GCU Dance Department
Do you have a passion for dance and the arts? The GCU Dance Department in the College of Arts and Media can provide opportunities in many styles of dance for performance and education. Not only can you continue working to expand your expertise in dance performance, the dance curriculum at GCU teaches the history of dance, performance production, and how to integrate your knowledge of dance into media and the community.
Dance majors can perform in faculty concerts as early as their first semester. Through concert productions and performances throughout the year, the GCU Dance Faculty aims to help you toward your chosen career path. Growing in your proficiency and creativity in dance can support you as you seek a career path that interests you.
You can choose to pursue a career in dance performance with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, or extend your knowledge of dance by teaching children in a classroom setting with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance for Secondary Education. Both degrees are designed to teach the techniques of many different styles of dance — yet they differ in the emphasis they place on performance or education.
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The faculty members who lead GCU Dance have creative backgrounds that include years of performance and education in the arts.
Saguaro Hall Dance Studios
The GCU Dance Studios are located on campus in Saguaro Hall. This spacious area provides dance students with a facility that includes sprung Marley flooring, mirrors and a sound system. The studios are where students will take all movement classes and are also available for dance majors and minors to reserve for rehearsals.
Academic Relationships
GCU Dance has an academic relationship with local and national organizations as a way to further enhance the visibility of the program while also giving students resources for their dance education. These organizations include:
- Arizona Dance Education Organization
- Ballet Arizona
- Be Kind People Project
- Diamond Dance Works
- National Dance Education Organization
- National Honor Society for Dance Arts
Request more information today to see how you can be a part of GCU Dance.
Students in the GCU Dance program may have many opportunities to demonstrate their artistry and talent throughout the school year. Performance opportunities typically include two faculty concerts, two student spotlight showcases and one choreography concert.
Ethington Dance Ensemble
The Ethington Dance Ensemble encompasses all GCU Dance majors and minors. This ensemble performs in on-campus productions such as the winter and spring dance concerts, along with other theatre productions. Dance ensemble students routinely engage with the dance leadership and international guest artists who often visit GCU to rehearse with and educate students on many choreographic styles.
Fall Student Spotlight “Inheritance”
Presented by the College of Arts and Media, this uplifting showcase highlights a diverse array of choreographed performances by gifted GCU dancers.
Elementary Dance Tour
The Elementary Dance Tour is a vital part of the Ethington Dance Ensemble. This tour brings GCU Dance off campus and into the community as GCU students visit local elementary and middle school students so they can experience the art of dance at first hand. These young students will watch a multi-media production put on solely by GCU Dance students and be taught the skills and professionalism to demonstrate their own self-expression in dance.
For a closer look at the work done by our students in GCU Dance, visit our Student Showcase page below.
If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.