University of Minnesota Dance focuses on contemporary dance in a global context and aims to create citizens of a global society, aware of the power and implications of artistic choices.
Academic Planning Recommendations
If you're looking to dance with a study abroad experience, be sure to examine dance specific requirements carefully alongside the general program guidelines. Will you need an audition video, dance resume, or letter of recommendation from a dance instructor? Does the program require placement for movement classes? Are guest students allowed to participate in performance opportunities or upper-level creative courses?
If you are considering a program that is not dance-focused, are there opportunities in the community to continue with movement training or other artistic activities and engagement?
Best Time to Go Abroad
- Consider the University of Minnesota Dance graduation requirements and course sequencing when planning your study abroad experience, especially composition courses and performance requirements.
- BFA Dance students, in particular, need to consider semester timing, length of program, and special course approvals to stay on track for a four-year graduation plan. BA students also need to plan early to adjust their four-year plan.
- Some Dance students find Winter break, May session, and Summer session study abroad opportunities a great alternative to academic year or semester-long programs.
Liberal Education Requirements
Search the U-Credit Abroad Search. You may also submit any liberal education course not yet evaluated for approval online.
Major and Minor Requirements
- The Dance major requires primarily upper-division coursework to fulfill elective requirements for graduation.
- Some required courses for the major are offered only once a year, and many courses are offered in a specific sequence with prerequisites.
- Dance faculty advisers will require advance time to advise students and confirm decisions regarding possible substitution courses for fulfilling requirements.
Who will advise me and help me with course approvals?
Learning Abroad Center advisers can help you find program and course information to help you prepare for your study abroad academic planning discussion with your academic adviser. Once you have narrowed down your program options, meet with your academic advisor to use the Academic Planning Form to structure your academic planning.
College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students
- CLA students can apply for CLA Study Abroad Scholarships in addition to other Learning Abroad Center scholarships.
Programs
Africa & the Middle East
Ghana
University of Ghana (available through ISEP Ghana)
- Comprehensive university on the outskirts of the capital, Accra, one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa.
- The University of Ghana’s Department of Dance has a particular focus on African dance but also offers more traditional dance coursework. Their research and teaching programs are developed on four concepts of appreciation, choreography, performance, and documentation.
- Courses range from African Dance Performance, Dance Technique, Practical Dance, Historical and Comparative Dance Studies, as examples.
Americas
Chile
Universidad de Chile (available through IFSA Chile)
- Study in Santiago at Chile’s oldest and largest university, Universidad de Chile.
- Universidad de Chile’s Dance Department specializes in contemporary dance, in the areas of choreographic creation, research, performance, and teaching.
- Choose from courses like Ballet Technique, Contemporary Techniques, Historical Context of the Body in Dance, and Music and Space.
- Courses are taught in Spanish; four semesters of college-level Spanish required.
Costa Rica
Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (available through IFSA Costa Rica)
- Study in Heredia, a small walkable city in Costa Rica’s central valley.
- Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica’s Dance Department is recognized as a pioneer in Central America and the Caribbean for its contribution to contemporary dance, research, and artistic expression.
- Choose from courses like Contemporary Dance Technique, Expression and Composition Workshop, Fundamentals of Classical Ballet Technique, and History of Dance.
- Courses are taught in Spanish; four semesters of college-level Spanish required.
Asia and Oceania
Australia
University of Melbourne (available through IFSA Australia)
- Study at Australia's number one university in Melbourne, one of Australia's most livable cities, known for arts, year 'round festivals, and great food
- Dance courses offered through a partnership with the Victoria Conservatory of Arts.
- Courses include body mobilizing / balancing, acrobatics / tumbling, career planning, performance technology, dance industry, and dance festival participation.
- Fall or spring semester, academic year
New Zealand
- Study at a diverse, urban university with a reputation for excellence across its academic disciplines in Auckland—New Zealand's largest city.
- The University of Auckland is an internationally-recognized center for dance research and practice, with a focus on the arts and community development
- Choose from an array of dance coursework, like contemporary dance, dance technique, dance history, and local indigenous (Maori) dance.
Europe
Ireland
- Study in Limerick, Ireland’s third-largest city, at the University of Limerick, considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful campuses.
- Courses are taken at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, the center of academic and performance excellence housed at the University of Limerick.
- With degree programs in both Contemporary and Irish Dance, there are a variety of courses to choose from, from Aerial Dance, Choreographic Skills, to Irish Dance Performance Skills, as examples.
Additional Options to Consider
- 3-week, 3-credit programs at the 3000-level led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff over winter break or May session.
- Explore an exciting location and topic, Fulfill Liberal Education requirements, or earn major/minor credit.
- Combine on-campus instruction during the spring semester with a study abroad component during spring break, on a 3 credits, 1xxx level Seminar.
- Freshman Seminars Abroad are designed specifically for first-year students as an introduction to study abroad, an opportunity to explore an exciting location and topic, and likely fulfill a liberal education requirement.
- Check out additional LAC Instructor-led Seminars that might run over winter break, spring break, May, and summer sessions. They vary in length, dates, and content so students can find one that best fits their academic and professional goals.
- Begin your language study or work toward completing requirements for a language minor.
- Complete a semester of language on a short-term program or explore options to complete two or more semesters of language on semester-long program.