Program Overview

Dance Teacher Education

Overview

Illinois State University proudly houses the only Dance Teacher Education licensure program within the state of Illinois. We are uniquely positioned to fully prepare undergraduate students interested in teaching careers in the public schools, as well as in the private sector. We provide a challenging yet nurturing environment that prepares students for the diverse career options within the field of Dance Education, helping them achieve teacher licensure for grades 9–12.

Students in this sequence will develop a range of knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with national and state dance standards while preparing them for a variety of diverse teaching experiences. The structure of the Dance Teacher Education sequence is based on our belief that technical, creative, theoretical, and kinesthetic work will merge to support one's total growth as a dancer and educator.

The program is supported by a diverse and ambitious nationally recognized faculty, bringing a wide variety of movement styles and teaching philosophies to the program. Dancers will develop their knowledge and skills through coursework that includes choreography and improvisation, dance history, multicultural perspectives, dance kinesiology, dance pedagogy, and professional development courses that focus on different teaching methods.

As a crowning achievement, students complete a Senior Seminar course alongside a semester of student teaching, helping them achieve the practical experience necessary for working in the profession. Additionally, students have opportunities to study abroad, work with a variety of guest teachers, and network with Illinois State alumni currently teaching in the field.

Students experience a variety of diverse performance opportunities alongside a strong and comprehensive curriculum, through the Illinois State Dance Theatre and the Dance Association. Students are also involved in theatrical productions within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, as well as touring productions of faculty and guest artists' work on a regional and national level.

Why study Dance Teacher Education?

The Dance Teacher Education sequence at Illinois State University is a rigorous program of study reflecting the standards set forth by the National Association of Schools of Dance Accreditation for Teacher Preparation. Additionally, students in this sequence are expected to develop the range of knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with national, state, and local dance standards.

Illinois State University, with its historic and enduring commitment to educating teachers, has the only teacher licensure program in Dance within the State of Illinois. We therefore are uniquely positioned to prepare those undergraduate Dance students who are interested in preparing for teaching careers in public schools as well as in the private sector. The Dance Teacher Education sequence provides training and professional education which is both broad and deep, demanding proficiency as performers and excellence as educators.

Program Requirements

• Dancers will attend class in our studio and be evaluated.
• Dancers will perform a solo 2-3 minutes in length and can feature the choreography of the applicant or another choreographer
• Photo in motion
• Performance resume
• Interview with faculty

Deadlines and Review Dates

Students are accepted into the Dance major within the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film on a rolling basis, contingent on admission by Illinois State University. Normally students are notified within two weeks of their audition results.

School of Theatre, Dance, and Film scholarship awards are announced after March 1.

Audition Dates and Information

• Saturday, October 25, 2025 (Illinois State)
• Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Illinois High School Dance Festival (Must register for festival to attend)
• Friday, November 7, 2025 at Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (Must be registered for CNADM)
• Saturday, December 6, 2025 (Illinois State)
• Saturday, January 24, 2026 (Illinois State)
• Saturday, February 28, 2026 (Illinois State)