Why Choose the UNCG School of Dance?
Our students study under prestigious faculty, including artists from renowned repertory companies and respected dance historians, offering a deep well of professional and academic expertise. The program provides a well-rounded liberal arts education that enriches dancers intellectually and creatively, preparing them for diverse career paths. With a flexible curriculum that fosters both personal growth and technical excellence, students are empowered to explore their unique voice and expand their dance training
Career Possibilities
A UNCG Dance graduate is equipped to pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including professional dance performance, choreography, and teaching, both locally and internationally. The program also opens doors to careers in arts administration, dance therapy, and other interdisciplinary fields, thanks to its strong academic foundation and diverse skill development.
Performance and Choreography
At UNCG’s School of Dance, students have abundant opportunities to engage in both performance and choreography, working closely with renowned faculty in repertory courses that feature professional-level work. Students can also choreograph for student organization showcases, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in creating original pieces. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, offering opportunities to work with other schools within the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), and encourages students to connect with the local community through partnerships with regional dance companies and studios, further broadening their artistic reach and network.
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Guest Artists
Dance students have had the incredible privilege of working with a diverse and talented roster of guest artists, enriching their education and artistic growth. Renowned choreographers and performers such as Doug Varone, Jordyn Santiago, Courtney White, Juel D. Lane, Maleek Washington, and Jeffrey Page have all contributed to the program, offering masterclasses, repertory courses, and invaluable mentorship. Additionally, students have collaborated with artists like Joanna Kotze, the Swing Out Dance Company, Helen Simenou, Kristin Daniels, Rena Butler, Shayla Taylor, and Elijah Motley, among many others, further expanding their exposure to a wide range of dance styles, techniques, and perspectives. These guest artists bring a wealth of industry experience, connecting students with contemporary trends and practices while challenging them to deepen their artistic expression and technical skill.
Scholarships
Incoming dance students at UNCG have the opportunity to receive the prestigious Pyatt Scholarship, which recognizes exceptional talent and provides financial support. Continuing students can access various scholarships based on merit, need, choreography, and teaching. Merit-based scholarships reward academic and artistic achievements, while choreography scholarships support students creating new works. Need-based and teaching scholarships help ensure financial accessibility and encourage students to develop teaching skills within the dance community.
Facilities
Dance Theater
Many Dance events are held in the Mary Channing Coleman Building (formerly HHP) and include performances choreographed and performed by students, faculty, and visiting companies. The School is proud to have its own Dance Theater, in which 10-15 concert programs are produced each year. The theater offers 155 seats, full lighting, professional audio equipment, projection and recording capabilities, as well as an in-house box office.
UNCG Auditorium
UNCG Auditorium (renovated and reopened in Summer/Fall of 2008), seats 1642 people and is used for musical productions, operas, symphonies, ensembles, Performing Arts Series, Faculty and Guest Dance performances, and various other performing arts events. UNCG Auditorium is located on the corner of Spring Garden and Tate Street. UNCG Auditorium is handicapped accessible and features hearing-assistance listening devices.
Collaboration
The UNCG School of Dance fosters collaboration with various departments and organizations, enhancing students’ experiences. Notable partnerships include Duke Arts Meshroom, where dancers work with visual artists, and Drawn to Dance, a project with School of Art students. Students also participate in music video collaborations with the School of Music, contribute to School of Theatre productions, and engage in artist residencies with Dance Project, a Greensboro nonprofit. Additionally, the school hosts intensives and masterclasses with artists from other UNC system schools, offering students diverse creative opportunities.
Live Accompanist
At UNCG’s School of Dance, students experience the unique benefit of live accompaniment for technique classes, including Ballet, Contemporary, and African dance. This immersive approach not only enhances their connection to the music but also teaches them how to communicate with musicians, fostering a deeper understanding of rhythm and musicality. The opportunity to take class with live music enriches their training, allowing students to develop a more responsive and dynamic approach to movement while learning to collaborate seamlessly with live musicians.