Victoria (Tori) Isaac (’21 BA Dance/BA Sociology, ’23 MA Sociology) was recently awarded the Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award by the UWM Alumni Association. UWM’s GOLD Awards reflect on the contributions and accomplishments made by the most exceptional UWM alums.
Dance, BFA BFA
Join a dynamic community of artists and performers with a passion for dance. Through exceptional training, community engagement and many opportunities to grow as a performer and choreographer, our program truly supports your career in dance.
Our rigorous and diverse curriculum combines technical training with artistic exploration. Our accomplished faculty bring years of professional experience to the classroom. And they are more than seasoned artists: They are active researchers shaping the future of dance and bringing you along for the journey. Plus, our location in the vibrant city of Milwaukee and not far from Chicago provides countless opportunities for performance and collaboration with local and national artists.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
What it’s like to be a student at Peck School of the Arts
When you study dance at the UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, you’ll be part of a supportive and diverse community of artists. Our expert faculty will help you hone your technique, while also fostering your creativity and critical thinking skills. Plus, with access to world-class performance spaces and community engagement opportunities, you’ll gain practical experience and make invaluable connections in the field.
But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself what it is like to be a student here by scheduling a personalized tour.
Program Details
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance prepares you to perform and create original dance choreography for theatrical productions. You’ll complete rigorous technical and creative curriculum in traditional and contemporary dance forms, as well as coursework in body/mind practices, pedagogy, culture, theory and history. Our integrated program prepares you to become critical thinkers, leaders and expressive dance artists.
Special workshops and residencies are also scheduled throughout the academic year to provide opportunities for you to train with well-known guest artists and choreographers. Included in these residencies are performances and technique and repertory classes. Recent guest artists have included D. Sabela Grimes, Melanie George, Kia Smith, Parijat Desai, Alfonso Cervera, Aysha Upchurch, and Joe Goode.
View the Dance, BFA requirements.
Entrance Auditions/Interviews & Admission
Peck School of the Arts undergraduate and graduate programs may require additional steps to enter. For most dance, music and theatre programs, applicants must first be accepted to UWM, apply to Peck School of the Arts and complete entrance requirements such as an audition and/or interview.
Scholarships & Aid
UWM and Peck School of the Arts offer a diverse financial aid package for students, including Midwest residence savings, scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and student loans.
Living Learning Communities
Live in campus housing on the same floor or wing as other students in your major or program. The Peck School of the Arts offers three Living Learning Communities where you can be a part of a “community within a community.” You’ll make friends, form study groups and do social activities together. And, best of all, there is no additional cost to be a part of a Living Learning Community.
Performances
Four concerts are presented at UWM each year: “Winterdances” and “Springdances,” which showcase students performing in world premieres by faculty and guest artists, and “New Dancemakers” and “UpStart,” which feature choreography by undergraduate and graduate students. Learn more about performing arts.
Internships & Opportunities
Our students are involved with the city’s professional and pickup dance companies, including Danceworks, Ko-Thi Dance Company, Wild Space, Hyperlocal MKE, Panadanza and more. See where your education can take you. Learn more about internships and opportunities.
Student Organizations & Clubs
Meet like-minded people in a wide variety of student organizations and clubs who inspire creativity and will support your aspirations. Collaborate and create, network with professional artists, and deepen your connection with faculty, mentors and fellow students outside of the classroom.
Study Abroad
We believe that a complete education in the arts should take you beyond the classroom and the local community. By studying abroad, you’ll gain more than a change of scenery. You’ll embark on a transformative educational experience and bring a global perspective to your field of study. Explore upcoming trips offered in partnership with the Center for International Education.
Alumni Stories in Dance
-
UWM Alumni Association honors PSOA alums for lifetime and early career achievements
-
Alum and lecturer’s new concert featured in Shepherd ExpressDance lecturer Gina Laurenzi (BFA 2013, Dance; MFA 2024, Dance) and her newest concert dis/connect were featured in Shepherd Express following a premiere with Danceworks Performance MKE. dis/connect was Laurenzi’s third full-length piece with Danceworks and her first as co-artistic director with Christal Wagner (Lecturer, Dance; Outreach Coordinator, Dance). Research …
Careers in Dance
- Alexander Technique Practitioner
- Artistic Director
- Arts & Entertainment Writer
- Arts Administrator
- Arts Advocacy Agent
- Arts Council Director
- Athletic/Gymnastic Club Teacher
- Ballet Master/Mistress
- Box Office Manager
- Boys/Girls Clubs Educator
- Broadway Performer
- Camp Director
- Choreographer
- City Recreation Department Teacher
- Community Arts Work
- Community Center Director
- Company Manager
- Consultant
- Costume Designer
- Creative Director
- Cruise Line Performer
- Curator
- Curriculum Developer
- Dance Anthropologist
- Dance Archivist/Librarian
- Dance Critic
- Dance Filmmaker
- Dance Historian
- Dance Journalist
- Dance Medicine Specialist
- Dance Movement Therapist
- Dance Researcher
- Dance Studio Owner
- Dance Therapist
- Educator
- Feldenkrais Practitioner
- Fitness Instructor
- Freelance Dancer
- Fundraiser/Grant Writer
- Health & Wellness Advocate
- Health Coach
- Interdisciplinary Collaborator
- Laban Movement Analyst
- Lighting Designer
- Marketing & Programs Manager
- Massage Therapist
- Nonprofit Founder & Organizer
- Outreach Coordinator
- Performance Artist
- Personal Trainer
- Photographer
- Physical Therapist
- Pilates Instructor
- Principal Company Member/Dancer
- Production Designer
- Regional/Community Theatre Choreographer
- Rehearsal Director
- Répétiteur
- Talent Agent
- Resident Choreographer
- Senior Home Community Engagement
- Set Designer
- Social Media Coordinator
- Special Events Planner
- Sports Trainer
- Stage Manager
- Studio Director/Teacher
- Talent Agent
Program Faculty
Which faculty you have within this program is dependent upon your chosen courses or interests. For a list of all Dance faculty and staff please follow the link below.
- Associate Professor, Dance
- Chair, Department of Dance
- burkhol6@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2648
- Mitchell Hall 345D
- Assistant Professor, Dance
- Director, Pilates Certificate Program
- culbretm@uwm.edu
- Mitchell Hall 343C
- Professor, Dance
- Graduate Program Representative, Dance
- gillespi@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8716
- Mitchell Hall 345A
- Teaching Faculty III, Dance
- Advisor, Dance Performance Minor
- Coordinator, ACDA
- schuch@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4947
- Mitchell Hall 345
