UpStart is an experimental project choreographed, researched, and performed by Dance MFA students at the Peck School of the Arts. Each performance reflects deeply personal themes and self-exploration by the individual artists. Led by dance professor and graduate program director Maria Gillespie, the project features eight first- and second-year MFA …
Dance Performance Minor
We know firsthand that dance is a powerful art form that enriches your life and your community. That’s why our dance performance minor is designed for a variety of students who are passionate about dance and want to deepen their understanding of its creative and cultural contexts.
Whether you are a seasoned performer or just starting out, our dance minor program provides you with a challenging and supportive dance experience to complement your major. For many students, our minor is a way to build on previous dance training despite having a different major. For others, it’s a new burst of creativity and personal expression that adds excitement and rounds out their education. Whatever your reason, a dance minor is a great addition to your academic focus. We’re glad you are here!
Program Type
Minor
Program Format
On Campus
The arts are for everyone
A minor or certificate in the arts provides a well-rounded education. That’s because the arts foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They enhance communication and presentation skills, which are valuable in any professional setting. Engaging in the arts also increases empathy and understanding of diverse people and perspectives. Plus, they bring a unique selling point to your resume by demonstrating a versatile skill set.
And let’s be honest: The arts are also a lot of fun, adding stress relief and variety to your college experience.
89%Executives agree that creativity is a top skill
91%Americans agree the arts are vital to education
73%Americans say the arts help them understand others
45Minutes of art making can reduce stress levels
Dance Minor Program Details
As a student in our minor in dance performance, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of dance styles and techniques, including ballet, modern, West African, hip hop, salsa and jazz. You’ll also study dance history and theory, learn about choreography and production, and have the chance to perform in our state-of-the-art venues and other sites on and off campus. That’s because all our auditions for student and faculty concerts are open to dance minors.
You’ll also have the chance to create your own choreography, collaborate with other dancers and artists, and explore the many facets of dance as an art form and a cultural practice. And you’ll do it all in a vibrant and diverse community of dancers, artists and scholars who share your passion for dance and the arts.
Explore the Dance Performance Minor requirements in the Academic Catalog.
Eligibility
Students may declare a dance performance minor without a formal audition or interview by submitting the dance minor and certificate application. Students must a have a 2.75+ overall GPA to be accepted and continue in the minor in dance performance.
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.
Dance Alumni Stories
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Dance MFA Students Turn Research into Performance
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UWM Alumni Association honors PSOA alums for lifetime and early career achievementsVictoria (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 Careers
- 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
Dance Minor 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 click the button below.
- Associate Professor, Dance
- Chair, Department of Dance
- burkhol6@uwm.edu
- 414-229-2648
- Mitchell Hall 345D
- 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
