dance department website for more detailed information about the audition process.
Entering the School of Education
New and Current UW–Madison Students
On-campus students wishing to be admitted to one of the dance program options must audition and also have earned a minimum 2.5 grade point average. On-campus students should obtain and submit a signed Professional Program Application to the School of Education Student Services office, Room 139 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, at any time during the academic year. The application must be signed by the appropriate dance department advisor.
Prospective Transfer Students
Applicants not already enrolled on the UW–Madison campus must be admissible to the university to enroll in a School of Education program. Admission to UW–Madison requires a separate application and admission process. See UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment for application information.
Prospective transfer students should meet as early as possible with a dance department advisor and with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office. Coursework taken at another institution may need to be evaluated by a faculty or staff member in dance. Transfer students must audition to be admitted to one of the dance program options. Prospective transfer students are strongly advised to meet with a Student Services advisor in advance of their application; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Students with a Previous Degree
Prospective applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in advance of their application. Consultations with advisors are available in person or via telephone; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are admitted to the School of Education as either an Education Special student or a second degree student, depending on their interests and academic background. Admission as an Education Special student indicates that the student has an interest in pursuing certification in a subject area studied during the initial degree; another degree is not awarded for this "certification only" coursework. Second degree students are seeking a second, unrelated degree from the School of Education, which may, or may not, include teacher certification. Candidates for limited enrollment programs must meet all admission eligibility requirements for the program and must compete with the eligible applicants for program admission. More information is available here.
Admission and Application
Criteria for Admission
Requirements and selection criteria may be modified from one application/admission period to the next.
Eligibility for consideration:
- The dance department currently admits students to its programs only through a performance audition.
- Cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale).1
- Students who have transferred to and are currently enrolled in UW–Madison coursework must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 on the UW–Madison campus, as modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
- Submission of all required application materials, including the dance program application and any required transcripts.
- 1
A comprehensive cumulative GPA of all college-level, transferrable coursework attempted on both the UW–Madison campus coursework and coursework taken at any other colleges or universities may be calculated for the exclusive purpose of establishing an applicant’s eligibility for consideration. Both the comprehensive cumulative GPA and the comprehensive cumulative GPA based on a student’s last 60 credits may be calculated. See Last 60 Credits Rule (detailed below). If admitted, students must earn the minimum cumulative GPA for UW–Madison coursework established by their program and the School of Education each semester after admission.
Last 60 Credits Rule
Two grade point averages will be calculated to determine candidates' eligibility to programs. GPAs will be calculated using
- all transferable college level coursework attempted, and
- the last 60 credits attempted.
The higher GPA of these two will be used for purposes of determining eligibility. If fewer than 60 credits have been attempted, all credits will be used to calculate the GPA. Graded graduate coursework will also be used in all GPA calculations. ("Attempted" coursework indicates coursework for which a grade has been earned.) More information on this rule is available here.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
School of Education Liberal Studies Requirements
All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credits of Liberal Studies coursework. This requirement provides an opportunity to do some academic exploration beyond the scope of the major. Students take courses in areas of particular interest and also have an opportunity to sample the wide selection of courses offered across the university. Coursework is required in humanities, social studies, science, and cultural and historical studies. Some elective coursework is also needed to reach the required number of credits.
The School of Education’s Liberal Studies Requirements automatically satisfy most of the University General Education Requirements outlined above, including ethnic studies, humanities/literature, social studies, and science. Students pursuing most School of Education degree programs may also complete Communication Part B, Quantitative Reasoning Part A, and Quantitative Reasoning Part B through courses required by their degree program. If a student cannot complete a General Education Requirement within the curriculum of their chosen School of Education program, academic advisors can offer suggestions for courses that meet the requirement and augment the student’s primary area of study.
A basic outline of the liberal studies is included below. Students must consult the detailed version of the requirements for information about course selection and approved course options.
Humanities, 9 credits
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Literature
- Fine Arts
- Humanities Electives
Social Studies (Social Science)
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits. Teacher certification programs and Kinesiology have unique requirements in this category.
Science
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Biological Science
- Physical Science
- Laboratory Science
- Science Electives
Cultural and Historical Studies
All students must complete three requirements (9 credits) met by separate courses. Any of these courses can also be used to meet the Humanities or Social Studies (Social Sciences) requirements if it has the relevant breadth designation.
- Ethnic Studies
- U.S./European History
- Global Perspectives
Complete Liberal Studies Electives to total 40 Credits.
Program Structure
The BS degree in dance has four components:
- Liberal studies courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines. The university-wide General Education requirements also encourage this breadth of study.
- Discipline-related coursework provides an interdisciplinary foundation contributing to the performance and understanding of this art form.
- Major requirements offer an in-depth study of dance.
- Elective credits allow students to pursue areas of interest and complete the minimum number of credits required for the degree.
Discipline-Related Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 200 | Writing the Moving Body | 3 |
| DANCE 560 | Current Topics in Dance: Workshop (Anatomy for Dancers) | 2 |
| or ANAT&PHY 338 | Human Anatomy Laboratory | |
Major Requirements
Complete a minimum of 57 credits. At least 15 upper-level major Dance credits (numbered 300 and above) must be taken in residence on the UW–Madison campus.
New first-year Dance–BS and BFA students should expect to register for three 100-level foundational major courses: DANCE 111 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I, 3–5 credits, DANCE 125 Ballet Technique I, and DANCE 162 First Year Workshop. These courses are taken by all dance majors in their first year, regardless of previous dance training and experience. The classes prepare students for advanced study in dance and movement technique. Dance majors are assured enrollment in these courses. DANCE 165 World Dance Cultures: Traditional to Contemporary is also strongly recommended for the first semester; this course will meet the Global Perspectives requirement in liberal studies.
Dance Technique and Theory
Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory
Select a minimum of 14 credits from the following; 6 credits must be numbered 211 or higher.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 111 | Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I | 1-3 |
| DANCE 112 | Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory II | 1-3 |
| DANCE 211 | Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory III | 1-3 |
| DANCE 212 | Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory IV | 1-3 |
| DANCE 311 | Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory V | 1-3 |
| DANCE 312 | Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory VI | 1-3 |
Ballet Technique
Select a minimum of 8 credits from the following; 4 credits must be numbered 225 or higher:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 125 | Ballet Technique I | 1-2 |
| DANCE 126 | Ballet Technique I-B | 1-2 |
| DANCE 225 | Ballet Technique II | 1-2 |
| DANCE 226 | Ballet Technique II-B | 1-2 |
| DANCE 325 | Ballet Technique III | 1-2 |
| DANCE 326 | Ballet Technique III-B | 1-2 |
Additional Techniques
Select a minimum of 2 credits. Students may also select from Additional Techniques workshops listed under DANCE 110 Workshop in Dance Activity or DANCE 560 Current Topics in Dance: Workshop. Jazz and Ballroom courses do not count toward this requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 110 | Workshop in Dance Activity (Hip Hop) | 1-2 |
| DANCE 110 | Workshop in Dance Activity (Tai Ji) | 1-2 |
| DANCE 116 | Workshop in World Dance | 2 |
| DANCE 118 | African Dance | 1 |
| DANCE/ASIAN AM 121 | Asian American Movement | 3 |
| DANCE/THEATRE 218 | African Dance Performance | 2 |
| DANCE/AFROAMER/MUSIC 318 | Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas | 3 |
| DANCE/FOLKLORE/THEATRE 321 | Javanese Performance | 2 |
| DANCE/FOLKLORE/THEATRE 421 | Javanese Performance Repertory | 2 |
Additional Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DANCE 131 | Somatic Theory and Practices | 2 |
| DANCE 140 | Dance Production | 2 |
| DANCE 156 | Movement as Material Through Improvisation | 2 |
| DANCE 157 | Introduction to Movement Analysis | 2 |
| DANCE 162 | First Year Workshop | 1 |
| DANCE 240 | Dance Production Laboratory | 1 |
| DANCE 241 | Music Fundamentals for Dancers | 3 |
| DANCE 255 | Movement Composition for the Performing and Visual Arts | 2 |
| DANCE 265 | Dance History I: Dance in the Modern Era | 3 |
| Design - Complete one of: | 3-4 | |
| Sound Design for the Performing and Visual Arts | ||
| Video Design for the Performing and Visual Arts | ||
| Introduction to Video, Performance & Installation Art | ||
| Artist's Video | ||
| Screen Performance | ||
| DANCE 355 | Dance Composition II | 2 |
| DANCE 365 | Dance History II: Directions and Issues of Contemporary Dance | 3 |
| DANCE 462 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| DANCE 463 | Senior Project | 1-2 |
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
| Dance Repertory Theater | ||
| Dance Repertory Theater | ||
Elective Coursework
Complete additional coursework, if necessary, to reach the minimum of 124 credits. DANCE 165 World Dance Cultures: Traditional to Contemporary is recommended and will meet the Global Perspectives requirement in liberal studies.
GPA and Other Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
Requirements below are based on UW–Madison coursework.
- 2.75 minimum cumulative grade point average. This may be modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
- 2.75 cumulative grade point average in all major coursework
- 2.50 cumulative grade point average in all upper-level major coursework. Dance courses numbered 300 and above are considered to be upper-level courses.
- Major Residency. Students must complete a minimum of 15 upper-level major credits on the UW–Madison campus.
- Senior Residency. Degree candidates must complete their last 30 credits in residence on the UW–Madison campus, excluding retroactive credits and credits granted by examination.
- A minimum of 124 credits are required for graduation.
Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS)
UW–Madison uses “DARS” to document a student's progress toward the completion of their degree, including any additional majors and certificates. A DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report shows all the requirements for completing a degree and, against courses that are planned or completed, shows the requirements that have been met, and those that are unmet. A report can offer suggestions about courses that may be taken to meet specific requirements and can assist in the academic planning and enrollment process. Students can access a DARS report in the Course Search & Enroll app or Student Center via My UW.
DARS also has a "what-if" function. This feature makes it possible to request a DARS report as if pursuing another program, major, or certificate. It is an excellent tool if considering a new or additional area of study. School of Education students in a pre-professional classification such as Pre-Elementary (PRE) or Pre-Kinesiology should request a "what if" DARS report of their professional program of interest.
More information on how to request a DARS report is available on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
DARS is not intended to replace student contact with academic advisors. It creates more time in an advising appointment to discuss course options, research opportunities, graduate school, or issues of personal interest or concern to students.
DARS is used as the document of record for degree program, major, and certificate completion in the School of Education.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- (Body Studies and Dance Technique) Demonstration of proficiency in the physical practice of dance.
- (Writing and Critical Thinking) Examination of global approaches in dance, in historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts.
- (Making and Sharing Dances) Utilization of tools of craft to engage in critical and creative investigations and assessment.
Four-Year Plan
Bachelor of Science: Dance – Sample Four Year Plan
This sample four-year graduation plan is designed to guide your course selection throughout your academic career; it does not establish a contractual agreement. Your actual course of study will be influenced by factors such as when you are eligible to enroll in 200-level technique classes, casting decisions, and summer course selections. Use this plan along with your DARS report, the Guide, and the Course Search and Enroll app to create a sequence of classes that also reflect your placement scores, incoming credits, and individual interests. Consult with an academic advisor to develop this personalized plan of study and refer to the Guide for a complete list of requirements. You will likely revise your plan several times during your academic career here, based on your activities and changing academic interests.
New first-year Dance–BS and BFA students should expect to register for three 100-level foundational major courses: DANCE 111 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I, 5 credits, DANCE 125 Ballet Technique I, and DANCE 162 First Year Workshop. These courses are taken by all dance majors in their first year, regardless of previous dance training and experience. The classes prepare students for advanced study in dance and movement technique.
