Program Recognition
•Dance at Illinois has trained graduate artists since 1969 and was called "a hotbed of choreographic innovation" by The New York Times
Training
•MFA mission is substantive choreographic research positioning dance as a force in contemporary culture
•Small graduate community of 12 candidates, admitting roughly four per year
•Final year synthesizes the work into a produced choreographic thesis, written thesis document, oral presentation, and a professional career plan
Performance & Productions
•Candidates present choreography in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and rehearse across seven dance studios
Notable Alumni
•Paige Cunningham (MFA '07) — former dancer with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company
•Angie Pittman (MFA '15) — Bessie Award-winning dance artist and choreographer
Value
•Teaching, office, and media assistantships fund a majority of candidates; a 25%-or-greater teaching appointment carries a full tuition waiver
•Additional support available via the Creative and Performing Arts Fellowship and Graduate College fellowships
