insert content

Desire to Learn / D2L is a campus-wide, web-based course management system designed to create a rich online learning environment for students. D2L includes features such as online syllabi, an electronic drop-box, automated grade book, discussion boards, and quiz capability.

D2L Login

D2L Help

Graduate Assistant in Teaching Orientation (GATO)
If you would like to teach, you must attend the Graduate Assistant in Teaching Orientation (GATO). GATO is a half-day training session offered at the beginning of every semester.  If you will be teaching in your first semester, you must attend this training prior to the start of the semester in order to teach.  If you have not been assigned to teach, but would like to be eligible to teach at some point in your graduate career, attend GATO now.
You will need to register in order to attend:  http://grad.arizona.edu/financial-resources/ga

Dancer’s Consort is a student organization where dance majors may serve as members to promote the following objectives:
Dancers' Consortium is an ASUA recognized student organization open to all students at the University. With a membership consisting primarily of School of Dance students, Dancers' Consort seeks to establish a sense of community among students, faculty, and the dance community as a whole.

-To build community among those affiliated with or interested in the UA School of Dance
-To provide fellowship among students and faculty.
-To represent student needs and wants in regard to UA School of Dance facilities, management, events, and social affairs.
-To provide scholarship for students pursuing summer study.
-To afford students the opportunity to give back to the UA School of Dance.
-To sponsor the annual Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase and provide members a discounted tuition fee.

Our members play an integral part in the organization and execution of the Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase: an annual fundraiser held by the school of dance each fall which brings both funding and recognition to the dance department.

The Dance Resources Center (DRC) is located in Room 8, downstairs in the Gittings Building. The DRC houses a collection of books, magazines, and articles on dance and related topics. It is also a good place to study or relax if you need to get away. Dance graduate students can be issued a key to the DRC.

There is a large collection of articles filed in the DRC on a variety of topics. Categories in the main file include Anthropology and Art, Gender Issues, Physiological and Psychological Research in the Arts, and Rock and Roll: Historical Perspectives. The Expanded Education file contains publications by NASD, the NEA, and many articles dealing with dance in grades K - 12, as well as in college level programs.

These files are indexed within each category by the title of the article. To use the file collection, choose the general category you are interested in, and browse through the titles listed on the index sheet for that category. The index sheet will tell you the number of the folder in which that article can be found. Articles in the DRC may only be examined in house.

The DRC also has back issues of some magazines, including Dance Magazine (1957 - 1991), Ballet News (1982 - 1986), some issues of Ballet Review, Dance Perspectives, and Kinesiology for Dance, and a few of the CORD publications. Copies of Master's Project Reports and Theses from previous UA grads are also located in the DRC. There are also copies of papers written by grads and undergraduate students in dance related classes such as Theory and Philosophy of Dance and Human Movement in the Arts.

Academic Advisors for graduate dance majors include Professor Amy Ernst and Professor Douglas Nielsen.  You may schedule an appointment with your advisor via email:  ame@email.arizona.edu or dnielsen@email.arizona.edu

Graduate Assistant in Teaching Orientation (GATO)
If you would like to teach, you must attend the Graduate Assistant in Teaching Orientation (GATO). GATO is a half-day training session offered at the beginning of every semester.  If you will be teaching in your first semester, you must attend this training prior to the start of the semester in order to teach.  If you have not been assigned to teach, but would like to be eligible to teach at some point in your graduate career, attend GATO now. 
You will need to register in order to attend:  http://grad.arizona.edu/financial-resources/ga

Steps After Admission
1. Set up your UA Net ID
Your UA NetID is your personal identifier for a number of online services at the University of Arizona. You'll use your Net ID to access Student Link, UAccess and MyGrad Coll.  
2. Set up your UA Email Address
Your email account will be the UA's official form of communication with you, so please check it often!
3. Send in your MMR Vaccination Records
You'll need to have these on file before you can register for classes.
4. Register for classes
In order to view the list of courses offered this semester, go to the Students section of the UA website. Select the "Schedule of Classes" link in the center of the page.
To register for classes you'll need to log into your account on UAccess Student - Student Center. Use your NetID and password to log on. Following are two short videos to demonstrate how to register for classes:

Using the Shopping Cart 

Enrolling for Classes

5. Arizona Residency
If you have been living in Arizona for the last year, you can Apply for Residency
 

insert season brochure

insert undergraduate brochure file

insert graduate brochure file

Do I need to apply to the University of Arizona in addition
to auditioning for UA Dance?

