Butler University

About the Program

Butler University's Department of Dance is consistently recognized as one of the top five classical dance programs in the nation. Students take studio coursework in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz, with an emphasis on Classical Ballet, supplemented by Pointe, Men's Allegro, Character Dance, World Dance, Pas de Deux, and Classical Variations. The program's 19th- and 20th-century classical repertoire is the foundation of the department's philosophy, honoring the stylistic and historical importance of ballet classics while preparing dancers to succeed at the best companies in the country.

Degrees Offered

Concentrations

Coursework

Classical Ballet emphasis with supplementary training in Pointe, Men's Allegro, Character Dance, World Dance, Pas de Deux, Classical Variations. Additional coursework: Choreography, Improvisation, Laban Movement Analysis, Music for Dance, Dance History, Theory and Philosophy, paired with rigorous liberal arts.

Facilities

Lilly Hall (Room 50). Three fully produced, full-scale dance performances each year including two full-length classical ballets performed to live orchestra in the 2,200-seat Clowes Memorial Hall, plus one mixed repertory evening featuring contemporary and modern works.

Performance Opportunities

Three fully produced, full-scale dance performances each year — two full-length classical ballets with live orchestra at Clowes Memorial Hall (Nutcracker in December, Spring Ballet — e.g. Giselle 2026), and a Midwinter mixed repertory evening featuring contemporary and modern works.

Rankings & Alumni