Department of Dance

- 263 Dance Building, Athens, GA 30602

For those in Georgia with a passion for movement and a drive for academic excellence, the Department of Dance at the University of Georgia (UGA) is a standout institution. More than just a dance school, it functions as a comprehensive academic department that offers a rigorous and rewarding program for both dance majors and students from other fields. Located in the vibrant city of Athens, this department provides a unique opportunity to engage with dance as a physical discipline, a creative art form, and a subject of academic study. The Department of Dance is dedicated to promoting excellence, access, and appreciation for dance as a form of expression that reflects personal, historical, and cultural diversity. This article provides a detailed look at what makes this UGA department a top choice for aspiring dancers and scholars in the region.

Location and Accessibility

The Department of Dance is situated on the University of Georgia campus at 263 Dance Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA. Its location places it in the heart of the university's academic and artistic community, making it easily accessible for students and visitors. A key highlight of the facility is its accessibility. The Department of Dance building features a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all individuals can participate in or attend classes and events with ease. This commitment to accessibility reflects the department's mission of promoting access to and appreciation of dance for everyone. Its location on the UGA campus also provides a secure and well-maintained environment for students and guests.

Services Offered

As an academic department, the primary services offered are educational programs, but they extend far beyond a traditional classroom setting. The department provides a wide array of classes and opportunities for various levels of interest. While a bachelor's degree in Dance is a major program, many classes are open to all UGA students. Here is a list of their key services and offerings:

• Dance Education: The department offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance. The curriculum provides professional training in various styles, including Contemporary Modern, Jazz, Ballet, and Aerial Dance. It also includes courses in Tap, Ballroom, West African dance forms, and Hip-Hop Dance and Culture.
• Academic Courses: In addition to technical training, students can take courses in Dance History, Dance Composition, Digital Media for Dance, and more. This well-rounded curriculum provides a strong foundation for students to explore, experiment, and develop their personal creativity and artistry.
• Performance Opportunities: Students are encouraged to perform in multiple concerts each year, including annual student-choreographed showcases and company concerts. These opportunities allow them to gain valuable stage experience and showcase their skills.
• Community Classes and Events: The department hosts community-oriented events and classes, such as "Classic City Swing," which are open to the public. These events help to build a broader dance community in Athens and provide a fun, social environment.
• Teacher Certification: UGA is the only University System of Georgia school to offer P-12 Teacher Certification in Dance, making it a unique and valuable choice for those who want to teach dance in schools.
• Double Dawg Degree: The department offers a unique "Double Dawg" program where students can earn a bachelor's in Dance and a Master's degree in Non-profit Management and Leadership in just five years, preparing them for a variety of career paths.
• Study Abroad: Students have the opportunity to travel and study dance in other countries, such as Ghana and New York City, to broaden their horizons and enhance their academic and personal growth.

Features and Highlights

What sets the Department of Dance at UGA apart is its unique blend of academic rigor and artistic practice. It is not just a dance studio but a place where dance is studied as a form of "creative research" central to its mission. Here are some of its most notable features and highlights:

• Holistic Curriculum: The program is designed for students to excel both on and off the stage, with courses that explore the technical, analytical, cultural, and historical aspects of dance.
• Variety of Dance Styles: From Ballet and Jazz to Aerial and West African dance, the department offers a diverse range of styles, allowing students to become versatile and well-rounded dancers.
• Dedicated and Supportive Faculty: The professors are known for their knowledge, support, and dedication to their students' success. They encourage critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
• Performance-Focused Programs: The department has a strong emphasis on performance, with multiple opportunities throughout the year for students to showcase their choreography and skills. The "Classic City Swing" review is a testament to the department’s ability to host vibrant and enjoyable dance events for the community.
• Accreditation: The University of Georgia is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), ensuring that the program meets high professional standards.
• Career Pathways: The department provides students with a broad range of skills, including critical thinking, public performance, and problem-solving, which are applicable to various careers in and outside of the performing arts.
• Accessible Facility: The wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking make the department welcoming for all.

Contact Information

For more information about the academic programs, classes for non-majors, or upcoming performances, you can contact the Department of Dance directly. Their staff is ready to answer your questions and help you get involved.

Address: 263 Dance Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA

Phone: (706) 542-4415

What is worth choosing

For Georgians with an interest in dance, the Department of Dance at the University of Georgia offers a truly exceptional opportunity. It provides a unique balance of professional training and a liberal arts education, making it an ideal choice for those who want to pursue a serious career in dance or simply integrate dance into their academic life. The welcoming and supportive atmosphere, combined with a wide range of classes and performance opportunities, ensures that every student can find their place and thrive. The positive review mentioning the "fantastic band and great dancers" at a "Classic City Swing" event highlights the vibrant community and quality of talent the department attracts and nurtures.

The department’s commitment to providing a holistic education that includes not only physical training but also theoretical and historical knowledge is what sets it apart. The faculty's dedication to informing teaching through "creative research" ensures that students receive a cutting-edge education that is both intellectually stimulating and artistically enriching. For these reasons and more, the Department of Dance at UGA is a highly recommended institution for anyone in the Georgia region who wants to pursue their passion for dance in a serious, supportive, and academically rigorous environment.

Department of Dance

263 Dance Building, Athens, GA 30602, USA