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Northwestern School of Communication

Major in Dance

The major presents a well-integrated view of dance while also providing sound technical training in a variety of forms. The dance major’s curriculum emphasizes composition and choreography in depth as you are challenged to write, research, and analyze the field of dance. At the same time, you’ll continue to develop your dance skills with technique classes and performance opportunities. 

The foundations of our dance program are contemporary modern dance, which includes the vibrant Jump Rhythm Jazz style, along with ballet, and tap. You’ll examine the body in motion, explore collaborations in dance and music, and improvise dance as you develop your own vocabulary for composition and choreography. 

Our faculty include award-winning professional dancers, choreographers and renowned researchers and scholars of dance history, theory and education. Guest artists lead master classes in a variety of forms and styles. 

The dance and liberal arts curriculum is designed to foster your intellectual, artistic and professional growth and prepare you to pursue career opportunities in performance, dance writing, education, choreography, dance therapy and administration. 

Students gain admission to the dance major through the regular Northwestern Undergraduate application process. There is no audition for the dance major. A placement class is held during Wildcat Welcome to determine the appropriate technique level for students to take. 

For policies and advising, see Office of Undergraduate Programs and Advising.

Visit the major's Academic Catalog listing to see specific requirements, which include: 

  • Major requirements specify that students must take and pass courses totaling in 13 units. These courses include 4 introductory courses, five Dance Technique courses, and Senior Seminar. Dance majors must also register twice for THEATRE Production Laboratory. 
  • Additional requirements, including distribution requirements, elective requirements and writing proficiency. 

Honors in Dance is available to majors in their senior year. Students work closely with a faculty member to design, execute and present a research project that delves into the study of Dance. Contact the department for more information on eligibility and requirements.