Department of Dance

Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts

Take the First Step Toward Your Career as a Performer, Choreographer and Educator

At Webster University’s Department of Dance, our esteemed faculty are student-focused to ensure high-quality learning experiences that transform students for individual excellence. The Webster Dance curriculum combines rigorous and versatile technical training with extensive opportunities for creative exploration to prepare students for 21st-century careers in dance as performers, choreographers, educators and scholars. In addition to our BFA and BA programs, our 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.

Two dancers performing floorwork with arched backs in a contemporary dance class.

Six dancers stand crouched clutching their heads and chests in And still, they move, a contemporary dance piece choreographed by Webster Dance faculty member Xi Zhao.

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

Several dancers in brightly colored costumes sit on the floor to encircle a soloist standing with a lifted, flexed foot and bunches of feathers in each hand. The dancers perform a representation of the West African dance Zaouli in There is no movement without rhythm, choreographed by Webster Dance faculty member Diadie Bathily.

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

Undergraduate Majors and Minors

Minor in Dance: Technique

How to Audition

Explore the audition steps and dates.

Faculty

Meet our remarkable team of teaching artists.

Audition Preparation Process

Learn how to prepare for your audition.

Partnerships and Internships

Meet Webster Dance's professional partners and learn about internship opportunities.

Alumni Spotlight

Celebrate a Webster Dance alum and learn about their journey.

Facilities

Learn about the Dance Department's performance space.

Dance Performances

Webster Dance Announces its 2024–2025 Season

Three ballet dancers wearing white, arranged from sitting to kneeling to standing

BFA Choreographic Concert	Oct. 3-5
Creations Concert: A Fall Showcase of Student Works	Nov. 22-23
New Works Concert	Jan. 30-Feb. 1
Creations Concert: A Spring Showcase of Student Works	Feb. 28-March 1
Webster University Dance Ensemble	April 18-20

Six dancers in colorful outfits pose in a group facing left, with cloud of color overlaying them

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.

Purchase Tickets for BFA Choreographic Concert

Two dancers move toward each other on the floor, one resting head on other's shoulder in a red-tinted room.

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.

One dancer leans forward to support on their back another dancer arching backwards.

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.

Purchase Tickets for New Works Concert

Creations Concert: A Spring Showcase of Student Works

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. The Webster University Dance Ensemble Concert is presented in the Loretto-Hilton Center’s Virginia Browning Mainstage Theatre, 130 Edgar Road.

Save the Date

2025 Winter Workshops

Students extend their right arm into the air and lean to the left as they perform a modern dance combination with Webster Dance instructor Xi Zhao.

Senior and Junior Levels

2025 Senior Workshop (Ages 13+) — February 9, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2025 Junior Workshop (Ages 10-12) — February 16, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Take ballet, modern, aerial and jazz dance classes with Webster Dance faculty. Lunch is provided. Registration open now!

Learn More and Register

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.

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 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.

If you have any questions regarding the Dance Department or the audition process, please contact auditions@webster.edu.

Take a Virtual Tour

Launch Loretto-Hilton Center

Alumni Testimonial

“I left [Webster] not only a well-rounded and virtuous dancer, but an educated one. Professors and faculty have helped me bring ALL of my ideas to fruition. I am forever grateful and proud to be a part of the Webster family.”

Prince Lyons

BFA in Dance, ’17

Success As an Alum

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.

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Webster Dance (@websterudance) • Instagram photos and videos

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.

News and Events

Highlights from the Department of Dance in the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts

Webster University's Department of Dance attends the ACDA 2024 Northern Conference.

News