Answer:  Yes.  You must apply to the University of Arizona as an incoming student prior to auditioning for UA Dance.

Are there scholarship opportunities for incoming undergraduate dance majors?
Answer:  Yes.  You must attend one of the national auditions AND submit a DVD to be considered for a dance merit-based scholarship.

Is it difficult to get accepted into the University of Arizona School of Dance?
Answer:  UA Dance is one of the top university dance programs in the nation.  500 applicants audition every year and 30-40 students are accepted. 

What is the program like at the University of Arizona School of Dance?
Answer:  The unique triple-track design, affords students the opportunity to study ballet, modern and jazz with equal emphasis.  Studying with and being mentored by a group of faculty, all of whom are nationally/internationally distinguished figures in the dance world, insures that students will have a stimulating environment in which to learn and to make professional connections as they approach graduation. Due to the fact that the BFA is a professional degree, a final but essential point of our criteria requires each applicant accepted to appear physically and mentally capable of completing the rigors of the four year program. Ultimately the faculty chooses dancers who are disciplined, know how to work, can stay focused and on task, are not timid and those who best exhibit a level of  professionalism which will allow them to be competitive in the professional job market upon graduation.

How many times per year do students perform?
Answer:  UA Dance performs around 30 concerts per year including a full season in the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre as well as other venues.

Can my family take a tour of the School of Dance and the University of Arizona?
Answer:  If attending one of the national BFA Program auditions for the UA School of Dance, and also interested in arranging for a campus tour (strongly suggested), please call the Admissions Office, Campus Tour phone number: (520) 626-5943. Tours are offered on weekdays and therefore travel arrangements may need to accomodate an extra day in advance of the Saturday audition date to book a tour.
Additional “special” tours for UA Dance auditioners are conducted on the morning of the Saturday audition at 9:00 a.m. Capacity for these specially arranged tours is limited and on a first-come-first-served basis. If interested in booking this special tour please direct inquiries to Scott Kirkessner at:  visitua@email.arizona.edu or call (520) 621-3641

This section of the website is designed to provide the necessary resources for current dance majors.  You will find links such as important websites within the university, dates and deadlines for registration and more. 

Please make sure you are subscribed to the idance listserv;  an email listserv that notifies students of important information such as UA Dance updates, rehearsal schedules, costume fittings and more.

Admission to the College of Fine Arts School of Dance is a two-step process. You must submit separate applications to the University of Arizona and the School of Dance:
1.  Apply for admission to the University of Arizona
2.  Apply to the School of Dance

Dates and Deadlines for National Auditions
Saturday, September 22, 2012 12:00 noon, studio 301
Deadline for application is Friday, September 14, 2012

Saturday, January 19, 2013 12:00 noon, studio 301 
Deadline for application is Friday, January 11, 2013

Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase Audition (for registered applicants only):  Saturday, October 6, 2012 / This audition is open to interested High School Seniors who are registered for and are attending the Arizona Jazz Showcase - the audition class is included as one of the classes that may be selected that day. There is not an additional audition fee for AJDS participants who take that audition class.

There are two types of scholarships available for incoming undergraduate dance majors: 
Dance merit-based scholarships awarded by the University of Arizona School of Dance
Academic merit-based scholarships awarded by the University of Arizona

There are three types of scholarships available for incoming graduate dance majors:
Teaching Assistantships which includes an out-of-state tuition waver
Graduate College Fellowships
Graduate Tuition Scholarships

Undergraduate Dance Merit-based Scholarships Opportunities
If applying for a dance merit-based scholarship, an in-person audition and DVD submission is required for undergraduate applicants.
DVDs are used by the faculty for reference in making scholarship awards and ranking for levels of funding. You must attend an in-person audition to be considered for this type of funding.  If attending an audition in the Fall, the deadline to submit a DVD for scholarship consideration is November 1st.  If attending an audition in the Spring, the deadline to submit a DVD for scholarship consideration is March 1st.  Auditioning only by way DVD is not acceptable for scholarship consideration.
Scholarship students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.  Scholarships submitted for students with a grade point average below 3.0 will be denied.  To be eligible for scholarships or awards, students must be fulltime in at least 12 credit hours per semester.

Information regarding dance merit-based scholarships

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms are available on-line or through the Office of Student Financial Aid website. Submission of a FAFSA is strongly encouraged for everyone and is required for all students who are recommended for scholarships.  These applications are used for the following federal student financial aid programs: Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, SEOG, Perkins Loans and College Work-Study. For more information on student financial aid, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Undergraduate Admission
Students and incoming Freshmen must apply to the University of Arizona prior to auditioning for the UA School of Dance by visiting the following link: UA FUTURE STUDENTS
The application deadline for undergraduate admission to the University of Arizona is April 1st for both in-state and out-of-state students.  The deadline for transfer students is June 1st.  Dates are subject to change.  We strongly encourage prospective students to apply to the University by October 1st; prior to the year they will be attending the University. October 1st is also the deadline to qualify for academic scholarships based upon academic credentials.

Undergraduate Audition Requirements and Steps for Applying to the UA School of Dance
If you are applying for acceptance into the dance program for fall 2012, you must attend one of our scheduled auditions or send a DVD audition during the 12 months prior to the first day of classes.  Audition slots tend to fill up fast, so you are urged to attend one of our national auditions as early as possible. Due to the large number of students auditioning for our program, we will not be able to accept applications after the deadline dates.  Materials for the October national auditions must arrive at the school by September; materials for the January national auditions must arrive at the School by January 2012.

1.  Completed Audition Application
2.  Audition Fee of $30.00 (make check payable to the University of Arizona/Dance)
3.  Full body photo in first arabesque (print your name on back of photo)
4.  A brief resume of your dance training and experience
5.  Two letters of recommendation from a current dance source such as a teacher
6.  Proper audition attire is required

Audition Fees: $30* for National Auditions; $40 for individual auditions; $50 for video auditions
(make check payable to the University of Arizona/Dance)
*Please note the audition fee increases from $30 to $40 if any materials are received after the deadline.

Please mail above items to:
UA School of Dance
PO Box 210093
Tucson AZ 85721
If you are sending via Express Mail, FedX, UPS, etc.:
UA School of Dance
1713 E University
Ina Gittings Bldg., Room 121
Tucson AZ 85721

If applying for a dance merit-based scholarship, an in-person audition and DVD submission is required for undergraduate applicants.  Guidelines are listed below:
DVDs are used by the faculty for reference in making scholarship awards and ranking for levels of funding. You must attend an in-person audition to be considered for this type of funding.  If attending an audition in the Fall, the deadline to submit a DVD for scholarship consideration is November 1st.  If attending an audition in the Spring, the deadline to submit a DVD for scholarship consideration is March 1st.  Auditioning only by way DVD is not acceptable for scholarship consideration.
Scholarship students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.  Scholarships submitted for students with a grade point average below 3.0 will be denied.  To be eligible for scholarships or awards, students must be fulltime in at least 12 credit hours per semester.

DVD content guidelines:

BALLET*

-2 Ballet Barrework Combinations (side view)
-3 Ballet Centerwork Combinations to include:
-An Adagio demonstrating control, line, extension, placement
-Pirouettes en dehors and en dedans
-A Petit Allegro Combination
-A Grand Allegro Combination

*Optional for female dancers:  1 or 2 pointe work exercises in the center
*Optional for male and female dancers:  1 or 2 brief partnering excerpts

MODERN*

-2 Modern Combinations of approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute each which should demonstrate the following:
-Articulation of the spine
-Descending and ascending (floorwork)

*You may wish to do just one combination which is twice as long (64 counts or one full minute)
Include slow, sustained movement as well as quicker footwork/changes of direction

JAZZ*

-A Lyrical Combination (approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute)
-An Upbeat Combination (approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute)
-Demonstrate your turning ability
-Demonstrate your jumping ability

*Optional: musical theatre or tap combination

Graduate Admission
Graduate students must apply to the University of Arizona prior to auditioning for the UA School of Dance by visiting this link.
To apply for admission for the graduate program, the candidate must have extensive dance training, hold an undergraduate degree in dance or theater and meet the minimum requirements of the UA Graduate College.

