Department of Dance

Dance at Sam Houston State University

The Department of Dance at Sam Houston State University delivers a dynamic, challenging education that integrates creativity, performance, and scholarly pursuits designed to prepare each student for a 21st century career in dance. We have exceptional facilities, including a dance theater, four spacious studios, a costume shop, Pilates studio, and dance technology lab.  Our robust performance calendar includes twelve fully produced concerts each academic year. The department’s highly dedicated dance faculty bring the expertise of their professional performing careers and choreographic portfolios to the classroom. Exciting guest artists and choreographic residencies enhance the students’ education.

The Bachelor in Fine Arts in Dance provides intensive study in modern, partnering, ballet, and jazz techniques; abundant performance opportunities; innovative choreographic exploration, including the integration of media into the creative process; and a solid academic grounding in coursework.

The Master of Fine Arts program in Dance integrates creativity, performance, and scholarly pursuits. In addition to rigorous studio experience with substantive choreographic and performance opportunities, the program includes pedagogical, theoretical, and research orientations to dance as an art form. Courses in composition, dance theory, dance technology, and pedagogy broaden the scope of study. Assistantships are available. A returning professional track is available for qualified candidates. 

Sam Houston State University's Department of Dance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. 

Enjoy our Dance @ Sam Promo Video here!

Register for an audition today! 

The Department of Dance also offers a Minor in Dance. Ask how you can add a dance minor to your degree plan today!

  • SHSU Dance News

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    Department of Dance Auditions

    Students who wish to be accepted into the Department of Dance must be admitted to the University as well as to the Department through an audition. Audition Dates for 2024-2025:

    BFA Auditions:
    Friday, November 8, 2024 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM 
    Friday, February 28, 2025 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Friday, April 11, 2025 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    MFA Auditions:
    Friday, November 15, 2024 from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    Friday, February 7, 2025 from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

    Auditions will be conducted in person. Follow this link to learn more and register for an audition. 

    Photo by Lynn Lane, Choreographer Evelyn Toh

    LEARN MORE

  • Fall 2024 Guest Artist: Jeremy De'Jon Guyton

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    Guest choreographer Jeremy De'Jon Guyton will create a new work for SHSU Dance to be premiered in Fall 2024 Dance Spectrum. Read more about the performer, director, choreographer, and multidisciplinary maker here!

  • Masters of Dance

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    Sam Houston State University’s Department of Dance and the Masters of Dance Graduate Student Organization is proud to present a collection of dynamic and vibrant choreography created by seven MFA graduate students. Join us in the Gaertner Performing Arts Center Dance Theater on Sept 26 & 27, 2024 at 8 p.m. as we present FOR YOU. Tickets available here!

  • PURSUIT

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    Sam Houston State University’s Department of Dance is thrilled to present PURSUIT an ensemble of dynamic choreography created by thirteen passionate dance artists in the 2024-2025 senior class.

    Senior Studio presents PURSUIT
    Montague Dance Theater, GPAC
    Ticket information available at www.shsutickets.com
    Nov 14-16, 2024 @ 8 PM, Program Varies Nightly

    Learn More! 

Department News

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Summer Dance at SHSU

Check out our Summer Dance study options for pre-professional and professional level students. Click here for more info!

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New to SHSU Dance?

Info for Incoming Dance Majors

If you are new to SHSU Dance please download this Info Blast created just for you so that you know what to expect. Still have questions? Contact the Dance Office anytime during the summer to get answers regarding registration, auditions, and more! 

Info Blast for New Dance Majors

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Science Worth Dancing About

"What if I told you that dancing enhances the brain?" Professor Andy Noble advocates for the power of dance in the 2nd Annual TEDxSHSU event hosted by SHSU. Co-written by Andy and Dionne Noble, this talk highlights new research conducted by an arts-science team that is looking at the ways dance impacts brain health. Read more here!




Department of Dance
815 17th Street, Suite 150, Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: (936) 294-3342 or (936) 294-1875 | E-mail: shsudance@shsu.edu