Major

Dance Teacher Education

Overview

Illinois State University proudly houses the only Dance Teacher Education licensure program within the state of Illinois. We are uniquely positioned to fully prepare undergraduate students interested in teaching careers in the public schools, as well as in the private sector. We provide a challenging yet nurturing environment that prepares students for the diverse career options within the field of Dance Education, helping them achieve teacher licensure for grades 9–12.

Students in this sequence will develop a range of knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with national and state dance standards while preparing them for a variety of diverse teaching experiences. The structure of the Dance Teacher Education sequence is based on our belief that technical, creative, theoretical, and kinesthetic work will merge to support one's total growth as a dancer and educator.

The program is supported by a diverse and ambitious nationally recognized faculty, bringing a wide variety of movement styles and teaching philosophies to the program. Dancers will develop their knowledge and skills through coursework that includes choreography and improvisation, dance history, multicultural perspectives, dance kinesiology, dance pedagogy, and professional development courses that focus on different teaching methods.

As a crowning achievement, students complete a Senior Seminar course alongside a semester of student teaching, helping them achieve the practical experience necessary for working in the profession. Additionally, students have opportunities to study abroad, work with a variety of guest teachers, and network with Illinois State alumni currently teaching in the field.

Students experience a variety of diverse performance opportunities alongside a strong and comprehensive curriculum, through the Illinois State Dance Theatre and the Dance Association. Students are also involved in theatrical productions within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, as well as touring productions of faculty and guest artists' work on a regional and national level.

Point of Pride

We're home to the only Dance Teacher Education licensure program in the state of Illinois, preparing undergraduate students to teach in both the public and private sectors.

Why study Dance Teacher Education?

The Dance Teacher Education sequence at Illinois State University is a rigorous program of study reflecting the standards set forth by the National Association of Schools of Dance Accreditation for Teacher Preparation. Additionally, students in this sequence are expected to develop the range of knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with national, state, and local dance standards.

Illinois State University, with its historic and enduring commitment to educating teachers, has the only teacher licensure program in Dance within the State of Illinois. We therefore are uniquely positioned to prepare those undergraduate Dance students who are interested in preparing for teaching careers in public schools as well as in the private sector. The Dance Teacher Education sequence provides training and professional education which is both broad and deep, demanding proficiency as performers and excellence as educators.

Schedule a Visit

Come see campus and meet with campus representatives either in person or virtually. Optional chances to meet with academic department, honors, and financial aid.

How to Apply

Applying to Illinois State

Applying by our priority deadline is encouraged for best consideration for your academic program and for scholarships. Start your application today!

Due to the recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control, we will require guests to wear a face covering that adequately covers both nose and mouth while indoors on campus. Guests should maintain six feet of physical distance from others when possible and practice proper hand hygiene throughout their time on campus by washing hands or using hand sanitizer.

Students are required to wear masks throughout the entirety of their audition performance.
If you are feeling ill leading up to your scheduled audition, we kindly ask you to reschedule.

Visit Coronavirus.IllinoisState.edu to learn more about the University's efforts to keep our community healthy.

Audition and Enrollment Process

Apply to Illinois State University
Choose an audition/interview date
Upload any required materials to your application
Receive a confirmation email from School of Theatre and Dance
Attend audition/interview
Receive a decision within two weeks
Submit your enrollment deposit and become a Redbird

Scholarship notification will take place the first week of March.

If you would like to audit a class, meet with faculty, or if you have a question about the enrollment process, email Cristen Monson.

Program Requirements

Students seeking admission to the School of Theatre and Dance begin by applying for admission to the University, using the regular admissions procedure. When you fill out your admission application form, you will also select a date for a Dance Program audition. More information about this process is outlined below. (If you later need to change your selected date, please contact the School of Theatre and Dance, Cristen Monson.)

2021-2022 Audition Dates and Information

Dance and Dance Teacher Education majors participate in the same audition.

October 22-24, 2021 Dancewave Through College and Beyond (must register for festival)

November 6, 2021 ISU Note: cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances

November 6, 2021 The Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (must register for festival)

February 12, 2022 ISU

Requirements for Dance Program Consideration

Dancers will attend class in our studio and be evaluated.
Dancers will perform a solo 2-3 minutes in length and can feature the choreography of the applicant or another choreographer
Photo in arabesque
Performance resume
Interview with faculty

Deadlines and Review Dates

Students are accepted into the Dance major within the School of Theatre and Dance on a rolling basis, contingent on admission by Illinois State University. Normally students are notified within two weeks of their audition results.