About the Dance Minor
UW’s theatre and dance program offers a hands-on education that prepares students
for dynamic careers in the arts. The department offers well-rounded training in dance,
musical theatre, acting, design, playwriting and more!
In the dance program, you’ll take courses in various styles of dance, including ballet,
modern and tap. You’ll also study dance history, dance composition and more. Our students
regularly compete at national festivals and conferences, often earning prestigious
recognition.
If you’re looking to improve your craft with formal training and a well-rounded education, UW’s dance program is the place to be!
This minor is reserved for those pursuing an undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming.
We believe having access to professional-grade spaces greatly enhances our students’ training. That’s why dance students get access to state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance venues. Key facilities available for dance minors include:
- Main Stage Proscenium Theatre: A 385-seat venue ideal for large-scale performances.
- Thrust Theatre: A 256-seat, state-of-the-art theatre offering an intimate performance experience.
- Studio Theatre: A 140-seat experimental black box space for innovative and flexible productions.
- Design and tech support spaces: These spaces include a scene shop, scenic storage, prop shop, prop storage room, costume shop, and costume storage room.
Learn more about the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, the facility that houses the above theatres and resources.
What can you do with a dance minor?
A dance minor opens the door to many different artistic careers. You may choose to become a performer, teacher or choreographer. Alternatively, some grads use their education to work on the business side of the arts, pursuing careers working at theatres, managing dance studios and supporting dance companies.
There are many careers you can pursue with a dance education. Here are a few:
- Professional Dancer
- Choreographer
- Dance Teacher
- Dance Coach
- Musical Theatre Performer
- Theatre or Studio Manager
UW grads are making an impact in the arts across the country! Here are some of the places they’ve made their mark:
- Laramie Dance and Arts Center
- Lakewood Cultural Center
- En Avant Dance Studio
- Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University
- KTVN 2 News
- Relative Theatrics
Practical experience is a cornerstone of UW’s dance program. Every semester, students perform, choreograph and collaborate on various productions. This allows each student to graduate with a diverse portfolio of work that showcases their creative and technical capabilities. Students are also encouraged to participate in festivals to showcase their talents, receive feedback from industry professionals and compete with peers. Some of the festivals our students perform at include:
- Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)
- American College Dance Association (ACDA) festivals
- United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) events
We pride ourselves on offering small class sizes and personalized mentorship from faculty. This guidance supports students as they undergo artistic exploration and prepare for various creative careers.
The dance program also regularly hosts workshops, residencies and masterclasses with seasoned professionals. This gives students an unmatched opportunity to connect with guest artists, choreographers, designers and directors.
Welcome to the Department of Theatre and Dance!
There are few things our dance students love more than the supportive community at UW! You'll make friends for life, collaborate with other dancers and work on exciting projects. Learn to perform new styles of dance and get experience in costume design as well as choreographing.