MFA Guidelines for Admission to the University of Arizona School of Dance
MFA candidates must apply to the University of Arizona.
A two day physical audition is required.  Auditions must be scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays to take and observe classes, show a 2-3 minute solo followed by an interview with dance faculty, teach a non-major class in one of three genres: ballet/modern/jazz, meet resident graduate students, and become familiar with the UA campus and Tucson proper.
Call: 520.621.4698 to schedule and audition 
Email:  Professor Douglas Nielsen at  dnielsen@email.arizona.edu with questions

Please mail the following audition requirements to:
ATTN. Graduate Advisor
University of Arizona School of Dance, 121 Gittings
Tucson, AZ 85721-0093

-Statement of purpose letter (a brief and focused essay about one's career or research goals)
-Curriculum vitae (comprehensive resume)
-Three letters of recommendation
-DVD 5 minutes in length of recent work (performance/choreography)
-Undergraduate transcripts

Graduate Admission Status
When you are admitted to the Graduate College and the Graduate Program in Dance, you are admitted on either regular status with no deficiencies, regular status with deficiencies, or provisional status. You may be admitted with up to 12 units of deficiencies that must be completed by the date of your final oral examination. It behooves you to clear deficiencies as early in your study career as possible, and a tracking plan must be made in consultation with the Graduate Advisor for dance at the time you matriculate in order to make sure that deficiency courses can be met in a timely fashion. Some undergraduate courses are offered only biannually, such as DNC 455, Biomechanics for Dance, and DNC 546, Careers in Dance. 
Provisional status is usually indicated for individuals with a GPA below 3.0, or who have more than 12 units of course deficiencies. The terms of provisional status are always specified for the individual and require individually designed programs of study to be completed within a specified period of probation. The probation period may be for up to, but not exceeding, one year.
In conjunction with the Graduate Advisor, each student is responsible for developing a written Plan of Study. This plan is to be filed with the Graduate College during the penultimate semester in residence.
Students must complete 60 units of graduate level courses. The specific Dance Graduate Curriculum for the MFA in Dance with the option in either Choreography or Performance is provided in the following pages. In addition, course descriptions for the dance graduate course work are included.

Graduate Financial Aid and Scholarships
The School of Dance offers graduate support in the form of Teaching Assistantships which includes an out-of-state tuition waver, Graduate College Fellowships and Graduate Tuition Scholarships.

Building on a well-balanced undergraduate education, graduate students are expected to develop a thorough understanding of a specific academic discipline. A fundamental purpose of the Graduate College is to encourage each graduate student to demonstrate outstanding standards of scholarship and to produce high-quality original research, creative or artistic work. Graduate education provides an opportunity to increase knowledge, broaden understanding and develop research and artistic capability. The student’s academic achievements therefore should reflect a personal commitment to the discipline and to scholarly standards.

The close alliance between the graduate and undergraduate students provides an opportunity for graduate students to choreograph on and perform with some of the top undergraduate dance students in the country. In addition, the triple-track program allows the graduate student to explore and gain experience, skills and knowledge in ballet, modern and/ or jazz dance. The diverse graduate population provides a sense of community in which students can learn from various perspectives.

Graduate Curriculum
The graduate curriculum in dance allows the student to focus on teaching, research, choreography or performance for dance. It also provides opportunities for interdisciplinary studies with other arts, humanities and sciences in support of the student’s development as a scholar, teacher and artist.

The M.F.A. degree has two emphasis areas that allow for intensive focus in performance or choreography. The program facilitates and nurtures dance artists in their area of emphasis while offering a comprehensive graduate education in dance. The M.F.A. degree is 60 units requiring 2-3 years of residency at the University of Arizona. The curriculum includes core courses and dance technique as well as courses in theory and pedagogy.

In that the BFA is a professional degree, the primary focus is to offer technical training and performance experience that optimally prepares dancers for future professional careers in dance upon graduation. In meeting these demands, the unique triple-track design, affords students the opportunity to study ballet, modern and jazz with equal emphasis. Students also have the ability in their junior year, to taper their programs of study should they desire to specialize or concentrate more heavily on a particular discipline to meet specific future career goals, while still maintaining breadth in their technical foundation. Even though the BFA degree in dance places an emphasis on technique and performing, students are also assured of receiving a well-rounded education. To study dance at The University of Arizona is to have the best of both worlds----a nationally reputed dance program with a conservatory environment (in terms of the rigor and concentration), housed within an institution nationally lauded for scientific discoveries and research!

