The University of Utah is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).
Mailing Address: 330 South 1500 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Office Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Website: www.dance.utah.edu
Phone: 801-581-7327
E-mail: info@dance.utah.edu
Department Chair: Melonie Murray
Undergraduate Director: Daniel Clifton
Graduate Director: Joselli Deans
Undergraduate Advisor: CFA Undergraduate Academic Advising
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Utah's School of Dance is to contribute to the growth of the discipline of dance through research, teaching, and service of the highest caliber. The School's dedication to promoting student and faculty growth as professional dance artists, critical thinkers, and community members propels the School towards excellence, creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
Overview
Dance at the University of Utah has a rich history and ongoing legacy. One of the first US universities to offer degrees in dance (ballet and contemporary dance), the University of Utah has one of the largest and longest-standing dance programs in the country. We have evolved into a vibrant, innovative, and forward-thinking School of Dance accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, and we celebrate nine decades of successful alumni.
The School of Dance is an incubator for dance education and artistic exploration. Our renowned faculty connect individually with students, nurturing young artists and cultivating an environment that fosters personal and artistic growth. We offer unique and plentiful performance opportunities, a robust guest artist program, a range of scholarly and creative inquiry, rigorous and challenging coursework, and interdisciplinary explorations.
Our curriculum is unparalleled in its breadth and depth, offering coursework in various dance techniques, choreography, Screendance, music, anatomy, pedagogy, history, and dance studies. Comprehensive programs of study maintain a balanced emphasis on both performance and scholarship in a safe, professional, and inclusive atmosphere.
Admission is competitive, and our student body is comprised of approximately 200 undergraduates and 15 graduate students seeking professional quality dance training and meaningful educational experiences in the degree programs listed below.
Types of Degrees
Bachelors of Fine Arts
Minor
Undergraduate Certificates
Master of Fine Arts
Graduate Certificate
Undergraduate Program
The School of Dance offers a rigorous undergraduate experience that integrates studio practice, performance, choreography, pedagogy, and theoretical studies. Students develop technical skill, creative voice, and critical thinking within a supportive academic environment. Undergraduate study includes performance opportunities, with the possibility of double-majoring, interdisciplinary collaboration, research engagement, and community connection. Through structured progression and faculty mentorship, students cultivate artistic excellence and professional readiness across diverse career pathways. Admission to the BFA and minor programs in the School of Dance is by audition only. Learn more about our undergraduate programs and how to audition here: https://www.dance.utah.edu/undergraduate
Graduate Program
The School of Dance’s graduate programs offer an immersive, research-informed artistic and academic experience that supports advanced creative and scholarly work in dance. Graduate students apply with a focus on either Ballet or Dance & Choreography. Both options require coursework in pedagogy, creative process, and theoretical studies, and culminate with a thesis project. Students engage in independent research and creative projects, collaborate with faculty and peers, and pursue opportunities that deepen professional expertise and artistic vision. Structured mentorship, alongside curated coursework and performance and presentation experiences prepare graduates for careers as artists, educators, scholars, and leaders in diverse dance and creative fields. Learn more about our graduate programs and how to apply here: https://www.dance.utah.edu/graduate
Visit our website for more information about auditions, applications, scholarships, and much more.