This degree requires a minimum of 124 credits. Contemporary dance technique and theory classes beyond the minimum requirement are strongly recommended and included in this plan as electives. Bachelor of Science - Dance students must present their senior projects in an approved public forum.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A (fall or spring semester) | 3 | Communication A (fall or spring semester) | 3 |
| DANCE 111 (meets M,W,F) | 3 | DANCE 112 | 3 |
| DANCE 111 (meets T, R) | 2 | DANCE 112 | 2 |
| DANCE 125 | 2 | DANCE 126 | 2 |
| DANCE 162 | 1 | DANCE 156 | 2 |
| DANCE 165 (also meets Liberal Studies Global Perspectives requirement) | 3 | DANCE 157 | 2 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 0-3 | Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 0-3 | ||
| 14 | 17 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| DANCE 111 or 211 | 3 | DANCE 112 or 212 | 3 |
| DANCE 225 or 325 | 2 | DANCE 226 or 326 | 2 |
| MUSIC 151 (take fall or spring semester, prereq for DANCE 241) | 3 | MUSIC 151 (take fall or spring semester, prereq for DANCE 241) | 3 |
| DANCE 140 (take fall or spring semester) | 2 | DANCE 131 | 2 |
| DANCE 255 | 2 | DANCE 140 (take fall or spring semester) | 2 |
| DANCE 265 | 3 | DANCE 365 | 3 |
| DANCE 200 (also meets Communication B) | 3 | Liberal Studies course work | 0-5 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 0-5 | ||
| 18 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| DANCE 211 or 311 | 3 | DANCE 212 or 312 | 3 |
| DANCE 225 or 325 | 2 | DANCE 226 or 326 | 2 |
| DANCE 241 | 3 | Additional Techniques | 1 |
| DANCE 355 | 2 | DANCE 240 | 1 |
| DANCE 451 | 1 | Complete one, either this semester or next fall | 3-4 |
| ANAT&PHY 338 (also counts toward Liberal Studies Science requirement) | 2 | ||
| Ethnic Studies | 3 | ||
| DANCE 452 | 1 | ||
| Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 | ||
| Liberal Studies course work | 4-7 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Complete one of the following: | 3 | Complete one of the following: | 3 |
| DANCE 225 or 325 | 2 | DANCE 226 or 326 | 2 |
| Complete one, either this semester or previous spring | 3-4 | DANCE 463 (take fall or spring semester) | 1 |
| Additional Techniques | 1 | ||
| DANCE 452 | 1 | ||
| Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 6-7 | ||
| DANCE 462 | 3 | ||
| DANCE 463 (take fall or spring semester) | 1 | ||
| Liberal Studies course work | 3-7 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Credits 124 | |||
Advising and Careers
Dance Department Advising
All dance degree students receive targeted advising through the department's undergraduate advisor, Karen McShane-Hellenbrand. Dance Department advising is designed to assist students in choosing classes and evaluating their degree path. This is particularly critical for students pursuing a dance degree and an additional degree program or major.
Students may also meet with advisors in the School of Education Student Services office regarding other course requirements and concerns, see below. Current students can schedule an appointment with a School of Education advisor online through the Starfish app in MyUW.
School of Education Advising
Academic Advising in the School of Education
Dedicated to supporting and promoting student success, academic advisors are here to assist students with the adjustment to college, understanding their degree and career goals, and connecting them to resources. Advisors support prospective and current School of Education students in all programs through:
- Course selection
- Mentoring and advocacy for underrepresented and international students
- Understanding degree requirements and progression
- Interpreting academic policies
- Helping students recognize their strengths and suggesting ways to expand their skills
- Expanding learning through activities such as study abroad, volunteering/work/internship, and by assuming leadership roles
To schedule an appointment: Current students can schedule an appointment online through the Starfish app in MyUW. Appointments can also be made through email at studentservices@education.wisc.edu, by calling 608-262-1651, or in person.
Career Advising in the School of Education
Through individual appointments, events, courses, and online resources, the Career Center provides students and alumni with the tools needed to be successful in their career development.
