Department of Dance

Located within the vibrant campus of the University of Washington in Seattle, the Department of Dance is a distinguished academic and artistic hub for movement enthusiasts and aspiring professionals across Washington state and beyond. This is more than just a department; it's a dynamic community where dance is explored not only as an art form but also as a rigorous field of study and a powerful means of expression. The UW Department of Dance is dedicated to expanding the meanings and experiences of dance, fostering an environment where creativity, critical thinking, and embodied knowledge are highly valued.

With a rich history dating back to its origins in Physical & Health Education and later as a division of the School of Drama and School of Music, the Department of Dance has grown to become an autonomous and highly acclaimed program. It earned the prestigious Brotman Award for Instructional Excellence, a testament to its commitment to superior teaching and innovative approaches. The department's philosophy emphasizes a rigorous balance between creative work and academic study, preparing students for diverse career paths in performance, choreography, education, arts administration, and even fields like medicine and physical therapy. Through in-depth training, opportunities to explore and experiment, and the support of an engaged faculty, students are challenged to discover their unique artistic voices while contributing to the global dance community.

The University of Washington Department of Dance is situated at 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA, placing it firmly within the iconic University District of Seattle. This central location on the UW's expansive campus makes it highly accessible for students, faculty, and community members from across the Puget Sound region. The campus is well-served by Seattle's comprehensive public transportation network, including bus lines and the Link light rail, with a station conveniently located near the department, offering seamless connections to downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and the airport.

For those traveling by car, the University District offers various parking options, including the Central Plaza Garage (CPG) which has disability parking on all levels and direct access to Meany Hall, where many dance performances and activities take place. The Meany Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Katharyn Alvord Gerlich Theater and Meany Studio Theatre, provides excellent accessibility features, including elevators from the parking garage, level entrances, wheelchair seating, accessible restrooms, and assistive listening devices. The University of Washington as a whole is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations, with resources like Disability Resources for Students (DRS) available to support all students. This strategic location and comprehensive accessibility ensure that the Department of Dance is a welcoming and practical destination for everyone in the Washington region interested in engaging with its programs and performances.

• Undergraduate Programs: Offering a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance, providing comprehensive training in technique, theory, and creative practice.
• Dance Minor: For students pursuing other majors who wish to deepen their engagement with dance.
• Honors Program: An advanced program for exceptional undergraduate dance majors.
• Graduate Programs: A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance, an innovative program serving professional dancers seeking to transition into higher education positions and advance their artistic research.
• Diverse Course Offerings: A wide range of courses covering various dance traditions and techniques, including contemporary ballet, modern dance, street styles, West African dance, improvisation, choreography, dance history, and dance studies.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to perform in mainstage productions, student showcases, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The department produces four concerts annually for the campus and greater Seattle community at the prestigious Meany Center for the Performing Arts.
• Chamber Dance Company: A professional resident company within the department that brings professional dancers to the UW to perform, teach, and engage in higher education dance studies.
• Masterclasses and Visiting Artists: Regular opportunities to take masterclasses with world-renowned visiting artists and choreographers.
• Research Opportunities: Faculty and students engage in diverse research, including critical black theory, gender and sexuality in performance, performance ethnography, and community-based research. The UW Library offers extensive dance research collections.
• Career Exploration and Advising: Dedicated advising and career services to help dance majors explore career paths in performance, education, arts administration, healthcare, and other fields, including courses like "Career Explorations for Dance Majors."
• Study Abroad Programs: Opportunities for students to study dance and culture internationally.
• Summer Study Programs: Intensive programs for continued learning and skill development during the summer months.
• Studio and Facility Rentals: The department's state-of-the-art studios and performance venues (including the Margaret H'Doubler Performance Space) are available for rent when not in departmental use.
• Community Engagement: Through initiatives like the "bst (body, space, time)" residency, the department partners with local dance artists by offering studio space and time in exchange for workshops or new works for students, enriching the local dance community.

• Award-Winning Learning Community: The Department of Dance is recognized for its excellence in instruction, having received the Brotman Award for Instructional Excellence.
• Holistic Artistic and Academic Approach: The curriculum offers a rigorous balance between creative work and academic study, preparing artist-scholars with both technical prowess and critical thinking skills.
• Distinguished Faculty: The department boasts a faculty of accomplished artist-scholars with expertise in various dance forms, performance studies, critical theory, and community-based research.
• Premier Performance Venues: Access to the state-of-the-art Katharyn Alvord Gerlich Theater and Meany Studio Theatre within the Meany Center for the Performing Arts, providing professional-level performance experiences.
• Inclusive Philosophy: The department believes "dance is for everybody" and employs pedagogical perspectives that are historically and culturally informed, valuing play, creativity, and embodied knowledge.
• Strong Alumni Network: Graduates pursue diverse and successful careers, with many double-majoring or pursuing interdisciplinary paths.
• Research and Innovation: Faculty are active in cutting-edge dance research, expanding the field's boundaries and contributing to scholarly discourse.
• Community Partnerships: Active engagement with the local Seattle dance community through residencies, workshops, and performances.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Various scholarships and awards are available to undergraduate and graduate dance students based on artistic merit, academic standing, financial need, and service to the department.
• Extensive Facilities: Located in the historic Lathrop Hall, the department features over 12,600 square feet of studio space with sprung floors, audio-visual systems, mirrors, and specialized labs (Pilates, Sound, Video, Costume/Sewing, Drum).

Address: 4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA

Phone: (206) 543-9843

Mobile Phone: +1 206-543-9843

For residents of Washington, particularly those in the greater Seattle area, the University of Washington Department of Dance is an invaluable local asset for anyone passionate about movement, performance, and academic inquiry. Whether you're a prospective student considering a career in dance, a current UW student looking to explore a minor, or a community member simply seeking to engage with world-class artistic performances, this department offers unparalleled opportunities. Its central location within the accessible University of Washington campus, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities like those at the Meany Center, makes it convenient for local engagement.

The department's commitment to a diverse and inclusive curriculum means that students can explore a wide array of dance forms, from classical techniques to contemporary and global styles, all while benefiting from the guidance of an elite and passionate faculty. Beyond the rigorous training, the emphasis on holistic development – fostering creativity, critical thinking, and life skills – ensures that graduates are well-prepared for a multitude of paths, both within and outside the arts. Local aspiring dancers can gain invaluable performance experience in high-quality productions right here in Seattle. Furthermore, the department's active engagement with the local dance community through outreach programs and residencies enriches the entire artistic landscape of Washington. For locals seeking a comprehensive, inspiring, and accessible environment to pursue their love of dance, the University of Washington Department of Dance stands as a premier destination, fostering talent and contributing significantly to the cultural vibrancy of the region.

Department of Dance

4000 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA