Wayne State University

About the Program

The Dance Program in the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University prepares students for professional careers as performing artists, choreographers, dance teachers, and informed dance audience members. The curriculum integrates applied and theoretical principles of movement with the newest forms and ideas in contemporary dance performance, choreography, and dance education. Undergraduate majors maintain enrollment in modern/contemporary and ballet technique each semester, with additional training in African and African-diasporic forms. Located in Detroit, Michigan, the program offers a professional-track BFA, a flexible BS, and a dance minor, plus a graduate MA in Theatre and Dance.

Degrees Offered

Coursework

BFA requires minimum 120 credits with at least 80 in dance. Technique training includes contemporary modern and classical ballet plus African and African-diasporic forms. The MA is a joint Theatre and Dance degree. BS in Dance is captured as BA in the canonical enum. IPEDS shows doctoral dance completions but no standalone dance PhD was confirmed.

Performance Opportunities

Students perform through Dance Company, Repertory, and Performance Tour courses (9 required BFA credits). The department stages main-stage productions and student choreography (e.g., "The Idea of the Fall" by a 2020 graduate).

Rankings & Alumni