College of Fine Arts

Dance

1

Mainstage Dance Concert

As well as other opportunities to perform on campus, in the community, with guest artists, and to represent UK at dance conferences and festivals.

3

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

Expand your industry potential with studies in Theatre, Musical Theatre, or Arts Administration without taking more than 4 years to graduate.

45

Credit Hours

With plenty of flexibility to pursue other passions.

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Headshot of Susie Thiel

Susie Thiel

Assistant Professor

Director of Dance

College of Fine Arts

Department of Theatre & Dance

Fine Arts Building, Room 114

465 Rose Street Lexington, KY 40506

Program website

859-257-3297

  • BA

We are the only program in Kentucky with an emphasis on Modern Dance, Creativity, and Research-based choreography. A successful audition is required to be declared a dance major at UK.

Study & Careers

As an art form, the study of dance incorporates and develops problem solving, collaboration, communication (visual, aural, written, and performative), critical thinking, peer mentorship, and project management - soft and hard skills that students can incorporate into a wide variety of career outcomes.  The Major in Dance in the University of Kentucky’s Department of Theatre & Dance educates its students in the history, theory, creativity, practice, and performance of dance within the context of a broad liberal arts education. The central focus of the degree is based in creativity and choreography through the lens of diverse dance genres with an emphasis on contemporary practice.  The 45-credit BA degree offers the flexibility to double major or minor in another discipline; broadening each student's potential to be successful in multiple industries, or to carve out their specific passion niche in a world of generalities.

Dance majors can easily enrich their studies by pursuing credits, certificates, minors, or double majors in:

  • Theatre
  • Musical Theatre Certificate
  • Arts Administration
  • Education
  • Kinesiology
  • Health Promotion
  • Business
  • and more

Auditions

In addition to being admitted to UK, a successful audition is required to be declared a dance major. During the audition, prospective students will demonstrate their knowledge of ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation movement based phrases and exercises. The audition culminates with an individual interview meeting with a faculty member.  

If you are unable to attend the audition dates a video audition may be submitted either via mailed DVD or link to a hosted video.  Dance minors are not required to audition.

Students generally enter the dance major program in the fall semester. The dance program also accepts new majors in the spring semester. Spaces in the dance major are filled on a first-come, first-served basis from those accepted to the program. When all of the spaces are full, accepted students who still wish to attend will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a space opens.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must follow above procedures, including attendance at one of the two departmental auditions or through a video audition.

Audition Requirements Reserve Your Audition Now

Classes & Requirements

Students are required to complete 12 credits of dance technique courses at a recommended skill level:

  • 4 credits must be 300 level and above
  • 4 credits in Ballet Technique
  • 4 credits in Jazz Technique
  • 4 credits in Modern Technique

All Dance Technique classes are 2 credit hours and repeatable up to 12 credit hours. 13 credit hours of Dance Electives are also required; encompassing dance courses, theatre courses, and wellness/conditioning courses offered through the College of Education Kinesiology and Health Promotion (KHP) Life Fitness Program.

Learn More About Dance Learn More About KHP

General Electives

Students can choose electives to lead to the minimum total of 120 hours required for graduation.  This flexibility is the perfect opportunity to study a second field that complements a solid training in Dance.


Historical Major Sheets

2017-18 Major Sheet

Enhancing Your Time at UK

While there are endless ways to create an unforgettable journey as a Wildcat, we can only think of one that gives you the chance to step outside the classroom and into exploring new parts of the world around you: participating in an Education Abroad opportunity! Whether it’s in a study, research, service, or internship program, taking your UK experience international with EA is the most hands-on way for you to expand your global perspective while making yourself a more well-rounded, marketable candidate to future employers no matter your field. As you take these first steps towards investing in your future, EA encourages you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the many suggested opportunities UK Education Abroad & Exchanges has to complement your major! #ukyabroad

 

View Major Advising Page

Contact

Headshot of Susie Thiel

Susie Thiel

Assistant Professor

Director of Dance

College of Fine Arts

Department of Theatre & Dance

Fine Arts Building, Room 114

465 Rose Street Lexington, KY 40506

859-257-3297