Department of Dance

- MC 039, Dance Administration Building, 917 1/2 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801

In the vibrant and culturally rich community of Urbana, Illinois, a major point of interest for anyone passionate about the performing arts is the Department of Dance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While a cornerstone of a major academic institution, this department is much more than just a place of study; it’s a dynamic and influential hub that contributes significantly to the local arts scene. The Department of Dance is known for its progressive and comprehensive approach to dance education, preparing students not just for a career on stage but as visionaries, educators, and advocates for the art form. This institution has a long-standing reputation as one of the oldest and most forward-thinking dance programs in the country. It is a place where students and faculty engage in creative research, explore new approaches to movement, and immerse themselves in the process of discovery. This commitment to artistic innovation and education makes it a key destination for anyone in Illinois interested in the power and beauty of dance. The department hosts numerous public performances and events throughout the year, making its world-class artistry accessible to the entire community and enriching the cultural landscape of Urbana-Champaign.

The Department of Dance is located in the Dance Administration Building at 917 1/2 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. Its position on the University of Illinois campus makes it a central and well-known location within the city of Urbana. The address, marked with the MC 039 designation, helps navigate the expansive campus. A key consideration for any public space, especially one dedicated to movement and performance, is accessibility, and the Department of Dance is well-equipped to serve all members of the community. The building features a wheelchair-accessible car park, which provides a convenient and stress-free way for visitors with mobility needs to arrive at the facility. Furthermore, a wheelchair-accessible entrance ensures that everyone can easily access the building and its various offerings. This commitment to inclusivity is a testament to the department's role as a public "point of interest" for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. The location is easily reachable from various parts of the Urbana-Champaign area, making it a simple destination for students, faculty, and local residents attending performances or events. The proximity to other campus buildings and community landmarks adds to its accessibility and prominence within the local area.

As a leading academic and artistic institution, the Department of Dance provides a wide range of services and opportunities, primarily focused on education, creative research, and performance. While many services are geared toward enrolled students, the public can also benefit from the department's vibrant activities. The core services offered include:

• Undergraduate and Graduate Programs: The department offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance, as well as a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. These programs provide rigorous training in various dance techniques, including ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, African-Caribbean dance, and more.

• Public Performances and Seasons: The department hosts several annual performance seasons at world-class venues like the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. These events feature original choreography by faculty and students, guest artists, and a diverse range of dance styles, offering high-quality entertainment to the public.

• Guest Artist Workshops: The department frequently hosts renowned guest artists from the professional dance world. These artists often lead workshops and create new works with the students, which sometimes culminates in public performances, enriching both the students' education and the community's cultural experience.

• Collaborative Projects: The Department of Dance is known for its interdisciplinary collaborations with other departments and colleges on campus, as well as with local organizations. These projects often result in unique and innovative public presentations that blend dance with other art forms and technologies.

• Dance Minor and Musical Theatre Minor: For students who are not majoring in dance but wish to continue their training, the department offers a Dance Minor and a Musical Theatre Minor, providing formal instruction and performance opportunities.

• Summer Intensives: The department offers summer intensive programs for high school students, giving them a taste of collegiate-level dance training and a glimpse into life as a dance major.

What sets the Department of Dance at the University of Illinois apart are the unique features and highlights that make it a premier destination for dance enthusiasts and a valuable asset to the Urbana-Champaign community. These highlights are a blend of academic excellence and artistic innovation.

• State-of-the-Art Studios: The department boasts several light-filled, professional-quality studio spaces, providing an ideal environment for daily technique classes and rehearsals with live musicians.

• World-Class Performance Venues: Students have the incredible opportunity to perform in world-class theaters at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, offering them a true professional performance experience. This partnership is a significant highlight and a major draw for both aspiring dancers and local audiences.

• Diverse and Progressive Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive and forward-thinking, covering a global spectrum of aesthetics and forms, from classical ballet and contemporary to hip-hop, African-Caribbean dance, and more. This ensures a well-rounded and relevant education.

• Creative Research and Innovation: The department's focus on creative research drives its programming. Faculty and students are encouraged to investigate new approaches and find connections, leading to groundbreaking and thought-provoking artistic work that pushes the boundaries of the field.

• Commitment to Accessibility: The wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance are a key highlight, ensuring that the department is a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of the community, whether they are students, patrons, or visiting artists.

• Professional Networks: The department's vast network of alumni and visiting artists provides students with incredible opportunities to interact with major artists and create possibilities for their future careers.

For more information on programs, performances, or general inquiries, you can contact the Department of Dance using the details below. We encourage you to reach out for the most up-to-date information on upcoming shows or how to get involved.

• Address: MC 039, Dance Administration Building, 917 1/2 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801, USA

• Phone: (217) 333-1010

Why is the Department of Dance worth choosing? Whether you are a prospective student, a local arts enthusiast, or a parent looking for a cultural experience, this institution offers a truly unique and valuable experience. Its status as a highly-ranked program, especially in Illinois, speaks to the quality of its education and faculty. The fact that its students have the opportunity to perform at a venue as prestigious as the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is a rare and significant benefit that provides them with professional-level experience even before they graduate. Furthermore, the department's dedication to a diverse curriculum ensures that its students are well-rounded and prepared for the evolving landscape of the dance world. This isn't just a ballet school; it's a place that embraces a global perspective on movement and art. For the local community, the Department of Dance is an invaluable cultural resource. Its public performances, often at very affordable prices, offer a chance to witness innovative and high-quality dance right in Urbana. It’s a way to support local artists and engage with a vibrant creative community. The accessibility features of the building, including the wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park, are a clear indication that this is a place that values and welcomes everyone. This commitment to inclusivity, combined with its academic and artistic rigor, makes the Department of Dance a compelling and enriching point of interest that is well worth your time to explore and support.

Department of Dance

MC 039, Dance Administration Building, 917 1/2 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL 61801, USA