Take the First Step Toward Your Career as a Performer, Choreographer, Educator
At Webster University’s Department of Dance, our esteemed faculty are student-focused to ensure engaged learning experiences that empower our students to become catalysts for change. The Webster Dance curriculum combines rigorous and versatile technical training with extensive opportunities for creative exploration that prepares students for 21st-century careers in dance as performers, choreographers, educators and scholars. In addition to our BFA and BA programs, students have many on-campus performance opportunities throughout the academic year.
Explore below to learn more about our department that promotes, challenges, engages and embraces the uniqueness and wholeness of our developing artists.
And still, they move, choreographed by Webster Dance faculty member Xi Zhao
Aureole, choreographed by Paul Taylor
Dicey, choreographed by Webster Dance alum Paige Van Nest
There is no movement without rhythm, choreographed by Webster Dance faculty member Diadie Bathily
Way Beyond the Blue, choreographed by Lois Enders
Decode, choreographed by Maggi Dueker
Our Undergraduate Dance Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Dance
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance (choose an Emphasis)
Ever wonder what a day as a dance major at Webster is like? This is a sample schedule that shows the variety of classes and rehearsals a student might have in one day.
- 8:30–9:50 a.m.: Academic Course
- 10–11:20 a.m.: Jazz
- 11:30 a.m.–12:50 p.m.: Ballet
- 12:50–1 p.m.: Lunch in the Dance Lounge
- 1–2:20 p.m.: Modern
- 2:30–3:50 p.m.: Composition
- 4–6:30 p.m.: Break and Dinner
- 6:30–8:30 p.m.: Rehearsal
Note: Sample does not represent or include the department's entire list of practical dance courses, supplemental academic courses or rehearsals.
Apply to Webster's Department of Dance
Webster University's Department of Dance is always looking for talented and curious students to join our program. All future Webster Dance students follow a three-step process. If you have any questions regarding the Dance Department or the audition process, please contact auditions@webster.edu.
1: Apply to Webster
Application may be made through our website at webster.edu/apply, or you may apply through Common App or COALITION App.
After applying, you will receive an email with a form link.
2: Submit Form and Fee
Use the link in the email to submit the Fine and Performing Arts Student Assessment Request Form and $30 fee for the Dance Department. You will be contacted with next-step information to schedule a date and time for your audition.
3: Schedule Audition/Interview
Schedule an audition and make the first step to join us on stage.
To schedule your audition or interview at Webster, please go to Webster's Dance Auditions.
| BFA Choreographic Concert | Oct. 2-4 |
|---|---|
| New Works Concert | Nov. 6-8 |
| Creations Concert: A Fall Showcase of Student Works | Nov. 21-22 |
| Creations Concert: A Spring Showcase of Student Works | Feb. 27-28 |
| Webster University Dance Ensemble | May 1-3 |
BFA Choreographic Concert
The concert showcases the original choreography of senior BFA Dance candidates. The performance takes place in Stage III, the lower level of Webster Hall, 470 E. Lockwood Ave.
New Works Concert
Featuring original choreography by Webster Dance faculty and alumni. The performance takes place in Stage III, the lower level of Webster Hall, 470 E. Lockwood Ave.
Creations Concert: A Fall Showcase of Student Works
Original choreography by Webster University students is presented in the Large Dance Studio of the Jean and Wells Hobler Center for Dance, Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road.
Creations Concert: A Spring Showcase of Student Works
Original choreography by Webster University students is presented in the Large Dance Studio of the Jean and Wells Hobler Center for Dance, Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Road.
Webster University Dance Ensemble
The annual Webster University Dance Ensemble Concert features a variety of works performed by our students in a wide range of styles, from Contemporary to Ballet to Aerial.
Join us at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, and at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 3 at the Browning Mainstage Theater, located in the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts.
From Webster to the World Stage
Prince Lyons is currently dancing in Madonna's World Tour, has previously performed with Rambert II (London) and Visceral Dance Chicago, and received an Emerging Artist Award from the Arts and Education Council of St. Louis in 2023.
Facilities and Master Classes
The Jean and Wells Hobler Center for Dance
The Jean and Wells Hobler Center for Dance is a fabulous, inspirational space for the Department of Dance to make its home. Two gorgeous, spacious studios are complemented by a comfortable lounge area and locker room facilities. These spaces are ideal for promoting both creativity and a strong work ethic while spending long hours rehearsing and in class.
The Gary Hubler Student Dance Lounge, named for Professor Emeritus Gary Hubler, offers a pleasant area to relax between classes and rehearsals. The lounge contains a microwave, refrigerator, couches, dance magazine resource center, three computers and a multimedia resource center. The lounge is close to studios, faculty offices, and men's and women's locker rooms, showers and full restroom facilities.
Take a Virtual Tour
View the Loretto-Hilton Center, which houses the Department of Dance and the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts.
Master Classes and Guest Artists
Visiting professional companies regularly give master classes in our spacious studios, giving Webster dancers opportunities to work alongside national and international professionals. Past master teachers include:
- Wewolf
- Cleo Parker Robinson
- 10 Hairy Legs
- Smashworks: Ashley McQueen
- MUNY: Megan Larche
- Velocity Dance Convention: Eve Mason
- Alicia Graf Mack (Alvin Ailey)
- Niharika Murthyraju
- MADCO—Nicole Whitesell
- Grand Rapids Ballet
- Nicole Thomas (Pinky)
- Kirven Douthit-Boyd (Alvin Ailey)
- Amy Seiwert
- Ashley Tate
Partnerships and Internship Opportunities
Our Dance students benefit from close partnerships between Webster's Department of Dance and local dance companies and arts organizations. Students often pursue internships and part-time employment with a host of these companies and many alumni work professionally with them upon graduation. Take a look below at a list of current partners.
