students performing a dance at One World
Dance students performing on stage
Dance students performing on stage

Dance

The School of Theatre and Dance offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance, a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Studies and a Minor in Dance. It is the home of the Kent Dance Ensemble, Kent State University's pre-professional dance company. 

The School of Theatre and Dance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).

Mission Statement

The Dance Division combines the rigor of conservatory training with a liberal arts education, recognizing and supporting our students as individuals and artists contributing to an ever-changing world. 

Vision Statement

When you enter the Roe Green Center for the School of Theatre and Dance, you will be embraced for who you are and surrounded by a community that supports your individual potential. Dedicated to creative excellence, we will provide opportunities that will challenge you to develop your meaningful purpose. Our comprehensive programs are rooted in a professional culture that inspires you to train for the dynamic disciplines of theatre and dance as you transform your passion into your profession.

Dance @Kent State Summer Dance Intensive

Dance students performing on stage

June 23-28, 2025 

10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Experience the intensity and welcoming space of Kent State University’s Dance Division program during a one-week summer dance program! Participate in dance classes such as modern, classical ballet, jazz, musical theatre and yoga. Attend a Porthouse Theatre performance and learn about injury and eating disorder prevention. Juniors and seniors can audition for the B.F.A./B.A. in Dance degree program during the summer program for early acceptance.


The program runs from Mon., June 23 to Fri. June 27, 2025 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 pm., and on Sat. June 28 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.. The intensive will end with a culminating showcase on Saturday afternoon.

This multi-day program has a registration fee of $500 to cover the cost of instruction. Registration is not complete until payment is submitted. Please note the cost of meals and lodging are at the expense of participants. Additional waivers and participation forms will be forthcoming. Students who register before May 1, 2025 will receive a School of Theatre and Dance sweatshirt!

Questions? Please contact School of Theatre & Dance Director Tony Hardin at ahardi14@kent.edu.

Register

Kent State Dance, Bolero

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance develops technically sound, intellectually diverse and creatively expressive dance artists who can contribute significantly to the art form and society. The curriculum provides students with opportunities for strong and varied technical preparation in contemporary dance forms, including modern, ballet, jazz and improvisation. Opportunities for performance and choreography, along with dance theory courses, complete a degree focused on the artist/scholar.

Dance Studies

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance Studies allows students who have previous dance experience and a strong interest in another subject area, within or outside of the arts, the opportunity to combine the two into one plan of study. The curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in dance techniques and dance academics while allowing flexibility to incorporate another area or minor.

The B.A. degree program encourages exploration of areas that can be combined with dance to enhance opportunities for future employment.

Dancers audition in the Roe Green Center for the School of Theatre and Dance

Dance Auditions

Students who apply to Kent State University seeking a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance Performance or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance Studies, and are accepted by the university, are automatically accepted as a B.A. in Dance Studies major.

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