UWM PSOA Department of Dance

For anyone in Wisconsin with a passion for movement, expression, and the transformative power of dance, the UWM PSOA Department of Dance stands as a beacon of artistic and academic excellence. Located right here in Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Peck School of the Arts (PSOA) is home to a dynamic and innovative dance department that caters to aspiring professional dancers, educators, choreographers, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding and practice of dance. It’s a vital part of Milwaukee's vibrant arts scene, offering world-class training and a rich array of performances that enrich the cultural landscape for all local residents.

The UWM PSOA Department of Dance is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, which integrates diverse dance practices, somatic approaches, critical thinking, and community engagement. This isn't just a place to learn steps; it's an environment designed to cultivate well-rounded dance artists and scholars. Students are encouraged to explore various forms, develop their unique creative voice, and understand dance within broader cultural and historical contexts. Whether you're a high school student dreaming of a career on stage, an adult looking to refine your technique, or simply a dance enthusiast eager to experience captivating performances, the UWM PSOA Department of Dance provides unparalleled opportunities.

The department prides itself on fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The faculty, comprised of accomplished artists and educators, are dedicated to nurturing each student's potential, balancing rigorous technical training with creative exploration. This commitment extends beyond the classroom, with many students actively involved in professional dance companies throughout Milwaukee, demonstrating the strong connections between the university and the local dance community. For locals, this means not only access to high-quality education but also a consistent schedule of compelling dance performances, featuring both emerging talent and established artists, contributing significantly to Milwaukee’s artistic vitality.

The UWM PSOA Department of Dance is strategically situated on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's main campus, specifically within the Peck School of the Arts complex at 2400 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA. This location is easily accessible for residents across Milwaukee and the surrounding communities in southeastern Wisconsin. The campus is well-connected by major roadways, making it convenient for those traveling by car. Various parking structures and lots are available on or near campus for visitors and students. For those utilizing public transportation, numerous Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus routes serve the UWM campus, providing direct connections from different parts of the city. Its proximity to Lake Michigan and popular East Side neighborhoods means that it’s not only an academic institution but also a cultural cornerstone within a lively part of the city. The comprehensive facilities of the Peck School of the Arts are spread across several interconnected buildings, including the Theatre Building, which houses the department, ensuring a centralized and navigable experience for students and visitors alike.

• Undergraduate Programs:
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance: An innovative curriculum integrating multiple disciplines and somatic practices, balancing body and mind knowledge with informed, creative expression. This program allows for double majors and prepares students for diverse careers and graduate study.
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance: A rigorous program preparing students for performance and choreography, with in-depth training in traditional and contemporary dance forms, alongside coursework in mind-body practices, pedagogy, culture, theory, and history.
  • Minor in Dance Performance: Allows students to explore a wide range of dance styles and techniques without committing to a full major.
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Somatics: Focuses on mind-body practices relevant to dance and overall well-being.
  • Undergraduate Microcredential in African and Diaspora Dance Forms: A specialized program focusing on specific cultural dance traditions.
• Graduate Programs:
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance: A low-residency program designed for working professionals, prioritizing contemporary choreography and individual creative research, with a focus on embodied scholarship and community engagement.
• Diverse Dance Technique Classes: Offers instruction in a wide array of styles including Ballet (various traditions), Modern Dance (various traditions), African Dance & Diaspora, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Dance for Musical Theatre.
• Performance Opportunities: Students regularly participate in four main annual concerts—"Winterdances," "Springdances," "New Dancemakers," and "UpStart"—showcasing world premieres by faculty, guest artists, and student choreography.
• Choreography and Improvisation Training: Courses in dance composition and improvisation for dancemaking are integral to the curriculum, encouraging creative expression.
• Dance History and Theory: Academic coursework covers dance history, critical dance studies, and theoretical frameworks, providing a comprehensive understanding of the art form.
• Somatic and Conditioning Practices: Includes classes in Yoga, Alexander Technique, and Pilates Method to enhance physical awareness, prevent injuries, and improve performance.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities for service-learning and teaching dance in community settings, connecting students with local organizations and fostering social justice through dance.
• Guest Artist Workshops and Residencies: Provides students with opportunities to train with well-known guest artists and choreographers from across the nation and internationally.
• Access to Professional Companies: Strong ties to Milwaukee's professional dance community, with students often involved in local companies like Danceworks, Ko-Thi Dance Company, Wild Space, and more.

