Dance Building

For aspiring dancers, choreographers, and performing arts enthusiasts in Michigan, the Dance Building at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor stands as a monumental and inspiring facility. Opened in September 2021, this state-of-the-art, 24,000-square-foot building is the dedicated home for the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) Dance Department. More than just a collection of studios, it's a vibrant hub where students receive world-class training within a leading research university, fostering creative risk-taking, rigorous research, and a deep understanding of dance's relevance within cultures and communities.

The Dance Building represents a significant investment in the performing arts, providing students with unparalleled resources to develop their technique, performance skills, and creative voice. It integrates practice and theory, preparing dance artists for diverse and resilient careers in an evolving field. From the moment you step into its grand, light-filled lobby, it’s clear that this facility is designed to inspire movement and artistic expression. For locals in Ann Arbor and across Michigan, it signifies a commitment to the arts and offers opportunities to witness incredible talent and engage with the cutting edge of dance.

The Dance Building is strategically located at 1000 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA, on the University of Michigan's North Campus. This location places it in close proximity to other creative disciplines within the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment. Its situation on Baits Drive offers a prominent presence and is easily identifiable.

Accessibility to the Dance Building is well-considered for students, faculty, and visitors. North Campus is well-served by the University of Michigan's extensive bus system, providing frequent and convenient connections from other parts of campus, including Central Campus and various student housing areas. For those driving, North Campus has a number of parking structures and lots, though availability can vary, especially during peak university hours or major events. The design of the building itself, with its thoughtful site planning, integrates with the surrounding natural elements, making for a pleasant approach. The connection to the Earl V. Moore Building further enhances its accessibility and integration within the broader SMTD facilities. For anyone in Ann Arbor or visiting the area specifically for dance, the location is a significant asset, ensuring that this impressive facility is within comfortable reach.

As a core facility of the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance, the Dance Building primarily serves the comprehensive educational and artistic needs of its enrolled students. While not a public community studio in the typical sense, its offerings contribute significantly to the broader arts landscape for locals.

• Academic Programs in Dance: The building is the primary teaching and rehearsal space for the University of Michigan's Department of Dance, which offers various degree programs. These programs provide world-class dance training within a research university context.
• Specialized Dance Studios: The facility features four large, flexible studio-classrooms. These studios are designed with specific needs in mind, including:
  • Performance Studio Theatre: The largest studio, boasting 64' by 68' of space with built-in seating for 166. It functions as both a teaching studio and a public performance venue, outfitted with state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology.
  • Screen Dance Studio: A 48' by 48' studio highly equipped for video dance capture and flexible performance possibilities, featuring film-quality theatrical lighting and a retractable green screen. This supports the university's innovative Screen Dance Program.
  • Multiple Flexible Teaching and Rehearsal Studios: Additional studios, such as one with 24'x 60' of space and another 46' by 47' studio, offer significant natural light, sprung wood floors, and ballet barres. One studio is specifically designated for dance shoes like tap, hip hop, character, and jazz.
• Cross-Training and Wellness Facilities: A dedicated cross-training room is outfitted with treadmills, ellipticals, and bikes, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the North Campus woods. This space supports student wellness, injury prevention, and physical conditioning.
• Student Support Spaces: The building includes modern locker rooms, a comfortable student lounge with amenities (fridge, microwave, ice machine), and administrative offices. First aid kits are readily available in studios and the lounge.
• Performance and Research Opportunities: Students engage in faculty and guest artist choreography for major annual productions, often held in the larger Power Center theater. First-year dance majors perform in various locations across Southeast Michigan. Graduate students and seniors also produce culminating performances, often featuring fellow students.
• Collaborations and Interdisciplinary Work: The Department of Dance encourages and supports collaborations with students from other departments within the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, fostering innovative artistic projects.

The Dance Building at the University of Michigan is replete with features that make it a truly exceptional facility for dance education and performance, benefiting both its students and the broader Michigan arts community.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Opened in 2021, the building is brand new and incorporates cutting-edge design and technology specifically tailored for dance. This includes sprung Marley and wood floors that protect dancers' joints, advanced sound and lighting systems, and dedicated spaces for various dance forms.
• Dedicated Performance Venue: The inclusion of a Dance Performance Studio Theatre with built-in seating for 166 allows for intimate performances, student showcases, and experimental works right within the building, providing invaluable stage experience for students and accessible viewing for patrons.
• Innovative Screen Dance Studio: The specialized studio equipped for video dance capture and featuring a retractable green screen highlights U-M's forward-thinking approach to dance, preparing students for multidisciplinary careers that integrate dance and technology.
• Holistic Student Support: Beyond dance spaces, the building includes a comprehensive cross-training room for physical conditioning and injury prevention, as well as comfortable student lounges and modern locker rooms. This commitment to student well-being is a key differentiator.
• Architectural Excellence and Natural Integration: Designed in collaboration with TMP Architects and echoing the modern simplicity of Eero Saarinen's nearby Moore Building, the Dance Building features ample natural light and strategically positioned studios that offer beautiful views of the surrounding woodlands, creating an inspiring and serene environment for artistic creation.
• Part of a World-Class University: As a component of the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance, students and faculty benefit from the vast resources of a top-tier research institution, including opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, robust funding, and a strong alumni network.
• Commitment to Diverse Perspectives: The Department of Dance emphasizes an expansive approach to the relevance of dance within cultures and communities, integrating practice and theory to prepare dance artists for multi-faceted careers.

For more information about the Dance Building, its programs, or the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, interested individuals in Michigan can utilize the following contact details. Please note that direct contact for the Dance Building itself might route through the main SMTD administration.

Address: 1000 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (Dance Building)

General SMTD Admissions & Head Office Address: 2290 Moore Bldg, 1100 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2085

General SMTD Phone: (734) 763-0593

For specific inquiries related to the Dance Department's programs, performances, or facilities, it is advisable to visit the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance website or contact their admissions office directly. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding tours, events, and academic programs housed within this impressive building.

For residents of Michigan, particularly those in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas with an interest in dance, the Dance Building at the University of Michigan offers unparalleled suitability and opportunity. First and foremost, it represents a world-class facility right in their backyard. This state-of-the-art building provides a professional and inspiring environment for dance education that is typically found only in major cultural centers. For local high school students considering higher education in dance, having such a resource within the state, embedded within a top public university, is an immense advantage.

Beyond academic pursuits, the Dance Building enriches the local cultural landscape. Its dedicated performance studio theatre means that Ann Arbor residents have more opportunities to experience high-quality dance performances, from student showcases to faculty and guest artist productions. This accessibility to professional-level dance art without needing to travel far is a significant benefit for the community. Furthermore, the innovative programs, such as screendance, demonstrate U-M's commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, offering local audiences a chance to witness cutting-edge developments in the art form. The building's integration into the vibrant North Campus, with its easy accessibility and connection to other artistic disciplines, makes it a convenient and enriching destination for anyone passionate about the performing arts. For Michigan locals, the Dance Building isn't just a university facility; it's a beacon of artistic excellence and a testament to the thriving cultural scene in Ann Arbor.

Dance Building

1000 Baits Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA