BA in Dance

dancer in front of projection of herself

Program Overview

In 2018 the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance offered by the Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Alabama was ranked as the top dance program in Alabama and the 15th best dance program in the South.* Our dance program’s greatest strength is the diversity of classes offered: in addition to virtuosic training in ballet, contemporary dance, and jazz, students are offered a wide range of professional skills including choreography, dance for the camera, pedagogy, lighting, and sound design, and anatomy. With this breadth of knowledge, students are well-placed to achieve a sustainable future in dance, contributing as skilled artists and global citizens. BA candidates are encouraged to stretch themselves further by studying outside the department in one of UA’s other exceptional major and minor programs.

If you are interested in connecting with current students about the dance program, please email danceambassadors@ua.edu.

* Rankings are based on fifty-nine academic, financial, and organizational factors and metrics, as well as faculty profiles, student retention rates, and alumni job prospects.

three male dancers

Performance Opportunities

Each semester students will have opportunities to audition for performances in our 622-seat Dance Theatre and regional, national, and international performances. Highlights of the season include the Alabama Repertory Dance Theater concert, in which students perform works by faculty and guest artists, and the Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase, in which students work with other student choreographers who are mentored by faculty. Other regular opportunities include performances at the Alabama Dance Festival, the American College Dance Association, with dance graduate students for their MFA projects, and with Yonder Contemporary Dance Company, which tours regionally and internationally. Students may also audition for theatre productions or participate in numerous student organizations focused on various dance styles.

 

Alumni

The goal of our Dance program is professional preparation, and every year we celebrate our graduates as they begin careers as professional dancers, artistic directors, choreographers, dance teachers, dance therapists, arts administrators, arts managers, production managers, lighting and costume designers, studio managers, and so many other fruitful journeys. Our alumni are represented in Alabama Ballet, Complexions, Atlanta Ballet, STREB Dance Company, Jeanne Ruddy Dance, the Radio City Rockettes, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Philadanco, Gus Giordano Dance, Disney Productions and national/international Broadway tours and cruise lines. Those seeking further education are regularly accepted into world-leading graduate programs. We are proud that so many of our alumni have stayed in touch and shared their experiences with new students in our program.

Learn more about our recent alumni in Alumni News.

Admission

A formal audition is required for entry into the dance program in addition to acceptance into The University of Alabama. For more information about audition requirements, please visit our Auditions page.