KU Dance

For aspiring dancers, choreographers, and scholars across Kansas, the Dance program at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, situated within the esteemed Department of Theatre & Dance, represents a premier destination for higher education in the performing arts. This program offers a comprehensive and vibrant environment where students can immerse themselves in rigorous technical training, explore diverse dance styles, and cultivate their artistic voices. It's a place where passion meets professionalism, preparing the next generation of dance artists for successful careers in an evolving global landscape.

KU Dance is built upon a philosophy of integrated training, producing well-rounded dancers capable of performing in any genre. Students receive daily instruction from nationally and internationally recognized faculty who provide individualized attention, from advising sessions to mentorship for senior projects and practicum in teaching. This close-knit faculty-student relationship ensures that each dancer receives the personalized guidance needed to flourish both technically and artistically. The program's commitment to hands-on experience means that students are not just learning theory; they are consistently applying their skills in performance, choreography, and production settings.

A distinctive feature of KU Dance is its pre-professional performance ensemble, the University Dance Company. This company provides students with invaluable opportunities to perform works choreographed by faculty, visiting guest artists, and even their peers. Performances are held in prestigious venues like the Lied Center of Kansas, offering a taste of the professional performance world right here in Lawrence. This blend of intensive training, diverse performance opportunities, and strong faculty mentorship creates an unparalleled educational experience for Kansas students passionate about dance.

The program emphasizes that students can gain experience in dancing principal roles from the moment they begin their studies, a significant advantage for aspiring professionals. Whether a student aims to perform with a professional company, open their own studio, or pursue advanced degrees in related fields like Dance Therapy or Physical Therapy, KU Dance is dedicated to providing the necessary tools and career guidance to help them create their own path.

KU Dance is located on the main campus of the University of Kansas at 1301 Sunnyside Ave #251, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA. This places the program within the vibrant and accessible university environment in Lawrence, a city known for its rich arts and culture scene. The dance program's primary facilities, including dance offices and well-equipped studios, are housed within the Robinson Center on campus. The nearby Murphy Hall, home to the broader Department of Theatre & Dance, also provides access to performance venues like the Crafton-Preyer Theatre.

Sunnyside Avenue is a significant thoroughfare on the KU campus, making the dance facilities easily identifiable and accessible for students and visitors. Lawrence offers various transportation options, including local bus routes that serve the university, and ample parking facilities on campus. This convenient and integrated campus location ensures that students from across Kansas can easily access the program's classes, rehearsals, and performances, making it a practical choice for higher education in dance.

• Undergraduate Dance Degrees: Offers both a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance, providing comprehensive technical training with a liberal arts foundation, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance, focused on intensive technical training for professional performance careers.
• Comprehensive Technical Training: Daily instruction in a wide range of dance styles including ballet, modern/contemporary, tap, hip-hop, flamenco, and musical theatre dance.
• Performance Opportunities: Students can perform in the University Dance Company concerts at venues like the Lied Center of Kansas and the Lawrence Arts Center, as well as in Senior Showcases and University Theatre musical productions.
• Choreography Development: Opportunities for students to explore and present their own choreographic works through student showcases and labs like the Jayhawk Performance Lab.
• Guest Artist Programs: Through unique Hamburg and Peterson Guest Artist Programs, students have the opportunity to audition for and perform with professional choreographers from the field.
• Individualized Advising and Mentorship: One-on-one attention from world-class faculty for academic and career guidance.
• Career Preparation Coursework: Offers courses like "Career Preparation in the Arts," covering resume writing, audition skills, grants, marketing, and arts administration.
• Internship Opportunities: Assistance in obtaining internships at teaching facilities and other professional settings.
• Travel Grants: Support for students participating in professional training intensives.
• Access to University Resources: Students benefit from the broader resources and vibrant campus life of the University of Kansas.

• World-Class Faculty: Students train daily with nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are active scholar-artists and provide extensive individual attention and mentorship.
• Pre-Professional Performance Ensemble (University Dance Company): Provides rigorous performance experience in faculty, guest artist, and student choreography at prestigious venues.
• Diverse Dance Styles: A comprehensive curriculum covering classical forms like ballet and modern, alongside contemporary styles like hip-hop, jazz, tap, and even flamenco.
• Hands-On Production Experience: Opportunities for students to not only perform but also learn stage production skills, lighting design, and sound board operation.
• Unique Guest Artist Programs: Direct connections to professional choreographers and companies, offering invaluable audition and performance opportunities.
• Strong Career Guidance: Dedicated support to help students navigate diverse career paths in dance, including performing, teaching, arts administration, or pursuing advanced degrees.
• Undergraduate-Focused Principal Roles: As an undergraduate-only program, students gain experience in dancing principal roles early in their academic journey.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to well-equipped dance studios in Robinson Center and performance venues in Murphy Hall, including the Elizabeth Sherbon Theatre.
• Vibrant Campus and Arts Community: Integration within the larger University of Kansas and the lively arts scene of Lawrence, offering a rich cultural experience.

Address: 1301 Sunnyside Ave #251, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA

Phone: (785) 864-4264

Mobile Phone: +1 785-864-4264

For aspiring dancers and students across Kansas, KU Dance, part of the University of Kansas's Department of Theatre & Dance, offers an unparalleled and highly suitable path for pursuing a career or passion in dance. Its suitability for locals is deeply rooted in its academic excellence, professional preparation, and integral role within the state's flagship university.

Firstly, the advantage of pursuing a dance degree at a major public university like KU, located right here in Lawrence, cannot be overstated. Kansas residents gain access to world-class faculty, extensive campus resources, and a vibrant student life without the need to leave the state. The central location on Sunnyside Avenue ensures easy accessibility for both resident students and those commuting from surrounding areas, making a high-caliber dance education conveniently within reach.

The program's comprehensive curriculum, which integrates diverse dance styles from classical ballet and modern to contemporary hip-hop and flamenco, ensures that students receive a well-rounded and versatile training. This adaptability is crucial for navigating the multifaceted demands of the professional dance world. For Kansas students, this means they can explore and specialize in various forms, preparing them for a wide array of career opportunities, whether on stage, in teaching, or in related fields like arts administration or physical therapy.

Moreover, the emphasis on practical performance opportunities through the University Dance Company and various student showcases provides invaluable real-world experience. Performing in venues like the Lied Center of Kansas exposes students to professional production environments, a critical component of professional development. The unique guest artist programs further enhance this by connecting students directly with acclaimed choreographers and companies, opening doors to professional networks and future engagements right from within Kansas.

Finally, KU Dance's dedication to individualized mentorship and robust career guidance ensures that students are not just trained but also empowered to forge their own paths. This focus on holistic development, combined with the affordability and reputation of a public university in Kansas, makes KU Dance an ideal choice. For any Kansas student dreaming of a career in dance, or simply passionate about honing their craft, KU Dance offers a supportive, rigorous, and highly connected pathway to success right here at home.

KU Dance

1301 Sunnyside Ave #251, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA