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.
Somatics Minor
Immerse yourself in a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes self-discovery, mindfulness and embodied practices. Within this minor, you will explore the profound connections between mind, body and movement.
The minor in somatics is perfect for students interested in exploring the intersection of art, health and wellness. Whether your primary major is dance, health sciences, nursing, education or the arts, you’ll benefit from a supportive environment to practice and survey a wide range of somatic methodologies, including yoga, Laban Bartenieff movement analysis, Alexander technique, Pilates method and the Feldenkrais method. You’ll be prepared for further study in an array of dance and movement disciplines, including teaching, health and wellness.
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
Program Details
The minor in somatics provides coursework of special interest to dance students interested in continuing studies in rehabilitation, kinesiology and dance therapies. Our minor also serves health sciences, nursing and education majors who aim to work in helping professions and facilitate movement awareness and change. Music, acting and dance performance students also benefit from learning how to self-monitor physical performance, invigorate movement imagination, move expressively and connect meaningfully with an audience.
Through experiential learning, you will develop a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit, and explore the potential of embodied practices in enhancing artistic expression, personal growth and well-being.
View the Somatics Minor requirements.
Eligibility
Students may declare a somatics minor without a formal audition or interview by submitting the dance minor and certificate application. Students must have a 2.75+ overall GPA to be accepted and continue in the minor in somatics.
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
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UWM Alumni Association honors PSOA alums for lifetime and early career achievements
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Alumni Spotlight: The Transformative Power of Somatics and DanceHalie Bahr (Dance, BFA), currently working as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Southern Utah University, has an impressive career in the arts. She previously held positions as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance at Davidson College and a Visiting Lecturer of Dance at the University of Kentucky.
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 II, Dance
- melchior@uwm.edu
- 414-719-7635
- Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 372
- Teaching Faculty III, Dance
- Advisor, Dance Performance Minor
- Coordinator, ACDA
- schuch@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4947
- Mitchell Hall 345
