Study the art of movement. Explore what moves you.
The University of Washington Department of Dance believes dance is for everybody. We expand the meanings and experiences of dance as a field of study and a living art form. Whether you are interested in performance and choreography, education, medicine, arts administration, physical therapy or graduate study, majoring or double majoring in dance provides a creative pathway to your career. The innovative Master of Fine Arts program serves professional dancers seeking to transition into higher education positions. The department produces four concerts annually for the campus and greater Seattle community at the Meany Center for the Performing Arts, one of the region’s most prestigious performing arts venues.
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Careers
Many dance majors graduate with a double major or double degree, preparing them for a wide range of career paths. From performance to arts education to medicine and other fields, our program helps students mold their education to fit their individual career interests. In Dance 480: Career Explorations for Dance Majors, students explore their strengths and interests in real-world career options. The course includes guest professionals, cover letter and resume development, grant writing and job shadowing.
Career Paths
Dance alumni work in a diverse range of fields, with job titles such as:
- Dancer
- Choreographer
- Artistic director
- Stage manager
- Educator
- Pilates/yoga/fitness instructor
- Physical therapist
- Arts administrator
- Nonprofit director
- Videographer/photographer
- Physician
- Attorney
A gift of space and time
bst (body, space, time) is a Department of Dance residency that supports local dance artists by offering the gift of space — our spacious dance studios — and time when formal classes are not in session. bst gives artists the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, revise ideas and remain focused on the creative process without the pressure that accompanies commissioned works or performance deadlines. In exchange, participating artists offer workshops or create dance works for students. bst is one example of how we partner with the local dance community to enrich the educational experience of our students and support the arts in Seattle.
Find Yourself in Dance
Express your creativity as an artist and develop skills for a rewarding career.
Department of Dance Stories
From Dancer to Doctor
Alumna Tessa Olmstead, now completing a medical residency, shares how her dance major has helped her succeed as a medical student.
Dancing Across Campus
For the dance course "Activating Space," students danced in public spaces across the University of Washington's Seattle campus this spring.
For the Love of Hustle
Abdiel Jacobsen, graduating with an MFA in dance, found creative ways to share Latin Hustle, their favorite dance, with students and the wider community.