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Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in dance gain in-depth knowledge of dance as an art form and an area of scholarly inquiry. The degree provides a foundation for eventual careers in professional dance, dance teaching in K-12 and higher education, dance entrepreneurship, dance/movement therapy, Pilates, the health and fitness industry, arts administration, as well as many other fields.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Dance requires a minimum of 57 major credits and is designed for students who wish to pursue a degree in dance and another major or degree program in a second area of interest.

A dance degree at UW–Madison offers opportunities to:

  • Study with a world-class faculty, with excellent teacher-student ratios.
  • Perform frequently in faculty and student-choreographed works, in state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Pursue an additional major or degree in a second area of interest.
  • Experience an interdisciplinary, rigorous approach that connects dance to the arts and humanities, as well as the social, biological, physical, and biological social sciences.
  • Earn scholarship and award funding for study in the academic year and summer, including departmental awards for honors study. 
  • Work with nationally and internationally renowned guest artists and master class instructors, such as the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Pilobolus, Meredith Monk, Elizabeth Streb, David Parsons, Sean Curran, Danielle Russo, Carrie Hanson, Joe Goode, Susan Marshall, Kun-Yang Lin, and Tim Miller, Abdel Salaam/Forces of Nature.
  • Train intensively in choreography to create solo and group works for performance.

An audition is required to declare a dance degree. Auditions are held in August, November, and February. 

The dance department also offers five certificates: a general certificate in Dance, a certificate in Dance Education, one in Dance Studies, a certificate in Dance/Movement Therapy, and another certificate in Pilates. A teacher certification minor in Dance Education is also available for students enrolled in another undergraduate teacher education program.  

How to Get In

Program Admission Overview

All students wishing to major in dance must complete a performance audition to be admitted to the program. Auditions are held in August, November, and February. Consult the Dance department website for more detailed information about the audition process.

Entering the School of Education

New and Current UW–Madison Students

On-campus students wishing to be admitted to one of the dance program options must audition and also have earned a minimum 2.5 grade point average. On-campus students should obtain and submit a signed Professional Program Application to the School of Education Student Services office, Room 139 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, at any time during the academic year. The application must be signed by the appropriate dance department advisor.

Prospective Transfer Students

Applicants not already enrolled on the UW–Madison campus must be admissible to the university to enroll in a School of Education program. Admission to UW–Madison requires a separate application and admission process. See UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment for application information.

Prospective transfer students should meet as early as possible with a dance department advisor and with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office. Coursework taken at another institution may need to be evaluated by a faculty or staff member in dance. Transfer students must audition to be admitted to one of the dance program options. Prospective transfer students are strongly advised to meet with a Student Services advisor in advance of their application; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.

Students with a Previous Degree

Prospective applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in advance of their application. Consultations with advisors are available in person or via telephone; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.

Applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are admitted to the School of Education as either an Education Special student or a second degree student, depending on their interests and academic background. Admission as an Education Special student indicates that the student has an interest in pursuing certification in a subject area studied during the initial degree; another degree is not awarded for this "certification only" coursework. Second degree students are seeking a second, unrelated degree from the School of Education, which may, or may not, include teacher certification. Candidates for limited enrollment programs must meet all admission eligibility requirements for the program and must compete with the eligible applicants for program admission. More information is available here.

Admission and Application

Criteria for Admission

Requirements and selection criteria may be modified from one application/admission period to the next.

Eligibility for consideration:

  • The dance department currently admits students to its programs only through a performance audition.
  • Cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.50 (on a 4.00 scale).1
  • Students who have transferred to and are currently enrolled in UW–Madison coursework must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 on the UW–Madison campus, as modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
  • Submission of all required application materials, including the dance program application and any required transcripts.
1

 A comprehensive cumulative GPA of all college-level, transferrable coursework attempted on both the UW–Madison campus coursework and coursework taken at any other colleges or universities may be calculated for the exclusive purpose of establishing an applicant’s eligibility for consideration. Both the comprehensive cumulative GPA and the comprehensive cumulative GPA based on a student’s last 60 credits may be calculated. See Last 60 Credits Rule (detailed below). If admitted, students must earn the minimum cumulative GPA for UW–Madison coursework established by their program and the School of Education each semester after admission.

Last 60 Credits Rule

Two grade point averages will be calculated to determine candidates' eligibility to programs. GPAs will be calculated using

  • all transferable college level coursework attempted, and
  • the last 60 credits attempted.

The higher GPA of these two will be used for purposes of determining eligibility. If fewer than 60 credits have been attempted, all credits will be used to calculate the GPA. Graded graduate coursework will also be used in all GPA calculations. ("Attempted" coursework indicates coursework for which a grade has been earned.) More information on this rule is available here.

University Requirements

All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later. 

Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.

Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements

Civics & Perspectives 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework.
Communication & Literacy 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement
Humanities & Arts 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework.
Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement
Natural Science & Wellness Complete both:
  • 6 credits of Natural Science & Wellness or Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
  • one course must be in Natural Science & Wellness + Laboratory coursework.
Social & Behavioral Science 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework.
Total Credits 30 credits.

For more information see the policy.

University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements

All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.

Total Degree 120 degree credits.
Residency Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
  • is offered by UW-Madison and completed on the UW-Madison campus or at an approved off-site location, or
  • is offered by UW-Madison in an online or distance format, or is completed during participation in a UW-Madison study abroad/study away program.
Quality of Work Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program.
Math Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by:
English Language If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
  • earning credit for ESL 118 at UW-Madison, or
  • achieving a qualifying MSN-ESLAT placement test score.
Language Complete one:
  • 2 high school units of a single language other than English, or
  • one course with the second semester Language designation.
Major Declaration Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major.

School of Education Liberal Studies Requirements

All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credits of Liberal Studies coursework. This requirement provides an opportunity to do some academic exploration beyond the scope of the major. Students take courses in areas of particular interest and also have an opportunity to sample the wide selection of courses offered across the university. Coursework is required in humanities, social studies, science, and cultural and historical studies. Some elective coursework is also needed to reach the required number of credits.

The School of Education’s Liberal Studies Requirements automatically satisfy most of the University General Education Requirements outlined above, including ethnic studies, humanities/literature, social studies, and science. Students pursuing most School of Education degree programs may also complete Communication Part B, Quantitative Reasoning Part A, and Quantitative Reasoning Part B through courses required by their degree program. If a student cannot complete a General Education Requirement within the curriculum of their chosen School of Education program, academic advisors can offer suggestions for courses that meet the requirement and augment the student’s primary area of study.

A basic outline of the liberal studies is included below. Students must consult the detailed version of the requirements for information about course selection and approved course options.

Humanities, 9 credits

All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:

  • Literature
  • Fine Arts
  • Humanities Electives

Social Studies (Social Science)

All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits. Teacher certification programs and Kinesiology have unique requirements in this category.

Science

All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:

  • Biological Science
  • Physical Science
  • Laboratory Science
  • Science Electives

Cultural and Historical Studies

All students must complete three requirements (9 credits) met by separate courses. Any of these courses can also be used to meet the Humanities or Social Studies (Social Sciences) requirements if it has the relevant breadth designation.

  • Ethnic Studies
  • U.S./European History
  • Global Perspectives

Complete Liberal Studies Electives to total 40 Credits.

Program Structure

The BS degree in dance has four components:

  • Liberal studies courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines. The university-wide General Education requirements also encourage this breadth of study.
  • Discipline-related coursework provides an interdisciplinary foundation contributing to the performance and understanding of this art form.
  • Major requirements offer an in-depth study of dance.
  • Elective credits allow students to pursue areas of interest and complete the minimum number of credits required for the degree.

Discipline-Related Requirements

DANCE 200Writing the Moving Body3
Choose One:2
Functional Anatomy for Movement Practices
Human Anatomy Laboratory
Introduction to Clinical Anatomy of Human Movement

Major Requirements

Complete a minimum of 57 credits. At least 15 upper-level major Dance credits (numbered 300 and above) must be taken in residence on the UW–Madison campus.

New first-year Dance–BS and BFA students should expect to register for the following 100-level foundational major courses: DANCE 111 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I, DANCE 115 Hip-Hop Dance Technique and Theory 1DANCE 125 Ballet Technique I, and DANCE 162 First Year Workshop for a total of 8 credits. These courses are taken by all dance majors in their first year, regardless of previous dance training and experience. The classes prepare students for advanced study in dance and movement technique. Dance majors are assured enrollment in these courses.  DANCE 165 Introduction to the Histories of Dance is also strongly recommended for the first semester; this course will meet the Global Perspectives requirement in liberal studies.

Dance Technique and Theory

Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory

Select a minimum of 14 credits from the following; 6 credits must be numbered 211 or higher.

DANCE 111Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I1-3
DANCE 112Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory II1-3
DANCE 211Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory III1-3
DANCE 212Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory IV1-3
DANCE 311Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory V1-3
DANCE 312Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory VI1-3
DANCE 410Contemporary Dance Forms1-3
Ballet Technique

Select a minimum of 8 credits from the following; 4 credits must be numbered 225 or higher:

DANCE 125Ballet Technique I1-2
DANCE 126Ballet Technique I-B1-2
DANCE 225Ballet Technique II1-2
DANCE 226Ballet Technique II-B1-2
DANCE 325Ballet Technique III1-2
DANCE 326Ballet Technique III-B1-2
Additional Techniques

Select a minimum of 2 credits. Students may also select from Additional Techniques workshops listed under DANCE 110 Workshop in Dance Activity or DANCE 560 Current Topics in Dance: Workshop. Jazz and Ballroom courses do not count toward this requirement.

DANCE 101Social Dance I1
DANCE 102Social Dance II1
DANCE 103Modern Jazz Dance1
DANCE 110Workshop in Dance Activity (Hip Hop)1-2
DANCE 110Workshop in Dance Activity (Tai Ji)1-2
DANCE 110Workshop in Dance Activity (all sections numbered 010 and above)1-2
DANCE 115Hip-Hop Dance Technique and Theory 11-2
DANCE 118African Dance1
DANCE/​ASIAN AM  121Asian American Movement3
DANCE/​AFROAMER/​MUSIC  318Cultural Cross Currents: West African Dance/Music in the Americas3
DANCE/​AFROAMER/​ASIAN AM/​FOLKLORE  319Afro Asian Improv: From Hip Hop to Martial Arts Fusion3

Additional Required Courses

DANCE 131Somatic Theory and Practices2
DANCE 140Dance Production2
DANCE 156Movement as Material Through Improvisation2
DANCE 157Introduction to Movement Analysis2
DANCE 162First Year Workshop1
DANCE 240Dance Production Laboratory1
DANCE 241Music Fundamentals for Dancers3
DANCE 255Movement Composition for the Performing and Visual Arts2
DANCE 265Dance History I: Dance in the Modern Era3
Design - Complete one of:3-4
Sound Design for the Performing and Visual Arts
Screendance Production
Introduction to Video, Performance & Installation Art
Artist's Video
Screen Performance
DANCE 365Dance History II: Directions and Issues of Contemporary Dance3
DANCE 462Senior Seminar3
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Dance Composition II
Introduction to Dance and Community
Teaching Dance
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Dance Repertory Theater
Dance Repertory Theater
Dance Repertory Theater

Elective Coursework

Complete additional coursework, if necessary, to reach the minimum of 124 credits. DANCE 165 Introduction to the Histories of Dance is recommended and will meet the Global Perspectives requirement in liberal studies.

GPA and Other Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Requirements below are based on UW–Madison coursework.

  • 2.75 minimum cumulative grade point average. This may be modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
  • 2.75 cumulative grade point average in all major coursework
  • 2.50 cumulative grade point average in all upper-level major coursework. Dance courses numbered 300 and above are considered to be upper-level courses.
  • Major Residency. Students must complete a minimum of 15 upper-level major credits on the UW–Madison campus.
  • Senior Residency. Degree candidates must complete their last 30 credits in residence on the UW–Madison campus, excluding retroactive credits and credits granted by examination.
  • A minimum of 124 credits are required for graduation.

Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS)

UW–Madison uses “DARS” to document a student's progress toward the completion of their degree, including any additional majors and certificates. A DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report shows all the requirements for completing a degree and, against courses that are planned or completed, shows the requirements that have been met, and those that are unmet. A report can offer suggestions about courses that may be taken to meet specific requirements and can assist in the academic planning and enrollment process. Students can access a DARS report in the Course Search & Enroll app or Student Center via My UW.