Career and Internship Advisors are prepared to help students with:
- Exploration of career and academic pathways
- Resumes
- Cover letters
- Job/Internship search
- Interview preparation
- Mock interviews
- Graduate school search, applications and decisions
- Negotiating job or internship offers
- Professional networking
- Connecting with employers
Students are encouraged to meet with their Career and Internship Advisor early in their college experience to take full advantage of the resources and support available.
To make an appointment: log into Starfish from the MyUW dashboard.
For more information, visit the School of Education Career Center website or reach out at career-center@education.wisc.edu.
Potential careers for Dance majors include: professional dance, production, dance education in K-12 and higher education, dance entrepreneurship, and dance/movement therapy. Our graduates also work in the health and fitness industry, Pilates, arts administration, dance advocacy, as well as many other fields.
Students develop important skills that employers look for including:
- Diverse forms of communication, personal expression and connection
- Collaboration
- Creative problem solving/critical thinking
- Adaptability, versatility, and improvisation
- Resilience; ability to receive and provide feedback
- Discipline and accountability
Applied experiences, including paid internships, apprenticeship programs, career treks, and professional networking events, are available to UW Dance students.
People
Information about faculty, staff, and other contributors to the Department of Dance can be found on the department's website.
Wisconsin Experience
UW–Madison’s vision for the total student experience, the Wisconsin Experience, combines learning in and out of the classroom. Tied to the Wisconsin Idea and steeped in long-standing institutional values — the commitment to the truth, shared participation in decision-making, and service to local and global communities — the Wisconsin Experience describes how students develop and integrate these core values across their educational experience.
UW–Madison encourages students to mindfully engage in four core concepts throughout their time on campus: Empathy & Humility, Relentless Curiosity, Intellectual Confidence, and Purposeful Action.
Since its inception, the School of Education has embraced the concepts of the Wisconsin Experience, providing opportunities for students to learn in venues beyond the traditional classroom. Our students also independently seek out related activities and experiences, thus creating their own unique Wisconsin Experience.
Dance and the Wisconsin Experience
The UW–Madison Dance department provides students with a wide range of opportunities to perform, work with and learn from national/international guest artists, create and show their own work, conduct their own research, study abroad, volunteer, and connect with the local education community.
Guest Artists
The Dance department brings in guest artists-in-residence each year to work directly with students. These professionals are national or international artists who teach master classes, hold auditions, and set works on students for performance in our annual faculty concert. The department also brings in several guest artist teachers throughout the academic year to teach master classes to our students.
Student Performance Opportunities
Dance students have many opportunities to perform in student and faculty choreographed concerts throughout the academic year. Technique and theory courses prepare students with the technical, compositional, and artistic skills for performance in our in-house theater, the H'Doubler Performance Space, in historic Lathrop Hall.
Peer Mentorship
Several volunteer roles are available to students through the department's peer mentor program. Dance Peer Mentors support and encourage new first-year dance degree students in their adjustment to UW–Madison and the Dance department, provide support during incoming student audition days, and serve as role models and advocates for success in the dance degree program.
Study Abroad
The Dance department offers a three-credit study abroad program to Greece, as well as summer awards for students to travel and train at the American Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Perry Mansfield, The Ailey School, Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation, NYU | Tisch, and the Dance Education Laboratory among others.
Student Research
In their final year of the degree program, students design and complete their own research projects. Some of the projects include funding to do creative research which culminates in a full-length concert.
Work with the Local Community
The Dance department offers courses in Dance Education and Dance Movement Therapy which include practicum experiences with students in local schools. Students have opportunities to engage preschool and school-aged students in dance for social-emotional, kinesthetic motor, and cognitive development using trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and student-centered practices.
Resources and Scholarships
Information about scholarships, academic and career advising, study abroad opportunities, student diversity services, and other resources for students in the School of Education can be found on the school's Resources page.
Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Dance
Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2018-2019, site visit postponed until Spring 2024 due to COVID-19 and other complications, final report forthcoming in Fall 2024.