University of Wisconsin Dance Department

Introduction / Overview

For aspiring dancers, choreographers, and dance enthusiasts across Wisconsin and beyond, the University of Wisconsin Dance Department stands as a beacon of innovation and artistic excellence. Housed within the historic Lathrop Hall on the bustling UW-Madison campus, this department boasts a rich legacy, having established the nation's first dance degree program in higher education back in 1926 under the pioneering leadership of Margaret H'Doubler. This historical significance underscores its deep roots in defining dance as a rigorous academic discipline, one that uses the body as a profound avenue for scientific inquiry, self-discovery, creativity, and civic engagement. For local Wisconsin residents, especially those considering higher education in the arts, the UW Dance Department offers a world-class environment right in their backyard.

The University of Wisconsin Dance Department is not just an academic institution; it's a vibrant community that contributes significantly to the cultural fabric of Madison and the wider state. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to dance studies, integrating physical practice with theoretical inquiry, creative activity, and interdisciplinary studies that often span music, theatre, and kinesiology. Students are challenged to develop not only their technical prowess but also their critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, preparing them for a diverse range of careers in the performing arts and related fields. This commitment to holistic development, combined with a faculty renowned for their expertise and innovative contributions to the field, makes the UW Dance Department a truly exceptional place for local Wisconsin talent to flourish.

Location and Accessibility

The University of Wisconsin Dance Department is conveniently located at 125, Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA. This central location on the sprawling and picturesque University of Wisconsin-Madison campus provides students and visitors alike with excellent accessibility. Lathrop Hall itself is a historic building, steeped in the legacy of dance education, and forms an integral part of the university's vibrant arts quad. Its position on University Avenue, a major thoroughfare, ensures that it is easily reachable from various parts of Madison and the wider Dane County area.

For those commuting by car, the campus offers various parking options, including underground paid parking in structures like Grainger Hall, which is relatively close to Lathrop Hall. However, for local Wisconsin residents, particularly those in Madison, the accessibility extends far beyond private vehicle use. The UW-Madison campus is exceptionally well-served by Madison Metro Transit bus routes, making it a highly sustainable and convenient option for students and audience members attending performances. The proximity to Lake Mendota, the State Capitol, and the lively downtown Madison area also means that the department is embedded within a rich cultural and intellectual environment. This allows students to not only focus on their dance studies but also to engage with the broader artistic and academic community of the university and the city. The ease of access, combined with the inspiring university setting, makes the University of Wisconsin Dance Department a highly desirable and practical choice for Wisconsin residents passionate about dance.

Services Offered

• Undergraduate Degree Programs: The department offers both Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Dance degrees, providing comprehensive training for aspiring professional dancers, choreographers, and educators.
• Graduate Degree Programs: A newly announced Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance, with named options in Screendance and Creative Research, Culture, and Practice, offers advanced study for exceptional artists.
• Certificate Programs: Various certificates are available, including a general Dance Certificate, Dance Education Certificate, Dance Studies Certificate, Dance/Movement Therapy Certificate, and a Pilates Certificate, catering to diverse interests and career paths.
• Diverse Technique Classes: Students can explore a wide array of dance styles, including Contemporary Dance, Ballet, Hip-Hop, African Dance, Asian American Movement, Social Dance, Modern Jazz, and Tai Ji, among others.
• Composition and Choreography Courses: Extensive curriculum focusing on movement composition, improvisation, and the art of choreography, encouraging creative development.
• Dance History and Theory Courses: In-depth studies exploring the cultural, historical, and theoretical contexts of dance, fostering intellectual inquiry.
• Somatic Practices: Courses in Somatic Theory and Practices, Yoga, Relaxation Techniques, and Pilates, emphasizing body awareness, injury prevention, and holistic well-being.
• Performance Opportunities: Numerous opportunities for students to perform in main-stage concerts, faculty concerts, repertory concerts, and collaborate with guest artists, showcasing their skills and artistry.
• Community Engagement and Outreach Programs: While geared towards university students, the department often engages with the wider community through performances and, historically, programs like "Performing Ourselves," which brought dance to underserved youth in Madison.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to four expansive dance studios, a multimedia lab, a resource center, and the dedicated Margaret H'Doubler Performance Space within Lathrop Hall.

Features / Highlights

• Pioneering Legacy: Home to the nation's first dance degree program in higher education, established in 1926 by Margaret H'Doubler, showcasing a century of leadership in the field.
• World-Class Faculty: Students benefit from instruction and mentorship by a diverse and internationally recognized faculty of artists, scholars, and innovators in dance.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: A unique curriculum that rigorously connects dance to the arts, humanities, social sciences, and even biological and physical sciences, fostering well-rounded artists.
• Outstanding Performance Venues: The Margaret H'Doubler Performance Space within Lathrop Hall provides a dedicated and professional setting for student and faculty concerts, as well as performances by renowned guest artists.
• Innovative Programs: The recent introduction of an MFA in Dance with specializations in Screendance and Creative Research, Culture, and Practice highlights the department's commitment to cutting-edge and evolving forms of dance.
• Scholarship and Award Opportunities: The department offers various scholarships and awards for students with exceptional promise, supporting their academic and artistic pursuits.
• Strong Community Impact: Through the Wisconsin Idea, the department strives to enrich lives through the transformative power of dance, impacting communities within and outside the university.
• Numerous Performance Showcases: Regular concerts throughout the academic year, including faculty concerts, student repertory concerts, and guest artist performances, provide consistent opportunities for students to hone their craft and for the public to experience high-quality dance.
• Prime Campus Location: Being on the UW-Madison campus allows students to engage with a broader university environment, access extensive library resources, and participate in a vibrant campus life.

Contact Information

Address: 125, Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA

Phone: (608) 262-1691

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Wisconsin, and especially those in the Madison area, the University of Wisconsin Dance Department is more than just an academic institution; it's a vital cultural and educational hub. Its suitability for locals is multifaceted, beginning with its accessibility and prominent location on the UW-Madison campus. Being able to access a world-class dance program without having to leave the state or travel extensively is a significant advantage for aspiring dancers and their families. The department's rich history, as the birthplace of the nation's first dance degree, means that local students are enrolling in a legacy of innovation and excellence right here in their home state.

Furthermore, the UW Dance Department offers a diverse array of programs, from undergraduate and graduate degrees to various certificates and individual technique classes, catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels. This means that local high school graduates considering a career in dance, or even adults looking to explore dance for personal enrichment, can find suitable pathways. The opportunity to learn from a world-class faculty, engage with innovative choreography, and perform in state-of-the-art facilities like the Margaret H'Doubler Performance Space, all while staying connected to their local community, is invaluable. Beyond formal education, the department regularly hosts public performances and concerts. These events provide exceptional opportunities for Wisconsin residents to experience professional-level dance, exposing them to diverse styles and groundbreaking artistry right in Madison. This fosters a vibrant local arts scene and encourages community engagement with the performing arts. In essence, the University of Wisconsin Dance Department serves as a cornerstone of artistic and academic excellence, making it an ideal destination for any Wisconsin resident passionate about the transformative power of dance.

University of Wisconsin Dance Department

125, Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA