Dance Program

UO Dance Mission Statement

Dance at UO is a unique and exciting program of study that celebrates individual artistry. Our mission is to promote creative and expressive agency, cultural investigation, and historical inquiry in a welcoming and rigorous environment. The curriculum interweaves a multiplicity of movement practices, choreographic approaches, and theoretical lenses to embolden students to amplify dance as a vital signifier of the human condition. We believe in supporting students in meeting the physicality required to develop technical proficiency, in finding the dedication needed to build self-reflexive creative practice, and in building the confidence that their artistic voice can transform them, their community, and the field of dance.

The Dance Department is a bold and dynamic community where students are introduced to new pathways for expressing their artistic passion. We offer three degrees: a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), a Bachelor of Arts (BA), and a Bachelor of Science (BS), as well as a minor. Students have options for framing a college career that meets their artistic and academic goals.

Dance at the University of Oregon is a unique and exciting program of study that celebrates individual artistry. Students are inspired to:

• Develop physical and expressive skills by exploring African, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and other movement practices.
• Nurture their unique choreographic voice through improvisation and composition.
• Understand their body’s systems and structural design through somatic practices.
• Discover how cultural and historical investigation intersects with their personal history.
• Build the confidence to trust that their artistic voice can transform them, their community, and the field of dance.

Degree Programs

Hear from our Faculty

Walter Kennedy

Associate Professor of Dance and Producer of the award-winning Bella Lewitzky documentary

"Inherent in the study of dance are embedded skills that again and again have proved a huge advantage as people move forward in their professional lives. Universal life skills such as a strong work ethic, the ability to effectively collaborate, and creative problem-solving make dancers uniquely qualified to succeed in the arts and beyond."

Read Walter's Bio

The faculty carries a breadth of experience in performance, choreography, somatics, dance science, music composition, cultural/historical research, and film making. 

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Hear from our Students

Mari Baker

BA in Dance/General Music, 2028

"This program has allowed me to find my voice as a dancer and choreographer. I appreciate all of the opportunities for performances that are available to any student at the UO, regardless of major/minor."

 

Max Roholt

BFA in Dance, 2028

“I came to the UO Dance program with a lot of creative aspirations, and the department was able to provide me with plenty of resources to see them through. Even as a fresh face in the building, I was given consistent time and space to create and lead with other passionate students. Just by putting something together for myself and my peers, I was able to create invaluable connections and pieces of art.”

UO Dance students go on to careers in:

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Our faculty produce well-rounded, skilled scholars and performers who are flexible leaders with global perspectives and great people skills who become cultural influencers and entrepreneurs.

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Explore UO Dance

 

Scholarships  

School of Music and Dance scholarships and financial aid are available. For complete information about financial aid, including loans, see the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships section of the UO catalog. 

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Take the Next Step

We encourage you to visit us to learn more about our programs and meet current faculty and students. Call us, email us, visit us or apply to the program. We’re here to answer your questions about how a degree in music composition can shape your future and positively impact your community.

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