The American University Dance Program welcomes prospective students to embark in a program of movement exploration, intellectual pursuit and creativity! Based in the nation’s capital, the Dance Program in the College of Arts and Sciences is for the curious and creative dancer who wishes to pursue a rigorous dance program in addition to individual interests and ambitions. Our diverse and award-winning dance faculty is committed to preparing and mentoring students for their professional and post-college pursuits.

Whether your background is in ballet, hip-hop, improvisation, African dance, or you've never taken a dance class before, all AU students are welcome in the Dance Program! Dance can be a part of your AU experience by adding a dance class to your schedule, choosing to declare a Dance Major or Minor to your course of studies, or participating in one of the many creative opportunities each semester! All students can take class, perform, and choreograph within the Dance Program, regardless of major or minor.

With faculty mentorship, students can design their dance studies towards their specific goals - this may mean investing in one dance form primarily, or engaging with the full range of dance forms offered. Dance technique courses (called Embodied Knowledge at AU) are offered at three different levels. Students may register for a level I course at any time, and can place into level II or III through Level Placement. Incoming students are encouraged to complete Level Placement at Prospective Student Day, or participate in the August Level Placement the week before classes begin.

• A wide range of dance courses in levels 1-3, including African, ballet, contemporary, improvisation, jazz, musical theatre styles, tap, urban dance forms, somatic forms.
• Opportunities to perform and/or choreograph every semester.
• Small class sizes that allow dance faculty to work individually with students.
• Master classes, choreographic residencies and workshops by professional guest artists across all dance disciplines.
• Community engagement and networking with institutions/organizations in Washington D.C. and beyond.
• A dance community that supports the multitude of identities and experiences our students bring to the program.