Dance Department

- New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Welcome to the Dance Department at Rutgers University, a cornerstone of performing arts education in New Jersey. Located in the vibrant community of New Brunswick, our department offers a dynamic and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the dance world. Whether you aspire to be a professional performer, choreographer, educator, or scholar, the Dance Department provides a supportive and challenging environment to help you achieve your goals. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our faculty of distinguished artists and scholars, our state-of-the-art facilities, and our comprehensive approach to dance education that combines technical training with academic study. We believe in nurturing the whole artist, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the art form.

For residents of New Jersey and beyond, the Dance Department at Rutgers University stands out as a premier institution for dance education. Our curriculum is built on a foundation of diverse dance forms, including ballet, modern, and contemporary techniques, while also offering opportunities to explore improvisation, somatics, and various world dance traditions. Students benefit from small class sizes that allow for personalized attention and mentorship from our experienced faculty. Beyond the studio, the department offers a rich academic program that includes courses in dance history, theory, and choreography, ensuring a well-rounded education. Our strong ties to the professional dance community provide students with invaluable networking opportunities, including master classes, guest artist residencies, and performance opportunities with both student and professional companies.

The Dance Department is more than just a place to learn; it is a community where passion and discipline converge. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment where all students feel welcome and empowered to explore their artistic potential. Our alumni have gone on to successful careers in major dance companies, Broadway productions, and leading arts organizations, a testament to the quality of our programs. We invite you to learn more about what makes the Dance Department at Rutgers University a unique and rewarding place to pursue your passion for dance.

Location and Accessibility

The Dance Department is conveniently situated in the heart of New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. This location offers easy access for students and visitors from across New Jersey and the wider tristate area. New Brunswick is a bustling city known for its vibrant arts scene, excellent dining, and cultural attractions, providing a stimulating backdrop for artistic study. The campus is well-served by public transportation, including NJ Transit trains and buses, making it highly accessible for commuters. The New Brunswick train station is a major hub, connecting the city to New York City and Philadelphia, which opens up a wealth of opportunities for students to experience professional performances and auditions.

For those traveling by car, the campus is easily reachable via major highways, including Route 18, Route 1, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Ample parking is available in designated lots and garages. The department’s central location within the Rutgers campus makes it simple for students to navigate between classes, libraries, and other university facilities. Its position in a city rich with cultural resources ensures that students are never far from inspiration, whether it's through a performance at the State Theatre New Jersey, an exhibition at the Zimmerli Art Museum, or simply the lively street life of downtown New Brunswick.

Services Offered

The Dance Department at Rutgers University provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to support students throughout their academic and artistic journeys. These services are tailored to foster growth, provide practical experience, and ensure a smooth and successful educational experience.

• Onsite Services: The department offers a full range of onsite services, including access to multiple dance studios with sprung floors, a black box theater for student performances and rehearsals, and a well-equipped costume shop.
• Academic and Artistic Advising: Students receive personalized guidance from faculty advisors to help them navigate their academic plans, choose courses, and plan their career paths.
• Technical Training: The curriculum includes intensive training in ballet, modern dance (Graham and Limón techniques), and contemporary forms, with a focus on developing strong technique and artistic expression.
• Choreographic Opportunities: Students are encouraged to develop their choreographic voices through dedicated courses and participation in student-run showcases and departmental concerts.
• Guest Artist Workshops: The department regularly hosts visiting artists and master teachers from around the world, providing students with exposure to a variety of styles, perspectives, and professional insights.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to perform in departmental concerts, student showcases, and special events, both on and off campus.
• Career Development: The department assists students with career planning, including workshops on resume writing, audition preparation, and networking within the professional dance community.

Features / Highlights

The Dance Department at Rutgers University is distinguished by several key features that make it a standout choice for aspiring dancers. These highlights underscore our commitment to providing a world-class education that is both rigorous and relevant.

• World-Class Faculty: Our faculty members are accomplished professional dancers, choreographers, and scholars with extensive experience in the field. They bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world expertise to the classroom and studio, serving as mentors and guides for the next generation of artists.
• Diverse Program Options: The department offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance, which is an intensive, pre-professional training program, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance, which provides a more liberal arts-based education. This flexibility allows students to tailor their education to their specific goals.
• Alumni Success: Graduates of the Dance Department have gone on to perform with renowned companies such as the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Parsons Dance, as well as on Broadway and in regional theater. Many have also become successful educators, choreographers, and arts administrators.
• Cutting-Edge Curriculum: The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect the evolving landscape of the dance world, incorporating new techniques, technologies, and theoretical frameworks to ensure students are well-prepared for the future.
• Collaborative Environment: The department fosters a highly collaborative atmosphere, encouraging students to work with each other and with faculty on creative projects. It also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration with other departments across the university, such as music, theater, and digital media.
• Strong Community: The Dance Department is known for its close-knit and supportive community. Students often speak of the strong bonds they form with their peers and faculty, creating a sense of family that lasts well beyond graduation. A former student has said, “It was the best time I ever has in my whole life.”

Contact Information

For more information about the Dance Department at Rutgers University, you can reach out using the following details:

Address: New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA

Phone: (848) 932-8497

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing a university for dance is a significant decision, and the Dance Department at Rutgers University stands out for numerous compelling reasons. Firstly, its location in New Brunswick, a vibrant cultural hub with easy access to New York City and Philadelphia, provides an unparalleled advantage. Students are immersed in a lively arts community and have direct access to professional opportunities, master classes, and performances in some of the world's leading cultural centers. This geographic advantage is a powerful factor in career development and networking.

Secondly, the department’s commitment to providing a holistic education is a major draw. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to balance intensive technical training with academic study, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled dancers but also articulate, knowledgeable artists. The availability of both a BFA and a BA degree allows students to choose a path that best fits their long-term goals, whether they aim for a career on the stage or in a related field like arts administration or dance therapy. The faculty's dedication to student success is also a key factor. They are not just teachers but mentors who guide students through the challenges and triumphs of their artistic journeys.

Furthermore, the supportive and collaborative environment of the Dance Department is often cited as a reason for its appeal. The sense of community is strong, and students feel supported by both their peers and their professors. This nurturing atmosphere allows for artistic risk-taking and personal growth, which are essential for any creative pursuit. The department's impressive track record of alumni success speaks volumes about the quality of the education provided. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the professional world, and many have achieved remarkable success in a wide range of dance-related careers. The program’s focus on fostering not just technique but also creativity, critical thinking, and professionalism makes it an excellent choice for anyone serious about pursuing a career in dance.

The Dance Department at Rutgers University is a place where talent is nurtured, potential is realized, and dreams are transformed into reality. For a resident of New Jersey looking for a top-tier dance education that offers both artistic rigor and career-building opportunities, this department is an exceptional choice.

Dance Department

New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA