Dance Program

After auditioning, some students may be selected for the SHU Dance Company. All Company dancers are required to attend a weekly 2.75 hour rehearsal. There are two divisions of Company: the Artist Division and the Apprentice Division. Students placed in Artist are required to take 2 technique classes per week in addition to the mandatory 2.75 hour rehearsal. Students placed in Apprentice are required to take 1 technique class per week in addition to the mandatory 2.75 hour rehearsal. Company students from both divisions may also choose to audition for the following performance opportunities:

• Faculty-choreographed pieces
• Student-choreographed pieces
• Residency opportunities with guest artists

After completing the first year, Company dancers from both divisions are eligible to audition for the following opportunities:

• Student Choreography Lab (as a choreographer)
• Inception Dance Crew (Hip Hop and Commercial dance styles)
• Rhythm Tap Crew

Company dancers may declare a Dance minor at any time after completing their first semester at SHU. Beginning with the second semester enrolled at SHU, students can register for courses that fulfill the Dance minor requirements. In addition, students can register for a one-credit elective, DA-114 Hip Hop Production, if they would like an additional performance opportunity. There is no audition required, but registration for this class happens through SPA, the Student Planning and Advising portal at SHU. More information can be found on the academic minor page.

SHU MOVEMENT is a professional track dance program designed for full-time undergraduate students who wish to push their training and artistry, performance and networking opportunities in both classical and contemporary dance forms to the next level. Experiences for this group are intensive and designed to model what students would expect in a professional concert or commercial dance setting. Auditions for this program take place in the fall of each academic year and students must demonstrate training, artistic growth, etiquette and interest in professional pursuits throughout their undergraduate careers for continued participation. Spaces are limited.

The Dance Program values the transformative experience of choreographic opportunities for students who are eager to engage in the creative process and art of dance composition. Through a structured audition process, student choreographers are selected to bring their artistic visions to life while developing critical skills in leadership and collaboration. Once selected, they participate in mentorship and composition-based classes designed to guide them through the choreographic process, from concept to performance. Students may audition to be student choreographers after completing their first year.

After auditioning, some students may be placed in the Studio Program. All students in the Studio Program must take one technique class per week. In addition, Studio students may choose to audition for the following performance opportunities:

• Faculty-choreographed pieces
• Student-choreographed pieces
• Residency opportunities with guest artists

After completing the first-year, dancers in the Studio Program are eligible to audition for the following opportunities:

• Student Choreography Lab (as a choreographer)
• Inception Dance Crew (Hip Hop and commercial dance styles)
• Rhythm Tap Crew

Studio Program dancers may declare a Dance minor at any time after completing their first semester at SHU. Beginning with the second semester enrolled at SHU, students can register for courses that fulfill the Dance minor requirements. In addition, students can register for a 1-credit elective, DA-114 Hip Hop Production, if they would like an additional performance opportunity. There is no audition required, but registration for this class happens through SPA, the Student Planning and Advising portal at SHU. More information can be found on the academic minor page.

After auditioning, some students may be placed in the Foundations Program. All students in the Foundations Program must take one technique class per week. After completing the first year, dancers in the Foundations Program are eligible to audition for the following opportunities:

• Inception Dance Crew (Hip Hop and commercial dance styles)
• Rhythm Tap Crew

Studio Program dancers may declare a Dance minor at any time after completing their first semester at SHU. Beginning with the second semester enrolled at SHU, students can register for courses that fulfill the Dance minor requirements. In addition, students can register for a one-credit elective, DA-114 Hip Hop Production, if they would like a performance opportunity. There is no audition required, but registration for this class happens through SPA, the Student Planning and Advising portal at SHU. More information can be found on the academic minor page.

The Irish Dance Ensemble is an audition-based performance group. Dancers attend one weekly required rehearsal and are invited to travel to SHU’s Dingle Campus in Ireland to work with world-renowned choreographers. Students in the Irish Dance Ensemble also receive one credit per semester if they are in the group, pending good standing in the Dance Program.

After auditioning, Irish dancers may be invited to join our elite Irish dance team, Claddagh Irish Dancers. Claddagh dancers participate in two weekly rehearsals to hone their skills in modern and traditional styles, both hard and soft shoe. Students perform at University events, travel to SHU’s Dingle Campus in Ireland to work with world-renowned choreographers, and regularly participate in workshop residencies with leading industry professionals. Students in Claddagh also receive one credit per semester if they are in the group, pending good standing in the Dance Program.

Rhythm Tap Crew is an advanced tap company with several mandatory rehearsals each week and several performance opportunities on campus. Students have the opportunity to participate in residencies with master tap teachers and
choreographers. Rhythm Tap Crew is by audition after a student has completed their first year.

Inception Dance Crew is an advanced hip hop company with several mandatory rehearsals each week and many performance opportunities on campus and beyond. Experiences for this group are designed to model what students would experience in a professional, commercial-dance setting, focusing on hip hop, street dance, heels, dance for the camera, and more. Students have the opportunity to participate in residencies with guest artists and choreographers. Inception Dance Crew is by audition only after a student has completed their first year.

Students who have participated in the Sacred Heart University Dance Program may choose to apply for a Digital Badge. The following are required to obtain a digital badge in Advanced Dance Performance Studies:

• Participate in at least four major dance performances at Sacred Heart University, demonstrating advanced technique, artistry, stage presence, and professionalism
• Engage in a choreography fellowship opportunity and present an original work in a student showcase or live concert
• Actively participate in at least two professional dance workshops, industry events, or guest artist residencies at Sacred Heart University to gain exposure to diverse techniques and industry insights
• Create a digital creative project that includes an artistic website showcasing your personal branding materials, along with a reflective essay detailing your experiences fulfilling all badge requirements
• Receive at least two positive evaluations from directors highlighting leadership, communication, and organizational skills

No, you are not required to minor in dance to participate. If you are interested in the dance minor, it is easily accessible as a member of the performing arts dance program. Please request a meeting with the director of dance about adding the dance minor to your academic course load, if you are interested.

Unfortunately, you cannot participate in both the Dance Team and the dance program.

Yes, an audition is required for placement into the dance program and to determine eligibility for the performing arts participation grant. We offer in-person auditions and accept video submissions.