Dance

The Dance program at Northwestern University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the study and practice of dance as an art form, academic discipline, and cultural phenomenon. Designed for students passionate about developing their technical skills, artistic expression, and critical understanding of dance, the program provides a diverse curriculum that combines performance, choreography, music, theory, and history. Students have the opportunity to explore various dance styles, including contemporary, jazz, ballet, and world dance traditions, fostering versatility and depth in their craft. The program emphasizes experimental and innovative approaches to choreography, encouraging students to push artistic boundaries and engage with current issues through movement. Northwestern’s state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative environment support an immersive learning experience, with access to performance spaces, rehearsal studios, and research resources. Faculty members are accomplished artists, scholars, and industry professionals who mentor students and facilitate practical and theoretical knowledge. In addition to intensive studio practice, students engage in seminars, workshops, and research projects that deepen their understanding of dance history, theory, and cultural context. The program also offers opportunities for community engagement, dance production, and participation in local, national, and international festivals and collaborations. Graduates of the Dance program are prepared for diverse careers in performing arts, choreography, teaching, arts administration, and academia. They develop not only technical mastery and creative originality but also critical thinking, cultural literacy, and effective communication skills. Northwestern University’s Dance program aims to cultivate innovative, socially conscious artists capable of contributing thoughtfully and dynamically to the evolving landscape of dance worldwide.

Core Courses 

• 101-1 Movement Awareness
• 101-2 Dance in Context
• 101-3 Introduction to Improvisation
• 225 Dance Composition

Dance Technique 

• Dance technique classes: a minimum of 4 units from the list below (three classes add up to 1 unit of credit); classes in a dance form must be taken sequentially, each in consecutive quarters in a single academic year; classes in a sequence need not be taken at the same level. Technique courses must include:

• Two yearlong sequences in modern, chosen from 150, 250, or 350
• One yearlong sequence in jazz, chosen from 160, 260, or 360
• One .34 unit class in Jump Rhythm Technique tap or jazz; may be counted as part of the yearlong sequence in jazz
• One additional year-long sequence in a single form chosen from the classes listed below
• In addition to the 4 required yearlong sequences, an additional .34 unit class, 140 Cultural Forms

Technique Classes

• 110 Movement for the Stage
• 120 Topics in Preparation for Performance
• 130 Music Theatre Dance
• 140 Cultural Forms
• 150 Modern I
• 160 Jazz I
• 161 Jump Rhythm Technique I
• 170 Ballet I
• 180 Tap I
• 181 Jump Rhythm Tap I
• 250 Modern II
• 260 Jazz II
• 261 Jump Rhythm Technique II
• 270 Ballet II
• 280 Tap II
• 281 Jump Rhythm Tap II
• 350 Modern III
• 360 Jazz III
• 370 Ballet III
• 380 Tap III

2 Performance Courses chosen from the following list:

• 235 Choreography for Music Theatre
• 325 Advanced Choreographic Study
• 326 Advanced Improvisation
• 345 Studies in Collaboration
• 387 Theatre/Dance Practicum
• 465 Studies in Dance (see Graduate School catalog)

2 Dance Studies Courses chosen from the following list:

• 201 Cultural Studies of Dance
• 215 Dance History
• 315 Dance Criticism
• 335 Special Topics in Dance Research (methods or history topics)
• 365 American Rhythm Dancing and the African American Performance Aesthetic
• THEATRE 367 Music Theatre History
• 399 Independent Study
• 200- or 300-level communication courses: 3 courses
• DANCE 395 Senior Seminar-Students enroll in fall, winter and spring and receive one credit total upon completion of the year’s work in the spring quarter.
• Production: two registrations for THEATRE 119 Production Laboratory (0 units)

Additional Requirements (29 units)

• Courses outside communication: 6 courses at the 200 level or above, including at least 3 courses at the 300 level or above (may include courses taken to meet the distribution requirement)
• Electives in communication and other areas to complete a minimum of 45 units of credit

Requirements

• Common Application or Coalition Application*
• Official secondary school transcript and school report
• Counselor recommendation
• At least one teacher recommendation
• Official SAT or ACT scores†
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (ONLY international applicants whose first language is not English or whose schooling has not been in English)
• Recommended: two SAT subject tests
• Nonrefundable application fee of $75 or fee waiver
• Early Decision Agreement (ONLY Early Decision applicants)
• Midyear transcript (ONLY Regular Decision applicants)
• Music audition (ONLY School of Music applicants)
• Required for home-schooled applicants: 3 SAT subject tests 

Scholarships

• Northwestern University Scholarship
• No-Loan Arch Scholarship
• No-Loan Pledge Scholarship
• Debt Cap Scholarship
• National Merit Scholarship
• Founders Scholarship
• Karr Achievement Scholarship

The Dance program at Northwestern University offers students a comprehensive education in the art and technique of dance, integrating both performance and scholarly aspects. The program is designed to foster artistic development, technical mastery, and intellectual inquiry, enabling students to become versatile artists and informed scholars in the field of dance. Students have access to a wide range of courses that include modern dance, ballet, jazz, choreography, dance history, dance theory, and biomechanics, among others. The program emphasizes the importance of choreography and creative expression, encouraging students to develop their unique artistic voice through studio practices and production opportunities.

Northwestern's dance facilities are state-of-the-art, featuring dedicated studios, performance spaces, and resources that support innovative work. Students also benefit from the university's strong connections to professional dance artists and companies, providing opportunities for internships, collaborations, and exposure to the broader dance industry. The program often includes performance seasons, where students can showcase their work in mainstage productions, and residency programs with visiting artists enrich the learning environment.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to pursue minors or double majors in related fields such as theater, music, or arts administration. This interdisciplinary approach nurtures diverse talents and prepares students for multiple career paths within and beyond dance. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers as performers, choreographers, dance educators, scholars, and arts administrators.

Academic advising and mentorship are integral parts of the program, supporting students’ artistic growth and professional development from freshman year through graduation. Students also participate in community engagement projects, outreach programs, and festivals, broadening the scope of their educational experience. Overall, the Northwestern University Dance program aims to cultivate innovative, thoughtful, and technically skilled dancers who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to the arts and society.