The School of Dance has been awarded a highly competitive Provost’s Investment Fund grant, one of only eleven grants given university-wide in 2024. This funding, combined with a gift from the Eller Family Foundation, will support the creation of the Touring Dance Ensemble (TDE), a initiative designed to enhance student learning, career preparedness, and community engagement through professional touring experiences.
The Touring Dance Ensemble will provide students with firsthand exposure to the demands of professional dance production and touring, bridging the gap between academic training and real-world practice. Participants will synthesize their technical and choreographic studies with outreach, technical production, and arts management. Through TDE, students will research, develop, and present community-engaged performances and lectures, showcasing the excellence of the University of Arizona School of Dance both locally and on national stages.
As ambassadors of the University’s land-grant mission, students in the ensemble will embody the pillars and core values of the institution, fostering meaningful connections with diverse communities. This opportunity marks a significant step forward in the School’s commitment to student success and career-sustaining learning, offering a model of professional engagement that was previously unavailable to students.
“This grant represents a milestone for the School of Dance,” said Director Duane Cyrus. “It not only validates the strength of our program but also enables us to provide unparalleled opportunities for our students while broadening the reach and impact of the School.”
With this grant, the Touring Dance Ensemble is set to raise the profile of the University of Arizona School of Dance, solidifying its reputation as a leader in innovation, excellence, and community impact.