Butler University
Department of Dance · Jordan College of the Arts
- Where
- Indianapolis, IN
- Degrees
- BFA · BA · BS
- Ballet
- Modern
- Jazz
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
BFA in Dance Performance
BA in Dance (Pedagogy)
- Pedagogy
BS in Dance (Arts Administration)
- Arts Administration
Concentrations
CourseworkRepresentative courses and the shape of the curriculum.
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.
FacilitiesStudios, theatres and performance spaces on campus.
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 & AlumniWhere the program ranks and the alumni it has produced.
Rankings
NASD-accredited institutional member since 9/1/1991. Consistently listed among the top five collegiate ballet programs in the nation (self-cited on department homepage) (as of July 2026).
Want to Learn More?
Continue on Butler University's official site.
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