About Us: Dance
San José State University has been preparing professional dancers longer than any other school in California. We have one of the most comprehensive programs in the state, served by a select group of extremely talented and dedicated teacher-artists. Our innovative and comprehensive curriculum prepares students for success as 21st-century dancers and movers!
San José State’s dance faculty includes gifted teacher-artists, ranging from former members of the José Limon Dance Company to leading dancers and choreographers in the Bay Area. Our faculty have received the Isadora Duncan Award, Bay Area Critics Circle Choreography Award, Theater Bay Area Outstanding Performer Award, and many others.
The Dance Program's advanced performing company, University Dance Theater (UDT), directed by Chafin Seymour, performs regularly at American College Dance Association conferences, and has recently been invited to perform at Jacob's Pillow, the Kennedy Center for the Arts, and other prestigious performance venues across the country.
Whatever your career goals, San José State has a program for you! If you have questions or want more information, please contact the Department of Film, Theatre, and Dance office (Hugh Gillis Hall Room 100) or via email at filmandtheatre@sjsu.edu. You can also reach out to the Director of Dance, Professor Shannon Rose Riley.
Alumni
Our Dance Program graduates have gone on to have careers in dance and movement and to flourish in many creative ways. Some become professional dancers, some become dance educators at all levels of education, and others open their own dance schools or training programs. Click on the link below to see what a few of our outstanding dance graduates are up to.