• Innovative and Comprehensive Curriculum: The department's programs integrate diverse dance techniques with academic study, somatics, and creative research, ensuring a holistic and well-rounded dance education. This balance of "body and mind knowledge with informed, creative expression" is a cornerstone of their approach.
• Diverse Dance Forms: Students have the opportunity to delve into a wide spectrum of dance styles, from classical ballet and modern to African and Diaspora dance forms, hip-hop, jazz, and even salsa. This breadth of offerings allows dancers to develop versatility and a broad understanding of global dance traditions.
• Exceptional Faculty: The faculty members are not only highly experienced artists and educators but are also committed to nurturing student talent. Many have received awards for their excellent teaching, balancing creative play with academic rigor and encouraging student participation in research. They are active in the local and international dance communities, bringing real-world experience and connections into the classroom.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: As part of the Peck School of the Arts, the Department of Dance utilizes modern rehearsal studios, performance venues, and specialized labs. These purpose-driven spaces are designed to inspire creativity and experimentation, providing students with optimal environments for training and performance. Premier venues like the Jan Serr Studio and the Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts offer professional-grade settings for showcasing student and faculty work.
• Robust Performance Schedule: The department hosts numerous dance concerts throughout the academic year, including "Winterdances," "Springdances," "New Dancemakers," and "UpStart." These events offer students invaluable performance experience and provide the Milwaukee community with regular access to high-quality, innovative dance.
• Strong Community and Professional Connections: UWM Dance fosters deep ties with the local dance scene. Students are actively involved with professional dance companies in Milwaukee, providing valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities even before graduation. Faculty often collaborate with local organizations, further strengthening these community bonds.
• Emphasis on Somatic Practices and Injury Prevention: The curriculum includes specific courses in somatic practices like Alexander Technique, Pilates, and Yoga, demonstrating a commitment to dancers' physical well-being, injury prevention, and a deeper understanding of the body in motion.
• Opportunities for Creative Research and Choreography: The programs strongly emphasize developing choreographic skills, encouraging students to become innovative dancemakers and explore new media and interdisciplinary collaborations in their work.

Address: 2400 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA

Phone: (414) 229-1122

For Wisconsin locals, especially those in the greater Milwaukee area, the UWM PSOA Department of Dance is an invaluable cultural and educational asset. Whether you’re a high school student contemplating a career in dance, an adult looking to continue your dance education, or simply a community member who appreciates the performing arts, this department offers a wealth of opportunities right at your doorstep. Its comprehensive programs—from the BA and BFA to the low-residency MFA and specialized certificates—cater to a wide range of aspirations, ensuring that there’s a pathway for almost any level of engagement with dance.

The accessibility of a world-class dance education without having to leave the state is a significant advantage. Students can receive rigorous technical training in diverse forms like ballet, modern, African, and hip-hop, while also engaging with the academic, historical, and theoretical aspects of dance. The strong emphasis on somatic practices like Alexander Technique and Pilates also underscores a commitment to the dancers' long-term health and well-being, a crucial consideration for any serious dancer or parent of an aspiring one.

Beyond formal education, the UWM PSOA Department of Dance enriches the entire Milwaukee community through its vibrant performance schedule. Locals can regularly attend "Winterdances," "Springdances," and other student and faculty showcases, experiencing innovative choreography and emerging talent firsthand. This provides an affordable and accessible way to engage with high-quality contemporary and traditional dance, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts within the city.

Furthermore, the department's strong ties with local professional dance companies mean that its students are often performing in and contributing to Milwaukee's dynamic arts scene, even while they are still studying. This symbiotic relationship strengthens the local dance ecosystem, making Milwaukee a recognized hub for dance. For any Wisconsin resident passionate about dance—whether as a participant, a student, or an audience member—the UWM PSOA Department of Dance offers an unparalleled resource for artistic growth, cultural enrichment, and community engagement, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the state's artistic landscape.

UWM PSOA Department of Dance

2400 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA