Training
•Bullet: Progressive approach drawing from West African, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Modern techniques
•Bullet: Students develop distinct artistic points of view while honoring dance lineages
•Bullet: Technique classes accompanied by live music, taught by faculty with professional experience
Performance & Productions
•Bullet: Final Capstone Course showcases student work in renowned Dance Presenting Series (DPS)
•Bullet: 40+ plays, musicals, and film productions annually for cross-disciplinary performance
•Bullet: Collaboration with Columbia's film program on professional soundstage
Notable Alumni
•Bullet: Erin Kilmurray '08 — founder of The Fly Honeys; Chicago Tribune Chicagoan of the Year in Dance
•Bullet: Vershawn Sanders-Ward '02 — founding artistic director of Red Clay Dance Company
Professional Development
•Bullet: Faculty mentorship for internships in performance, arts administration, or teaching
•Bullet: Strong connections to Chicago's vibrant dance community
•Bullet: 96% of 2023 graduates employed or pursuing creative practice within a year
