University-Minnesota Dance

- 500 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55455

The University of Minnesota Dance program, part of the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance, is a premier institution for dance education in Minneapolis and the wider Minnesota region. Located on the university's West Bank campus, our program is committed to a mission of "preparing thinking dancers and dancing thinkers." We offer a unique and comprehensive approach to dance education, balancing rigorous technical training with intellectual inquiry. Our students receive an expansive liberal arts education while pursuing the intensive study of contemporary dance in a global context. This holistic philosophy is designed to cultivate versatile and knowledgeable dance artists who are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the arts community and beyond. Whether you are an aspiring professional dancer, a choreographer, an educator, or an arts administrator, our program provides a strong foundation for a lifetime in the world of dance.

The program is situated within a vibrant and dynamic college environment, offering students a wide range of opportunities to engage in performances, projects, and community-based initiatives. Our faculty and visiting artists bring a diverse array of professional experiences to the classroom, embracing various aesthetic differences and approaches to training. This ensures that students are exposed to a broad spectrum of dance styles, which better prepares them for a successful career in the field. Beyond the academic and performance aspects, the university's location in the Twin Cities provides a rich cultural backdrop with numerous opportunities for internships and professional networking. The University of Minnesota Dance program is an ideal choice for anyone passionate about dance as an art form and a field of scholarly inquiry, providing an enriching and challenging experience for those with a serious interest in the discipline.

The University-Minnesota Dance program is located at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance, situated at 500 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. This location is part of the University of Minnesota's West Bank campus, making it easily accessible for students and visitors. The campus's proximity to downtown Minneapolis offers a convenient urban setting with access to various public transportation options. For those traveling by car, there is a wheelchair-accessible parking lot available, ensuring that the facilities are welcoming and accessible to all members of our community. The Barbara Barker Center for Dance is an architecturally stunning building, a feature that has been noted by visitors, adding to the inspiring environment for dance education and performance.

The West Bank campus is designed for easy navigation, and the Barbara Barker Center for Dance is located near other university buildings, creating a centralized hub for the arts. The accessibility and beauty of the location make it an inviting place for students to study and train, and for the public to attend performances. The surrounding area is rich with student life and cultural activities, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for both students and families. Our commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone, including those with mobility challenges, can fully participate in and enjoy the opportunities available at our institution.

The University of Minnesota Dance program offers a variety of educational and artistic services, primarily focusing on its degree programs and performance opportunities.

• Undergraduate Degrees: We offer both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance. The BA is designed for students who want a broad liberal arts education with a focus on contemporary dance, while the BFA is a rigorous degree for those seeking an intensive, highly focused pursuit of dance.
• Graduate Programs: The program offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in dance, the first of its kind in Minnesota, preparing students for professional careers in performance, choreography, and education at a post-secondary level.
• Comprehensive Coursework: Our curriculum includes extensive technical training in various forms, including Modern/Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, and Tap, alongside courses in dance composition, history, theory, and pedagogy. This diverse coursework is designed to create well-rounded dancers and scholars.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to perform in faculty and guest artist concerts, as well as in student-run productions. We also offer special topics classes and workshops with visiting artists.
• Community and Student Groups: The program supports various student-run organizations such as the University of Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club, Latin Dance Club, and Minnesota Kpop Dance Crew, fostering a vibrant and social dance community beyond the academic curriculum.

Our program and facilities are distinguished by several key features and highlights that set us apart as a premier institution for dance.

• Architecturally Stunning Building: As noted by a customer review, the Barbara Barker Center for Dance is a "really nice and architecturally stunning building." This inspiring environment provides a beautiful setting for training and performances.
• Focus on the "Thinking Dancer": Our curriculum goes beyond mere technique, emphasizing critical thinking, dance history, and theory. This approach prepares students not just as performers but as informed artists and citizens.
• Diverse Faculty and Visiting Artists: Our faculty comes from a wide range of professional experiences, and we regularly host visiting artists, ensuring students are exposed to a broad spectrum of teaching philosophies and dance styles.
• Liberal Arts Integration: Students are able to double major or pursue a dual degree with the Dance BA, highlighting our program's integration within a broader liberal arts education.
• Accessibility: We are committed to providing an accessible environment with a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, making our facilities inclusive for all.
• Good for Kids: While the university program is geared toward college-age students and older, the various clinics and workshops offered by the University of Minnesota Dance Team also provide excellent opportunities for younger dancers to train in a high-caliber environment.

For general inquiries about the University-Minnesota Dance program or to learn more about our offerings, please use the following contact information.

Address: 500 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA

Phone: (612) 624-5060

What is worth choosing the University of Minnesota Dance program for is its unparalleled dedication to a balanced and comprehensive dance education. The program's strength lies in its ability to merge high-level practical training with rigorous intellectual study, creating well-rounded individuals who are prepared for diverse careers within the dance field. The beautiful facilities, as highlighted by a visitor, provide an inspiring backdrop for this rigorous work. Beyond the physical space, it's the program's vision of creating "thinking dancers" that truly sets it apart. Students are not just taught to move; they are taught to understand the history, theory, and cultural context of dance, which is an invaluable asset in today's artistic landscape.

The variety of degree options, from the BA to the BFA and MFA, means there is a clear and robust pathway for dancers at every stage of their academic and artistic journey. For Minnesota residents, having such a prestigious and comprehensive program locally is an immense benefit, providing an opportunity for world-class dance education close to home. The supportive and diverse community, coupled with the numerous performance opportunities and academic resources, makes the University of Minnesota Dance a top choice for anyone serious about pursuing dance at the collegiate level. Choosing to study here means joining a vibrant community and gaining the skills needed to thrive both on and off the stage.

University-Minnesota Dance

500 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA