During this age of reality television and its aggressive pursuit of chaos, it doesn’t seem a coincidence that the choreographer Juliana F. May has created “Adult Documentary,” a work constructed of real and fictional stories by its … Read more
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.
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.
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!
Scholarships & Aid
UW-Milwaukee 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. Learn more about scholarship and aid opportunities available to you.
Applicants interested in department-level scholarships must complete requirements by March 1 for priority consideration.
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 Spotlight in Dance
Jessica May | Dance, BFA
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Review: ‘Adult Documentary’ Is Dense And Difficult, Including The Carpet
Careers in Dance
- Alexander Technique Practitioner
- Artistic Director
- Arts & Entertainment Writer
- Arts Administrator
- Arts Advocacy Agent
- Arts Council Director
- Arts Management
- Athletic/Gymnastics Club Teacher
- Ballet Master/Mistress
- Box Office Manager
- Boys/Girls Clubs Educator
- Broadway Theatre/Tours
- Camp Director
- Choreographer
- City Recreation Department Teacher
- Community Arts Work
- Community Centers
- Company Manager
- Consultant
- Corps De Ballet
- 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
- Education Director
- Elementary School Teacher
- Elementary/Secondary School Outreach
- Feldenkrais Practitioner
- Fitness Instructor
- Freelance Dancer
- Fundraiser
- Grant Writer
- Health & Wellness Advocate
- Health & Wellness Podcaster
- Health Coach
- Independent Contractor
- Interdisciplinary Collaborator
- Klein Technique Practitioner
- Laban Movement Analyst
- Lighting Designer
- Marketing & Programs Manager
- Massage Therapist
- Mental Health Guidance
- Music Video Choreographer
- National Dance Associations
- Magazine Publisher
- Nonprofit Founder & Organizer
- Office Administration
- Outreach Coordinator
- Performance Artist
- Personal Trainer
- Photographer
- Physical Therapist
- Pilates Instructor
- Principal Company Member/Dancer
- Production Designer
- Professor
- Programmer
- Regional/Community Theatre
- Choreographer
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Rehearsal Director
- Répétiteur
- Talent Agency Representative
- Resident Choreographer
- Secondary Education Teacher
- Senior Home Community Engagement
- Set Designer
- Social Media Coordinator
- Somatic Workshop Organizer
- Sound Designer
- Special Events Planner
- Sports Trainer
- Stage Manager
- Studio Director/Teacher
- Tai Chi Practitioner
- Talent Agent/Director
- Tour Manager
- University & College Guest Artist
- Teacher/Choreographer
- University Professorship
- Videographer
- Web Writer/Performance Reviewer
- Yoga Instructor
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
- Associate Professor, Dance
- Director, Dance Graduate Program
- gillespi@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8716
- Mitchell Hall 345A
- Teaching Faculty III, Dance
- Music Director, Dance
- mill2359@uwm.edu
- 937-607-1763
- Kenilworth Square East 579
- Teaching Faculty III, Dance
- Advisor, Dance Performance Minor
- ACDA Coordinator
