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