Technique
There are three levels of technique in each discipline. Upon entering the BFA program, students are carefully placed into classes by the faculty according to each student’s technical competency and in consideration of the body of knowledge and skill already mastered. While advancing through the curriculum, students, in consort with the faculty in each discipline, design a program of study targeting levels most appropriate for the student at any given juncture. This insures that each semester the student will profit from ample challenges,
confidence building and maximum progression. Studying with and being mentored by a faculty, all of whom are nationally/internationally distinguished figures in the dance world, insures that students will have a stimulating environment in which to learn and to make professional connections as they approach graduation.

Ballet
Deeply rooted in the classical traditions found in the teaching methods of the  great Italian, Russian and American ballet masters, this comprehensive approach to training enables dancers to transfer technical knowledge to both established and contemporary repertoire. The ballet curriculum also includes two levels of pointe work, repertory, supported adagio partnering, and men’s technique. Clarity of foot work is featured and plasticity of the upper body is developed which complements a dancer’s performance in modern and jazz.

Modern
With instruction from faculty who have extensive and personal references to traditional vocabularies such as Humphrey, Weidman, Graham, Limon, Cunningham and Lewitzky, as well as contemporary methodologies, students receive a diverse exposure to the past and present styles of movement. Particular focus is designed to increase stamina, maintain body awareness and stimulate the imagination. Students are expected to embrace and become fluent in a broad range of material in order to find their own voices and versatility. No one method of moving is considered more valuable than another. A strong foundation is incorporated with a conscientious application to skillful performance.

Jazz
With a focus on developing technical skills and exploring a variety of styles in “jazz” music and movement, the jazz dance faculty have extensive professional backgrounds with multiple jazz influences including performing as company members with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago. Individually, they have worked in professional musical theatre, corporate industrials, fashion and managed and directed their own companies. Their diverse expertise provides studio training while exploring some of the commercial applications of jazz dance used on the concert stage. By infusing the jazz dance training with ballet and modern sensibilities, students are well prepared to pursue a variety of professional pursuits in the performance industry at large.

Double Degrees/Minors
A large number of BFA Dance Majors also engage in other academic pursuits while in college and therefore manage to earn two degrees simultaneously. Providing students seek out major advisors in both degree programs early on in their time at the university to learn about the time line of achieving the required courses in each area, it is entirely feasible to earn two undergraduate degrees.

Occasionally it requires an additional semester or two beyond the four years, but some have managed it quite successfully in four years. Popular combinations with the BFA in Dance include Business, Marketing, Physiology, Nutritional Science, Psychology, and Anthropology.

The number of BFA Dance Majors declaring a minor in another subject area is also increasing. This is definitely achievable in four years. Some areas of interest for an additional minor often include subject areas from the above list as well as Foreign Language, Art History, Creative Writing and Religious Studies, to name just a few.

We strongly encourage filing your FAFSA (Federal Application for Financial Student Aid) when applying to the University of Arizona.  By doing this, students may qualify for federally funded loans and grants.  Besides academic merit-based scholarships, applicants may also qualify for dance merit-based scholarships.  The application for these scholarships is wrapped into the national audition process.  By attending a national audition with the School of Dance, dancers are automatically in a pool of consideration for funding.  Dance merit-based scholarships are highly competitive and award a range of funding amounts, which reflect the unique gifts each dancer may bring to the program.  If applying for a dance merit-based scholarship, a DVD is required following the DVD guidelines.

Information about dance merit-based scholarships

Admission to the School of Dance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs, requires you to submit separate applications to the University of Arizona and the School of Dance.  It is extremely important that prospective students, who will be auditioning for the program complete this two-step process in addition to the audition requirements.

Admission for Undergraduate Students
Each year, the School of Dance holds two national auditions, fall and spring, for acceptance to the following academic year. Auditions include demonstrations in ballet, modern and jazz. In addition, high school seniors registered for and attending the Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase have the opportunity to attend the national audition during that weekend.

UA Dance audition application and required materials for undergraduate applicants

Dates and Deadlines for National Auditions
Saturday, September 22, 2012 12:00 noon, studio 301 – Deadline for application is Friday, September 14, 2012
Saturday, January 19, 2013 12:00 noon, studio 301 – Deadline for application is Friday, January 11, 2013
Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase Audition (for registered applicants only):  Saturday, October 6, 2012 / This audition is open to interested High School Seniors who are registered for and are attending the Arizona Jazz Showcase - the audition class is included as one of the classes that may be selected that day. There is not an additional audition fee for AJDS participants who take that audition class.