DARS also has a "what-if" function. This feature makes it possible to request a DARS report as if pursuing another program, major, or certificate. It is an excellent tool if considering a new or additional area of study. School of Education students in a pre-professional classification such as Pre-Elementary (PRE) or Pre-Kinesiology should request a "what if" DARS report of their professional program of interest. For example, Pre-Elementary Education (PRE) students will request Elementary Education K-9; Pre-Kinesiology (PKN) students will request the Kinesiology report. Minors have their own DARS programs and are run separately from the main degree audit.

More information (including tutorials) on how to request and read regular and what-if DARS reports is available under the Resources tab on the Office of the Registrar’s website.

DARS is not intended to replace student contact with academic advisors. It creates more time in an advising appointment to discuss course options, research opportunities, graduate school, or issues of personal interest or concern to students.

DARS is used as the document of record for degree program, major, and certificate completion in the School of Education.

Learning Outcomes

  1. (Body Studies and Dance Technique) Demonstration of proficiency in the physical practice of dance.
  2. (Writing and Critical Thinking) Examination of global approaches in dance, in historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts.
  3. (Making and Sharing Dances) Utilization of tools of craft to engage in critical and creative investigations and assessment.

Four-Year Plan

 Bachelor of Science: Dance – Sample Four Year Plan

This sample four-year graduation plan is designed to guide your course selection throughout your academic career; it does not establish a contractual agreement. Your actual course of study will be influenced by factors such as when you are eligible to enroll in 200-level technique classes, casting decisions, and summer course selections. Use this plan along with your DARS report, the Guide, and the Course Search and Enroll app to create a sequence of classes that also reflect your placement scores, incoming credits, and individual interests. Consult with an academic advisor to develop this personalized plan of study and refer to the Guide for a complete list of requirements. You will likely revise your plan several times during your academic career here, based on your activities and changing academic interests.

New first-year Dance–BS and BFA students should expect to register for three 100-level foundational major courses: DANCE 111 Contemporary Dance Technique and Theory I, DANCE 115 Hip-Hop Dance Technique and Theory 1, DANCE 125 Ballet Technique I, and DANCE 162 First Year Workshop for a total of 8 credits. These courses are taken by all dance majors in their first year, regardless of previous dance training and experience. The classes prepare students for advanced study in dance and movement technique. Dance majors are assured enrollment in these courses.  DANCE 165 Introduction to the Histories of Dance is also strongly recommended for the first semester; this course will meet the Global Perspectives requirement in liberal studies.

This degree requires a minimum of 124 credits. Contemporary dance technique and theory classes beyond the minimum requirement are strongly recommended and included in this plan as electives. Bachelor of Science - Dance students must present their senior projects in an approved public forum.

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits
DANCE 1113Communication A3
DANCE 1252DANCE 1123
DANCE 1562DANCE 1152
DANCE 1621DANCE 1262
DANCE 165 (also meets Liberal Studies Global Perspectives requirement)3DANCE 2552
Liberal Studies course work4Quantitative Reasoning A3
 15 15
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits
DANCE 2113DANCE 2123
DANCE 2252DANCE 2262
DANCE 140 (or Spring Semester)2DANCE 1312
DANCE 1572DANCE 2401
DANCE 200 (also meets Communication B)3DANCE 3553
DANCE 2653DANCE 3653
 DANCE 4521
 15 15
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
DANCE 3113DANCE 3123
DANCE 2413DANCE/​ART  3413
ANAT&PHY 338 (also counts toward Liberal Studies Science requirement)2Quantitative Reasoning B3
Ethnic Studies3Liberal Studies Courses7
Liberal Studies Courses5 
 16 16
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits
DANCE 4103DANCE 4103
DANCE 4511DANCE 3262
DANCE 4623DANCE 4531
Liberal Studies/General Elective course work9Liberal Studies/General Elective Courses10
 16 16
Total Credits 124

Advising and Careers

Dance Department Advising

All Dance degree students receive targeted advising through the department's undergraduate advisor, Karen McShane-Hellenbrand, kamcshan@wisc.edu. Dance department advising is designed to assist students in choosing classes and evaluating their degree path. This is particularly critical for students pursuing a dance degree and an additional degree program or major.

Students may also meet with advisors in the School of Education Student Services office regarding other course requirements and concerns, see below. Current students can schedule an appointment with a School of Education advisor online through the Starfish app in MyUW.

School of Education Advising

Academic Advising in the School of Education

Dedicated to supporting and promoting student success, academic advisors are here to assist students with the adjustment to college, understanding their degree and career goals, and connecting them to resources. Advisors support prospective and current School of Education students in all programs through:

  • Course selection
  • Mentoring and advocacy for underrepresented and international students
  • Understanding degree requirements and progression
  • Interpreting academic policies
  • Helping students recognize their strengths and suggesting ways to expand their skills
  • Expanding learning through activities such as study abroad, volunteering/work/internship, and by assuming leadership roles

Advising appointments are available in person, virtually, or over the phone. Current students schedule appointments through the Starfish app in MyUW. Appointments can also be made by calling 608-262-1651, or in person in Room 139 Education Building.

Academic Dean Support staff are also here for you when facing academic or personal challenges. We provide undergraduate School of Education students support, problem-solving, advocacy, resources, and approve exceptions to policies. 

Career Advising in the School of Education

Through individual appointments, events, courses, and online resources, the Career Center provides students and alumni with the tools needed to be successful in their career development.

Career and Internship Advisors are prepared to help students with:

  • Exploration of career and academic pathways
  • Resumes
  • Cover letters
  • Job/Internship search
  • Interview preparation
  • Mock interviews
  • Graduate school search, applications and decisions
  • Negotiating job or internship offers
  • Professional networking
  • Connecting with employers

Students are encouraged to meet with their Career and Internship Advisor early in their college experience to take full advantage of the resources and support available.

To make an appointment: log into Starfish from the MyUW dashboard.

For more information, visit the School of Education Career Center website or reach out at career-center@education.wisc.edu.

Information about common career pathways, ways to get involved and gain experience, and transferrable skills developed through this major can be found on the School of Education Career Center's Dance Pathways webpage.

Wisconsin Experience

UW–Madison’s vision for the total student experience, the Wisconsin Experience, combines learning in and out of the classroom. Tied to the Wisconsin Idea and steeped in long-standing institutional values — the commitment to the truth, shared participation in decision-making, and service to local and global communities — the Wisconsin Experience describes how students develop and integrate these core values across their educational experience.

UW–Madison encourages students to mindfully engage in four core concepts throughout their time on campus: Empathy & Humility, Relentless Curiosity, Intellectual Confidence, and Purposeful Action.

Since its inception, the School of Education has embraced the concepts of the Wisconsin Experience, providing opportunities for students to learn in venues beyond the traditional classroom. Our students also independently seek out related activities and experiences, thus creating their own unique Wisconsin Experience.

Dance and the Wisconsin Experience

The UW–Madison Department of Dance provides students with a wide range of opportunities to perform, work with and learn from national/international guest artists, create and show their own work, conduct their own research, study abroad, volunteer, and connect with the local education community.

Guest Artists

The dance department brings in guest artists-in-residence each year to work directly with students. These professionals are national or international artists who teach master classes, hold auditions, and set works on students for performance in our annual faculty concert. The department also brings in several guest artist teachers throughout the academic year to teach master classes to our students.

Student Performance Opportunities

Dance students have many opportunities to perform in student and faculty choreographed concerts throughout the academic year. Technique and theory courses prepare students with the technical, compositional, and artistic skills for performance in our in-house theater, the H'Doubler Performance Space, in historic Lathrop Hall.

Peer Mentorship

Several volunteer roles are available to students through the department's peer mentor program. Dance Peer Mentors support and encourage new first-year dance degree students in their adjustment to UW–Madison and the Dance department, provide support during incoming student audition days, and serve as role models and advocates for success in the dance degree program.

Study Abroad

The dance department offers a three-credit study abroad program to Greece, as well as summer awards for students to travel and train at the American Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Perry Mansfield, The Ailey School, Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation, NYU | Tisch, and the Dance Education Laboratory, among others.

Student Research

In their final year of the degree program, students design and complete their own research projects. Some of the projects include funding to do creative research which culminates in a full-length concert.

Work with the Local Community

The dance department offers courses in dance education and dance movement therapy which include practicum experiences with students in local schools. Students have opportunities to engage preschool and school-aged students in dance for social-emotional, kinesthetic motor, and cognitive development using trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and student-centered practices. 

Resources and Scholarships

Information related to scholarships, academic and career advising, study abroad opportunities, student well-being, and other resources for students in the School of Education can be found on the School's Resources page.

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Dance

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of School of Dance (NASD).

Accreditation status: Accredited. Next accreditation review: 2025-2026.