The
Department of Dance remains committed to supporting and affirming the role of
dance in higher education by offering an environment conducive for the training
and development of young artists and the nurturing of the art of dance. This
environment is one in which performance opportunities, creative projects and
theoretical studies complement and reinforce each other. Provision of specific
bodies of knowledge, ways to discover, synthesize and apply this knowledge is
paramount. This in turn will empower students to enrich and further the arts
in a diverse society in relevant and meaningful ways.
The
combined influence of dance studies and general studies at the BA, BFA, and
MFA levels is profound and far-reaching in establishing a foundation for artistic
and intellectual development. The Dance degree programs are based upon the central
premise that art and education are both extensions of the total humanistic endeavor.
The faculty and students, curriculum, guest residencies, facilities and performance
opportunities are the keys to the success of the UI Department of Dance. The
department is committed to thorough preparation. Dance students at The University
of Iowa are preparing to earn their living doing what they love, whether this
be performing, choreography, teaching, and/or other creative careers.
Designed
to facilitate this preparation, the curriculum demands a well-rounded understanding
of dance theory, history and technique. Dance majors are required to take a
variety of technique classes and are expected to attain proficiency in both
ballet and modern. For undergraduates, thorough preparation is also ensured
by the quality liberal arts education that The University of Iowa offers.
An
added bonus for UI dance students is the constant exposure to guest performers,
choreographers and teachers. Through the Division of Performing Arts and Hancher
Auditorium, Iowa dancers have the opportunity to experience a myriad of dance
performances and to work in master classes and seminars with a variety of dance
companies from the classical to the avant-garde.
Educational
activities are essential for growth in the arts. Since 1984, the department
has participated in the American College Dance Festival Association (ACDFA),
hosting the Festival in 1981, 1986, 1993 and 1997. Numerous opportunities to
perform in regional venues are possible with Dancers In Company and faculty
produced dance tours. The Dance Department has some of the finest facilities
in the country for both study and performance. Dance students have opportunities
to make use of the department’s six technique studios, classrooms, video
viewing and Labanotation computer room and video library. The Space/Place Theater
is the Dance Department’s own 200-seat performance space for formal concerts
and experimental works. Annual Dance Gala concerts are produced in the 2,400
seat Hancher Auditorium.
Performance
and choreographic opportunities abound. The dance student may refine classroom
technique into the art of performance in the annual Dance Gala, thesis and student/faculty
concerts, School of Music operas, Theatre Arts Department musicals, the annual
ACDFA festivals, and for exceptional students, the Dance Department’s touring
company, Dancers in Company. Students interested in pursuing teaching as a career
can develop these skills in such programs as Dance Forum.
Training
with a strongly supportive and skilled faculty, working with a range of guest
artists and taking advantage of many performance and choreographic opportunities
give dance students at The University of Iowa the preparation necessary to enter
the field of professional dance.
