Students study a balanced and integrated course load, which combines dance with a strong liberal studies core. This program teaches the cultural, theatrical and performing aspects of dance. It emphasizes the development of working methods that are both safe and correct as it encourages students to explore and to develop their personal creativity within a contemporary understanding of the dance field. The dance program teaches a progression of classes, enabling students to take beginning, intermediate and advanced technique classes in a designated order. This has made for more skilled dancers who are able to participate in Dance program concerts and departmental productions, as well as comunity projects, including collaborative works with professional artists.
Performance lies at the heart of the program.
Dance concerts are recognized as an integral part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln experience. The concert season includes one major and two minor productions in any of four theatre spaces. Students also have the opportunity to participate in mainstage productions in Theatre and Music and also to perform in or produce experimental works produced by the Department's Theatrix organization. Many performing opportunities exist with the UNL Dance Ensemble, a resident student dance company. Each year guest artists and members of visiting professional dance companies performing at the Lied Center for Performing Arts conduct master classes and workshops.