The University of Utah is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).

College of Fine Arts
School of Dance Office: MCD 106
Mailing Address: 330 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Phone: 801-581-7327
Website: www.dance.utah.edu
E-mail: info@dance.utah.edu

Director, School of Dance: Melonie B. Murray, PhD, MFA

Click HERE to learn more about College of Fine Arts Academic Advisors or make an academic advising appointment. advisor@finearts.utah.edu

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 modern 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. 

Undergraduate Program

The School of Dance offers the following undergraduate degrees: BFA in Ballet, BFA in Modern Dance, BFA in Modern Dance Teaching (with K-12 licensure), Minor in Modern Dance, and a Ballet Studio Teaching Certificate.

Dance majors are also capable of pursuing second majors, minors, and/or pursuing Honors degrees. For more information regarding each separate degree including Program and Course Offerings, refer to degree pages in the catalog or visit www.dance.utah.edu.

Teaching Certification
The School of Dance is an incubator for dance educators. The BFA in Modern Dance Teaching with K-12 licensure provides students the experience and specific credentials to teach dance in public schools (K-12). This degree prepares students for advanced studies in the field.

Admission Requirements
Admission into the School of Dance is a two-step process: 1) Submit an application for admission to the University through the Admissions Office, and 2) Submit an audition application and audition for the School of Dance either in person or by video. For more audition and admission information, click here.

Special Opportunities
The School of Dance produces an average of seven professional performances annually and boasts a robust guest artist program. Our programs offer dance majors substantial performance and choreographic opportunities.

Dance majors are also capable of pursuing second majors, minors, and/or pursuing Honors degrees. 

Graduate Program

The School of Dance offers an MFA in Modern Dance and an MFA in Ballet. Please see the Program and Course Offerings section for curriculum details. The School also offers a Screendance Certificate program at the graduate level in partnership with the Department of Film & Media Arts.

 Admission
There are additional admission requirements for these programs.

 All applicants must submit an application for admission to the University of Utah. Additionally, a separate application for either MFA program must be submitted to the School of Dance.

 Please visit www.dance.utah.edu for more audition and admission information.

Areas of Research
The School of Dance offers opportunities for multiple areas of research that include but are not limited to: choreography, performance, dance teaching, anatomy for dance, technology, dance studies, as well as interdisciplinary and community-based projects. Each graduate student is responsible for identifying and developing their own thesis research topic.

Additional Requirements
MFA applicants must have a B (3.0) average in the last two years of undergraduate work; maintain a B average in their School of Dance coursework; receive consistently favorable faculty reviews regarding teaching assignments, administrative responsibilities, projects, and coursework; propose a thesis topic; publicly present the results of creative practice; submit a thesis manuscript for committee evaluation; conduct an oral defense and fulfill any deficiencies in undergraduate requirements.