Dance, B.A. Dance Studies with K-12 Teaching Licensure Concentration

UNC Greensboro Dance: Thinking Bodies/Dancing Minds

Within the UNC System, the UNCG School of Dance is known as the training ground for the contemporary “thinking dancer,” who values the rigors of both physical, creative  and academic dance studies. The B.A. Dance Studies Major with K-12 Standard Professional I Licensure program is designed to prepare prospective dance teachers to be highly skilled dancers and choreographers, as well as scholarly reflective educators, able to meet the varied needs of students of all grades and ages. Our approach to dance education emphasizes creative and critical thinking abilities, artistry, kinesthetic expression, and connection to community.

Program Distinctions

UNCG is the only university in the North Carolina system that offers graduate degrees in Dance, and the only program where graduate students with initial Dance K-12 teaching licensure can earn advanced dance teacher licensure. 

UNCG Dance faculty, 50% who are faculty of color, are active professionals in the dance field. Professor Robin Gee curates the annual Greensboro Dance Film Festival and also curates national and international Dance Film festivals.  Associate Professor B.J. Sullivan is known internationally for her Safety Technique dance technique. Other Dance faculty bring professional experience and innovative pedagogical approaches that reflect the depth and breadth of School of Dance faculty expertise. 

• Accreditations and affiliations include:
  • UNCG is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.
  • American College Dance Association
  • National Dance Education Organization
  • N.C. National Dance Education Organization
  • Dance Studies Association 

• Facilities include seven studios, a fully-equipped dance theater, a screen dance editing classroom, dressing rooms, and an interior garden courtyard reserved for dance students. 
• Live accompaniment is provided for many technique classes.
• To connect students to the profession, the schools regularly bring in guest teachers and  choreographers. Recent guests include: Camille A. Brown, Kristin Daniel, Gerri Houlihan, Juel D. Lane, Helen Simoneau, and Maleek Washington. 

The Student Experience

• Students pursuing a B.A. or BFA with K-12 licensure have many opportunities to work with and to perform in faculty, graduate student and guest artist choreography. 
• Students are also encouraged to participate in the Dancers Connect community school and other community arts initiatives including movement analysis workshops, intergenerational dance with senior citizens, and creating and performing lecture demonstrations in schools and community centers.
• The school produces 10–12 concerts each year with many opportunities for you to perform. Typically, choreography by undergraduate students is showcased in three to four concerts each year.
• You have opportunities to participate in Prime Movers, a social and educational club responsible for annual concerts of student work, and other Dance student groups such as the  Delta Chi Xi Honorary Dance Fraternity.
• An arts-based living community, “Studio 91” in Cone Residence Hall, features music, theater, and dance practice rooms; music composition computer lab; drawing lounge; and arts-related programs and events.
• There are several UNCG exchange programs that offer strong dance programs, such as the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts, University of Malta, Zhejiang Conservatory in Hangzhou, China, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
• Short-Term Faculty Led study abroad programs are also offered in Italy and London.

After Graduation

• Upon successful completion of the UNCG undergraduate coursework dance education students will be eligible for initial certification as a teacher of dance in all grades.
• Career options include performance and choreography positions, as well as arts administration and teaching in a school or community setting.
• Graduates of the program have also pursued careers in lighting and costume design for dance, dance science/medicine, dance history, dance notation, graphic design for dance, dance photography, writing about dance, and dance technology.
• Potential career paths for graduates include:
  • Professional Dancer
  • Studio Owner
  • Dance Teacher
  • Personal Trainer
  • Choreographer
  • Yoga Or Pilates Instructor
  • Costume Or Clothing Designer
  • Dance Company Administrator
  • Dance Photographer/Videographer