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Dance Minor

Do you see yourself working as a dancer, theatre performer or choreographer? Would studying dance, kinesthetics and theatre production enhance your major program studies? The University of Central Missouri’s minor in Dance may be an excellent choice for you.

Our Dance minor is open to all majors. Beginner classes have no prerequisites, so you can study dance, choreography and performance production even without previous training. Unlike traditional Dance minors, UCM provides you with a wide range of instruction in modern dance and ballet, as well as jazz and tap, making this a valuable program for dancers of all skill levels and backgrounds.

Expand your horizons with a Dance minor

Whether you wish to pursue a career in dance or theatre or plan to pursue an alternative path, a Dance minor from UCM will enhance your undergraduate studies. No matter your major program, you’ll diversify your skill set with Dance minor instruction in improvisation, dance techniques, kinesthetic awareness and performance production.

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State-of-the-art dance studios

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Student dance club

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Attend regional dance conferences

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Guest performances and master classes

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Expertly trained faculty

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No prior dance training required

What you will study

The University of Central Missouri’s expansive Dance program curriculum includes courses in the technical proficiency of dance, as well as the cultural, stylistic and historical dimensions of dance and choreography.

As a Dance minor at UCM, you’ll also develop the necessary critical thinking, improvisational and compositional skill set to create your own dance performances and evaluate the quality and aesthetics of the artform.

Program courses include:

  • Musical Theatre Dance
  • Modern Dance
  • Tap Dance
  • Jazz Dance
  • Professional Practices
  • Dance Appreciation
  • Choreography I

 

Excellence in Dance

  • UCM's 2018 and 2020 dance concerts were invited to perform at the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The company received regional and national meritorious achievement recognition for choreography and movement for both productions.
  • Top 15%: Most Popular Colleges for Visual & Performing Arts (College Factual, 2022)

 

Unique learning opportunities in the Dance minor

At the University of Central Missouri, we pride ourselves on getting you involved in real-world learning scenarios and providing you with the best dance facilities to work on your craft. Make the most of these benefits for Dance minors with exciting learning opportunities:

  • Choreography: Develop your own choreographed performances to be performed on our main stage during one of UCM’s Spring Dance concerts, Black Box programs or other occasions. 
  • Regional dance festivals: Attend American College Dance Association events with your classmates and take courses from renowned dance professors and performance professionals in the region.
  • Dance studios: Practice and develop your dance techniques, improvisation and compositional skills in our state-of-the-art dance studios. Dance minors enjoy access to our main studio, along with three additional studios at UCM’s student recreation center.
  • Guest workshops: Hone your skills with the help of visiting artist workshops and master classes. We invite some of the best regional and national dance professionals to visit our Warrensburg campus.

 

What can you do with a minor in Dance from UCM?

UCM’s Dance minor pairs well with dozens of major degree programs, so the outcomes are highly personalized. Many UCM graduates pursue careers in education or theatre performance and production, but the possibilities and benefits of studying dance are seemingly endless.

For example, combine a Dance minor with Education to teach in a high school and lead the school dance team. Pair the Dance minor with Nutrition, Fitness or Physical Education to work as a PE teacher or dance instructor in middle schools, high schools or private dance institutions. 

Theatre performance and production professionals need a diverse skill set as well as experience in dance, choreography and design. Our Dance minor will complement your undergraduate degree program and give you the skills to work in theatre-centered positions — as well as jobs throughout the entertainment industry.

What comes after you graduate with your Dance minor?

Use the tool below to explore career paths in dance. You’ll also learn more about salary potential, job outlooks and other career data for dance professionals.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your minor in Dance

The University of Central Missouri provides you with a variety of resources to make your college education more affordable. In fact, over 90% of our undergraduates receive some kind of financial aid. Our financial advisors will help you choose from scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs.

UCM offers a wide range of scholarships for freshmen, transfer students, out-of-state students and continuing students. Dance minors can also apply for scholarships reserved for students in our Theatre and Dance programs, including:

  • Department of Theatre and Dance Scholarship Fund
  • Theatre and Dance Ambassador Scholarships

You may also qualify for scholarships through your major program of study. Learn more about program-specific scholarships using the .

 

 

 

Dancers performing on stage

 

Explore programs related to dance.
 

If you’re interested in pursuing a performance- or theatre-focused minor but you’re not sure if the Dance minor is the best choice for you, consider these other minors at UCM:

 

Professional Organizations and Student Groups

● Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)

● American College Dance Association (ACDA)

● Speech and Theatre Association of Missouri (STAM)

● United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)

● Southeast Theatre Conference (SETC)

● U/RTA Auditions and Portfolio Reviews

●Theta Alpha Phi (TAP - Honorary Theatre Fraternity)

● National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)

● UCM Dance Club 

● Film Makers And Actors' Coalition

Theatre Learning Community

The Theatre Learning Community in Nickerson Hall is designed for students minoring or majoring in Theatre. This designated living community provides close proximity to the department’s Black Box Theatre, a lounge to rehearse lines and blocking, a fully equipped dance studio and access to dining facilities.

Performance Opportunities

 

● UCM Main Stage Production Program

● Spring Dance Concert

● Dance Class Showcase - end of each semester

● Studio Theatre One-Act Series

● Richard Herman Black Box Theatre Program

● UCM Dance Club

● Dancing With The Professors

● Opera Theatre

 

Request Info   Visit   Apply Today!

 

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