Sacred Heart University Dance Program is a profound source of energy and artistry on campus.

The program offers a variety of programs to suit any level of interest, commitment and passion for dance. Students are encouraged to engage in exploration, creation and the critical thinking process all while preparing for longevity and viability within the dance world. For each student, this means a deeper understanding of their moving bodies and an awakening to the kaleidoscope of possibilities. 

Our dance faculty and staff are committed to the development of well-rounded, aesthetically aware students using various forms and approaches to elevate learning. They encourage students to explore and create within a community of artists that are engaged, both artistically and academically.

Involvement Opportunities

The Dance Company is a pre-professional performance track designed for advanced dance students who wish to continue training and performing at a very high level. Students enjoy the opportunity to work with top industry professional choreographers and distinguished dance faculty. Styles of dance include, but are not limited to ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz and tap. The Dance Company also offers a professional track and choreography track, designed to provide students with training and opportunities that model the experience of a university dance major while earning their degree of choice.

SHU MOVEMENT is a professional track dance program designed for full-time undergraduate students who wish to push their training and artistry, performance and networking opportunities in both classical and contemporary dance forms to the next level. Experiences for this group are intensive and designed to model what students would expect in a professional concert or commercial dance setting. Auditions for this program take place in the fall of each academic year and students must demonstrate training, artistic growth, etiquette and interest in professional pursuits throughout their undergraduate careers for continued participation. Spaces are limited.

CCFP is a pioneering opportunity for Dance Company dancers in pursuit of the choreographic process. This track is designed to help cultivate the next generation of choreographers by providing a weekly mentorship class led by faculty to guide their choreographic journey and an allotted rehearsal time for students to develop their creative works on company dancers. Company dancers interested in CCFP will apply each semester for the position. Company dancers will have the opportunity to sign up for CCFP rehearsal times.

Students in Dance Ensemble have the opportunity to continue their passion for dance throughout their college experience by participating in classes that foster the development of strong technique and artistry. Ensemble students enjoy opportunities to participate in master classes with professional instructors, as well as learn choreography from their peers in all styles of dance, including, but not limited to, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and tap. Ensemble dancers can apply to become a member of the leadership track, guided by a professional staff member in choreographing their own dance works for fellow Ensemble members.

SHU Force is an opportunity for Ensemble dancers to pursue the choreographic process. This track is designed for leaders of the Ensemble to develop choreography and provide performance opportunities for Ensemble dancers. SHU Force will participate in a weekly mentorship class led by faculty to guide their choreographic journey and receive an allotted rehearsal space for students to develop their creative works as Ensemble dancers. Ensemble dancers interested in SHU Force apply each semester for the position. Ensemble dancers will have the opportunity to sign-up for SHU Force rehearsal times.

The Irish Dance Ensemble is a weekly class available to non-competitive students of Irish dance. Students participate in weekly classes and rehearsals led by the student captains of the SHU Claddagh Dance Team to hone their skills in modern and traditional styles, both hard and soft shoe.

The SHU Claddagh Dancers are a highly skilled, nationally ranked, competitive Irish dance team. Students have the opportunity to perform in University events and to compete in intercollegiate national competitions. The program focuses on enhancing the skill level of already competitive Irish dancers, allowing them to continue dancing through their college experience. Students participate in weekly classes and rehearsals to learn modern and traditional choreography in both hard and soft shoe. SHU Irish Dance Ensemble, The Claddagh Dancers are affiliated with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha.

This high-energy course is designed to help students work on their hip hop movement and technique while exploring musicality and quality of movement. This is an applied course where students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts and personal growth through class performances, various across-the-floor combinations and an end-of-the-year performance. In addition to applied dance techniques, this course includes an introduction to various notable hip hop performers and choreographers presented through videos, classes and live performances.

Inception Dance Crew is a professional track Hip Hop dance program designed for full-time undergraduate students who wish to push their training and artistry, performance, and networking opportunities in Hip Hop and commercial dance forms to the next level. Experiences for this group are designed to model what students would expect in a professional industry dance setting, focusing on stage, street, and dance for the camera. Tryouts for this program take place in the fall of each academic year. Spaces are limited.

Admitted Student Events 

Please join the dance program staff and current SHU students to discuss program offerings. Some events are only available to freshmen and transfer students that have been accepted to Sacred Heart.

Performances

Visit the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts for details on upcoming performances.

Academic Minor

The dance minor complements your major with 18 credits of academic and performance- based classes.

Participation Grants & Auditions

Grants and scholarships are available for eligible members of the Dance Program, and auditions are required to determine placement.

FAQs

No, you are not required to minor in dance to participate. If you are interested in the dance minor, it is easily accessible as a member of the performing arts dance program. Please request a meeting with the director of dance about adding the dance minor to your academic course load, if you are interested.

Unfortunately, you cannot participate in both the Dance Team and the dance program.

Participation in the performing arts dance program is very customizable with tracks available for both light and heavy commitment interests. Some students pack their schedules with dance classes all week and some enjoy one class a week while focusing on their academic studies and other interests.

The main difference between the Dance Company and the Dance Ensemble at SHU is that the Dance Company has a required graded 1-credit course each semester that involves technique class and choreography.

Yes, we have an application and audition process for students to submit their choreographic vision. Keep an eye out for emails regarding SHU Force and Company Choreography Fellowship Program.

Yes, an audition is required for placement into the dance program and to determine eligibility for the performing arts participation grant. We offer in-person auditions and accept video submissions.

SHU Dance Company has provided me countless opportunities to work with renowned dance educators and choreographers. My most cherished experiences include traveling to Italy to dance at the World Dance Movement and dancing with professional company-in-residence, BARE Dance Company.

Sacred Heart not only has great professionals that are both practitioners and teachers but it is a place where you will be able to find what you like, where you will meet people that will be forever in your life. Sacred Heart will be the place that will prepare you for the future. I not only learned and gained knowledge in and outside of the classroom with different projects in my program but I was also grateful to still do one of my passions which is dance. I was in the Dance Ensemble and it was one of the best experiences ever. Being able to dance and also get my degree was one of the things I loved the most.

Connect with Us
Academic Center
Phone 203-396-8059