UNCG School of Dance

For aspiring dancers and arts enthusiasts across North Carolina, especially those within the bustling city of Greensboro and the wider Piedmont Triad region, the pursuit of a world-class dance education often leads to one distinguished institution: the UNCG School of Dance. As a vital component of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's acclaimed College of Visual and Performing Arts, this school stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, academic rigor, and creative innovation. It is widely recognized within the UNC System as a premier training ground for the "contemporary 'thinking dancer'," emphasizing both the physical demands and the intellectual depth of dance studies. For local students seeking to embark on a professional dance career, pursue higher education in dance, or simply immerse themselves in a vibrant artistic community, the UNCG School of Dance offers an unparalleled environment to cultivate talent, refine technique, and develop as well-rounded artists, educators, and scholars.

The UNCG School of Dance is centrally located within the University of North Carolina at Greensboro campus, specifically accessible via 1360 Walker Ave, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA. While this is a general campus address, the School of Dance itself is primarily housed within the Mary Channing Coleman building, with performances often taking place in the UNCG Auditorium and other campus venues. This prime location within Greensboro ensures excellent accessibility for students and visitors from across North Carolina. Greensboro is a major hub in the Piedmont Triad, easily reachable from cities like Winston-Salem, High Point, Burlington, and even Raleigh and Charlotte, via major interstates such as I-40, I-85, and I-73/74. The campus environment provides extensive parking options for students and attendees, though it's always wise to check specific event or class parking instructions. The school's integration into the larger university campus offers students the benefits of a comprehensive academic institution, alongside specialized dance training. This accessibility, combined with the professional and expansive facilities, makes the UNCG School of Dance a highly convenient and desirable destination for serious dance students throughout North Carolina and beyond.

The UNCG School of Dance offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, providing specialized skills for a variety of careers in the evolving field of dance. Their programs cater to both undergraduate and graduate students, fostering imaginative, critical, and technical skills essential to the creative process and scholarly inquiry.

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance Performance and Choreography: This is a studio-intensive program designed for students aiming for careers in performance and choreography. It emphasizes creative and performance activities, with coursework central to contemporary dance, ballet, and African dance. Electives may include tap, jazz, capoeira, technology for dance, and somatic practices.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance Studies: This program offers a more liberal arts-focused education in dance, providing flexibility for students interested in a double major, such as Arts Administration, Pre-Sports Medicine, Kinesiology, or Education. Students also engage in studio technique courses across various styles, improvisation/choreography, dance production, somatics, and dance history.
• NC K-12 Standard Professional I Licensure: Both BA and BFA students have the option to add this licensure to their degree program, preparing them for careers as dance educators in North Carolina public schools.
• Graduate Programs (MA, MFA): The school offers advanced degrees including a Master of Arts (MA) in Dance Studies (including a distance education option), a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance with a Choreography concentration, and Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Dance Education, for those seeking higher-level study and research.
• Comprehensive Dance Techniques: Core coursework spans contemporary dance, ballet, and African dance. Students can also explore jazz, tap, and capoeira as electives, ensuring a broad and versatile skill set.
• Academic and Theoretical Studies: Beyond studio work, the curriculum includes critical courses in improvisation/choreography, dance production, somatics (like Laban Bartenieff Movement Analysis and Pilates), dance history, and dance entrepreneurship, preparing students for multifaceted careers in the arts.

The UNCG School of Dance distinguishes itself through a combination of its impressive resources, dedicated personnel, and forward-thinking approach to dance education, making it a standout choice for North Carolina students.

• Exceptional Facilities: One reviewer noted, "facilities are way better than expected." The School of Dance is housed primarily in the Mary Channing Coleman building, boasting seven studios that serve as classrooms, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues. Highlights include new studios like 201A and 202A, the dedicated Dance Theater (with 155 seats, full lighting, and professional audio), and specialized spaces like "20Wood" (a sprung floor studio for Contemporary and Yoga classes) and "20Marley" (a spacious ballet studio, also with a sprung floor and ADA accessibility). The UNCG Auditorium, a 1642-seat venue, is also used for large-scale performances, providing students with professional stage experience.
• Highly Talented Faculty and Staff: The school is praised for having "a lot of good talent and a lot of good faculty and staff." The directory lists experienced professors in diverse areas such as African, Contemporary Technique, and Ballet, demonstrating a rich and varied pedagogical approach. These are professionals who are not only skilled dancers themselves but are dedicated educators committed to student growth.
• "Up and Coming Program Gaining Momentum": This description from a reviewer speaks to the school's dynamic and evolving nature. It suggests a progressive curriculum, active engagement, and a growing reputation within the dance world, making it an exciting place for students to be.
• Emphasis on the "Thinking Dancer": UNCG's School of Dance is known for training the "contemporary 'thinking dancer,' who values the rigors of both physical, creative, and academic dance studies." This holistic approach prepares students not just as performers, but as articulate artists, scholars, and future leaders in the field.
• Inclusive Learning and Cultural Diversity: The comprehensive curricula foster "inclusive learning and intellectual curiosity framed by an engagement with cultural diversity, community outreach, and global issues as related to dance." This broad perspective enriches the educational experience and prepares students for a diverse world.
• Diverse Performance Opportunities: The school produces 10-15 concert programs annually in its own Dance Theater, featuring performances choreographed and performed by students, faculty, and visiting companies. This consistent opportunity to perform and showcase work is invaluable for developing stage presence and artistry. Events like "Fall Dances" and the "BFA Thesis Concert" are regular fixtures, along with guest artist performances.

For prospective students, parents, and community members across North Carolina interested in the UNCG School of Dance, here’s how to connect:

Address: 1360 Walker Ave, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA (General Campus Address for School of Dance is typically within the Mary Channing Coleman Building on campus.)

Phone: (336) 334-5570

Mobile Phone: +1 336-334-5570

In conclusion, for aspiring dancers and arts patrons across North Carolina, especially within Greensboro and the wider Piedmont Triad region, the UNCG School of Dance represents a pinnacle of dance education and artistic innovation. Its combination of "way better than expected" state-of-the-art facilities, a highly talented and dedicated faculty, and a forward-thinking curriculum that cultivates the "thinking dancer" truly sets it apart. The emphasis on a diverse range of dance techniques, coupled with rigorous academic study and ample performance opportunities, prepares students for successful and impactful careers in the dynamic world of dance. The fact that it's an "up and coming program that appears to be gaining more momentum" also highlights its vibrant and progressive nature. For North Carolina students seeking a comprehensive, challenging, and incredibly rewarding dance education within a supportive and intellectually stimulating university environment, the UNCG School of Dance is an outstanding choice that promises not just training, but transformation.

UNCG School of Dance

1360 Walker Ave, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA