Dance

Train with purpose. Create with impact. Move the world.

At UF, dance is more than movement—it’s a force for change, discovery, and connection. Through rigorous training in performance, choreography, and theory, the dance program develops artists who are critically engaged, and creatively bold.

Whether pursuing a BFA, BA, minor, or certificate, students explore dance as a vital cultural and intellectual practice. They perform in faculty and student led concerts, train with internationally recognized guest artists and study everything from choreography and dance studies to Afro-diasporic forms and interdisciplinary collaboration. With opportunities for study abroad, wellness support and funded research, students graduate with the tools to thrive as artists, scholars and change-makers.

Undergraduate Degrees

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

A performance and choreography-focused degree for students pursuing careers in dance performance, scholarship, and/or teaching

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Bachelor of Arts (BA)

An interdisciplinary degree for students exploring dance alongside other academic or professional interests.

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Visit the Minor and Certificates page for more offerings.

Dance Wellness Program

Dance majors have free access to holistic, high-quality health care through the Dance Wellness Program. Services include injury prevention, athletic training, nutrition and rehabilitation—all provided by a graduate athletic trainer under the supervision of a Clinical Professor at the College of Health and Human Performance. The program supports students as both artists and individuals, promoting long-term wellness in and beyond the studio.

Performance Opportunities

Dance majors have multiple opportunities to perform each year in faculty and student led concerts at the School of Theatre + Dance. Annually, our students perform in works led by faculty, guest artists, and Senior projects:

Agbedidi – Fall Dance Faculty Concert that centers African and African Diasporic forms.
Spring into Dance – Spring Dance Faculty Concert featuring all styles and forms.
BFA Dance Showcase – BFA thesis concert featuring senior choreographic projects.

Additional opportunities include:

Harn Museum of Contemporary Art Events such as the Harn Museum of Dance, Museum Nights, SoundMoves and the Harn Choreographer-in-Residence program.
American College Dance Association Conferences

Only BFA Dance majors are required to perform in concerts through enrollment in Dance Ensemble courses. BA majors and Dance minors are welcome to audition for all productions.

Friday Movement Practice Series

As part of the curriculum, dance majors participate in weekly masterclasses led by guest artists and faculty. The series exposes students to a wide range of dance forms, styles and cultural perspectives. Past guests have included Michelle N. Gibson (Afro-Modern), Leymis Bolaños Wilmott (Ballet), Katherine Kramer (Tap/Jazz) and Jean-Sébastien Duvilaire (Afro-Haitian).

Young Dancers Workshop of North Florida

The Young Dancers Workshop of North Central Florida is a weekend of movement, inspiration, and community! This annual event brings together passionate middle and high school dancers from across the region for an unforgettable experience. Co-hosted by the UF School of Theatre + Dance and Santa Fe College Dance Department, the workshop brings a vibrant celebration of dance to Gainesville every Fall.

The weekend kicks off with a featured Visiting Artist performance, then invites participants into a dynamic schedule of classes, panels, and performances. Learning from UF and SF faculty, students explore a wide range of styles—African/African Diasporic, Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Broadway, Hip Hop, Pilates, Yoga, plus creative practices such as Improvisation and Dance-making.

YDW offers the whole community an opportunity to grow, create, and celebrate the art of dance.

Study Abroad + Study Away from UF

The UF in Bahia program offers dance students an immersive study abroad experience in Salvador, Brazil. Through embodied dance practice, site visits and community engagement, students explore Afro-Bahian cultural expression and examine the intersections of race, culture, and resistance.

Additional study abroad/ away opportunities are available in New York City and Paris through partnerships with Florida State University and the University of South Florida.

Dance for Non-Majors

Several dance courses are available to minors and non-majors. Instructor approval is required for registration in certain courses.