Admission for Graduate Students
MFA candidates must apply to the University of Arizona.  A two day physical audition is required.  Auditions must be scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays to take and observe classes, show a 2-3 minute solo followed by an interview with dance faculty, teach a non-major class in one of three genres: ballet/modern/jazz, meet resident graduate students, and become familiar with the UA campus and Tucson proper.

Information on admission for graduate students

Academic Advisors for undergraduate dance majors include Professor Melissa Lowe for freshman and seniors, and Professor Elizabeth George for sophomores and juniors.  You may schedule an appointment with your advisor through the appointment sign-up sheet in the dance office or by emailing Melissa at mlhancoc@email.arizona.edu or Elizabeth at egeorge@email.arizona.edu .

Your academic advisors can help you with the following items:
General education curriculum
Dance academics
Dance technique classes
Audition information
Rehearsal schedules
Transfer coursework
General information about on-campus and off-campus housing
Subscribing you to the UA Dance listserv

BFA Program Overview

In that the BFA is a professional degree, the primary focus is to offer technical training and performance experience that optimally prepares dancers for future professional careers in dance upon graduation. In meeting these demands, the unique triple-track design, affords students the opportunity to study ballet, modern and jazz with equal emphasis. Students also have the ability in their junior year, to taper their programs of study should they desire to specialize or concentrate more heavily on a particular discipline to meet specific future career goals, while still maintaining breadth in their technical foundation. Even though the BFA degree in dance places an emphasis on technique and performing, students are also assured of receiving a well-rounded education. To study dance at The University of Arizona is to have the best of both worlds----a nationally reputed dance program with a conservatory environment (in terms of the rigor and concentration), housed within an institution nationally lauded for scientific discoveries and research!

Download UA Dance Undergraduate Brochure

Read More

MFA Program Overview

Building on a well-balanced undergraduate education, graduate students are expected to develop a thorough understanding of a specific academic discipline. A fundamental purpose of the Graduate College is to encourage each graduate student to demonstrate outstanding standards of scholarship and to produce high-quality original research, creative or artistic work. Graduate education provides an opportunity to increase knowledge, broaden understanding and develop research and artistic capability. The student’s academic achievements therefore should reflect a personal commitment to the discipline and to scholarly standards.
The graduate curriculum in dance allows the student to focus on teaching, research, choreography or performance for dance. It also provides opportunities for interdisciplinary studies with other arts, humanities and sciences in support of the student’s development as a scholar, teacher and artist.

The M.F.A. degree has two emphasis areas that allow for intensive focus in performance or choreography. The program facilitates and nurtures dance artists in their area of emphasis while offering a comprehensive graduate education in dance. The M.F.A. degree is 60 units requiring 2-3 years of residency at the University of Arizona. The curriculum includes core courses and dance technique as well as courses in theory and pedagogy.

Download UA Dance Graduate Brochure

Read More

This “Welcome from the Director” is really a welcome from a family of professionals that have worked together for almost two decades to create one of the top dance programs in the country. In that spirit, this is a collective “hello” from staff, faculty, administrators and community supporters who are “on board” with UA Dance.

This “Welcome” is also addressed to the friends and families of prospective students. Occasionally I hear from parents that the career choice is a hard one. My answer—our answer—is that we dance, first of all, because we are driven and buoyed by the joy it brings us. It can become a job, but in the beginning it is some internal need to move, to learn, to express, to create, and to feel alive.

A critical step in this process is to find a dance program that can be the catalyst and the support system for learning, and is rigorous enough to serve as the gateway to careers in the profession. The dance program at the University of Arizona provides such an environment. Essentially, we offer a conservatory approach in a liberal arts setting, and take pride in being part of this highly ranked institution.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We can provide information and advice fueled by years of education, professional experience and first-hand knowledge about this particular University. On behalf of the dance faculty and staff, and the students who are “veterans” of the program, I invite you to consider taking with us an exciting and challenging pleasure trip that will leave you with lifelong lessons and lifelong memories.

Jory Hancock
Director of the School of Dance
Dean, University of Arizona College of Fine Arts