Dance program

mUndergrad minor

A blend of artistry and athleticism.

UW-La Crosse offers a dance minor within its nationally-recognized Department of Theatre and Dance. Students can choose classes in a variety of styles such as jazz, tap, ballet, modern dance and music theatre.

Dance students receive one-on-one attention from faculty, gain a tremendous amount of on-stage experience, and join a positive, collaborative and artistically-stimulating environment.

What is the dance minor?

The minor begins with entry-level courses on ballet, musical theatre and the foundations of dance. It progresses to more advanced courses on dance history, composition, improvisation and more.

Why minor in dance?

For many students declaring a dance minor is not only an enjoyable addition to their daily routine, but also a way to improve discipline, creativity, physical development, dedication and the mind-body connection.

UWL's dance minor is a perfect complement for musical theatre majors, as well as design and stage management students striving to be fully prepared upon graduation.

The creative activity also appeals to students across campus from any major who have an interest in dance. Dance can be used throughout life regardless of your major or future career. The new minor is designed to promote this lifelong skill while drawing even more students to the broader world of theatre arts.

Career opportunities

  • Dancer
  • Dance instructor
  • Choreographer
  • Musical theatre performer
  • Musical theatre consultant
  • Musical theatre critic
  • Musical theatre instructor

What distinguishes UWL's Dance program?

National recognition

UWL Theatre and Dance students and productions have been nationally-recognized for excellence and professionalism by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). Faculty and students have been recognized for their production work in the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) Irene Ryan Competition, as well as design/tech/management certificates of merit.
Top program in Wisconsin

A national theatre blog placed UWL's Department of Theatre and Dance as the best theatre program in Wisconsin in a listing of top programs in all 50 states. OnStage editors say identifying top college programs begins with finding those doing “amazing things and giving their students fantastic preparation for their various industries.”
Classroom learning + practical, production experience

In UWL's program the performance stage is a natural extension of the classroom where students can demonstrate, refine and expand the skills they have learned. Students gain a well-rounded education with an emphasis on the collaborative and creative process. Additional hands-on experience is also available through classroom projects, senior recitals and designs, undergraduate research grant-funded productions and more.
One-on-one student attention

The student-to-faculty ratio in the program is smaller than many comparable programs, allowing for more individualized attention. Each student receives regular feedback on their progress and development as a student and artist. Department faculty and staff know who students are and how they’re performing academically and artistically.
Global perspective

UWL's Department of Theatre and Dance provides a diverse and global perspective by teaching coursework in a cultural context from various cultures/geographic regions around the world, maintaining non-traditional casting whenever possible, and linking with other organizations to provide culturally-rich programming. Students in the program have had opportunities to study and travel to Vietnam, London, Russia, Spain, Italy, India and more.
Reputable faculty and guest artists

UWL Theatre and Dance faculty have a wide range of professional experiences including designing for the American University in Cairo, Egypt; performing with the Boston Lyric Opera; technical direction for the Great River Shakespeare Festival; directing and performing for The Alternative Truth Project; authoring The Stage Manager’s Toolkit; and leading study abroad opportunities in London. The department also frequently brings guest artists to campus from professional and educational theater.

Sample courses

THA 227 Ballet Dance I This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of ballet dance techniques. This course focuses on the history, vocabulary, and techniques of beginning ballet. Lect. 1, Studio 2. Offered Fall - Even Numbered Years.

THA 304 History of Music Theatre A survey of music theatre history and literature from origins to the present and its effect on popular culture, this course provides an understanding of the development of music theatre into the present day. Particular attention is given to the writers and composers who greatly influenced and/or continue to influence the development of this art form. Prerequisite: ENG 110 or ENG 112. (Cross-listed with MUS/THA; may only earn credit in one department.) Offered Spring - Odd Numbered Years.

THA 311 Dance Improvisation This course explores the movement fundamentals of space, time, and energy in generation of spontaneous group composition. Experiencing dance improvisation is a skill for developing the core conceptual elements of dance. Lect. 1, Studio 2. Offered Spring - Odd Numbered Years.

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