Contemporary Dance

Dance at Jacobs

Recommended by DanceUS.org as one of the best college dance programs for 2026 in the USA.

The BFA in Dance, major in Contemporary Dance, at Indiana University Bloomington is a dynamic, artistically grounded program that fosters deep investigation into dance and movement practices for the stage, studio, and community. Through embodied, somatic, and Africanist approaches, faculty guide students toward professional performance, leadership, community engagement, and entrepreneurship. Rooted in historic lineages and contemporary ideas, the curriculum develops thoughtful artists who engage critically and creatively with the evolving field of dance.

We seek dedicated students committed to developing distinctive artistic voices while building the creative and technical skills needed to thrive as performers, choreographers, teachers, and community facilitators. Graduates emerge as versatile artists, innovative collaborators, and entrepreneurial leaders prepared to shape the future of dance.

The major in contemporary dance includes courses in dance technique, repertory, choreography, improvisation, composition, pedagogy, history, music, production, movement analysis, injury prevention, yoga, and Pilates certifications. Students participate in technique classes and repertory rehearsals daily.

You can learn more about contemporary dance at Indiana University in our Viewbook.

Check out our Viewbook! View the Dance B.F.A. requirements on the Bulletin

An audition is required for acceptance into the major in contemporary dance

Click on the admissions tab at the top of the page to learn about applying to the Jacobs School of Music. Contemporary dance also requires prescreening materials, and an invitation to audition. Learn about prescreening requirements below:

Prescreening requirements

Contemporary Dance will participate in this year’s Early Action admission. Learn about the requirements and due dates for Early Action below:

Early Action requirements

The major in contemporary dance attracts students who seek serious study in the field. Our students typically have some of the following qualities:

Passion for dance and movement
Interest in multiple forms of contemporary dance and dance studies
Dedicated to building a life in dance
Self-initiative and proactivity
Curiosity and wish for personal growth
Enjoyment of collaboration with other artists, both peer and professional

Find out what it means to major in dance in college by participating in an immersive high school dance experience. The Jacobs Academy Summer Contemporary Dance Intensive is carefully designed to give rising 9th-12th grade students an opportunity to study dance at the university level.

Learn about pricing and requirements

Undergraduate minor for students majoring in other subjects

Our department offers an 18-credit dance minor that can be combined with another course of study.

While no audition is necessary to declare a dance minor, certain advanced-level technique classes and performance opportunities do require an audition.

Our students study movement technique and knowledge of the dance field. They additionally take courses in dance history and theory, with technique courses in a variety of dance forms.

The minor also allows you to explore multiple cultural and global forms of dance. It includes a rich selection of courses from associated areas and departments, such as African American and African Diaspora Studies, Ballet, and Anthropology.

Performance opportunities exist with IN MOTION student dance company, the African American Dance Company, Windfall Dancers, and the Jacobs School of
Music opera and theatre productions.

Make an advising appointment to learn more and explore your dance minor options.

Learn more about our Dance minor on the Bulletin

Study with world-class faculty

Our faculty excels at leading students, directing ensembles, and mentoring individuals. They provide you with a strong base from which to grow and work as an artist. Our students are encouraged to develop expertise in areas of performance, choreography, teaching, community facilitation, production, and scholarship.

Our goal: extraordinary artistry, brilliant experimentation, and a solid foundation that prepares you for a successful career in the professional and academic field of dance.

Stafford C. Berry, Jr.

Director, African American Dance Company

Phone:: berryst@iu.edu

Address:: Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, A310

Robert F. Burden, Jr.

Professor of Practice (Contemporary Dance)

Email:: rfburden@iu.edu

Address:: Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, A300T

Beatrice Capote

Associate Professor (Contemporary Dance)

Email:: bcapote@iu.edu

Address:: Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, A300M

Selene B. Carter

Associate Professor (Contemporary Dance)

Email:: sbcarter@iu.edu

Phone:: 812-856-2819

Address:: Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, A300B

Christian Claessens

Senior Lecturer in Music (Ballet)

Email:: cclaesse@iu.edu

Phone:: 812-855-1230

Address:: Theatre, Drama, and Dance, Lee Norvelle, A300

Kate Lyons

Adjunct Professor (Contemporary Dance)

Email:: kavander@iu.edu

Address:: Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, A300HH

Utam Moses

Adjunct Professor (Contemporary Dance)

Email:: smoseg@iu.edu

Elizabeth Limons Shea

Director and Professor, Contemporary Dance

Email:: eshea@iu.edu

Address:: Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, A272W

Practice + Performance

All contemporary dance majors are members of the Indiana University Contemporary Dance Theatre, with the opportunity to perform in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre, as well as in other university and community venues. You also dance in our faculty/guest artist concert and in student works. Seniors produce a concert each fall.

Classes are held in our spacious dance studios and the dance facilities in the African American Arts Institute. The Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center boasts three state of the art production spaces—the Ruth N. Halls Theatre, the Wells-Metz Theatre, and the Studio Theatre.

Explore our facilities

Interested in applying?

Learn about the audition + application process

Visit IU Admissions

Contact an advisor