Dance
Explore complex ideas and tell stories through movement.
Why dance matters:
Dance is more than performance — it’s a dynamic, expressive art form that builds discipline, creativity, and embodied intelligence. Studying dance invites you to explore complex ideas, tell stories without words, and engage deeply with cultural, social, and personal identities through movement.
How dance is taught at Muhlenberg:
Muhlenberg’s dance program blends intensive studio practice with academic exploration in history, theory, and science. You’ll study across genres and disciplines, supported by faculty mentors who foster growth in every student. Whether majoring, minoring, or simply taking classes, you’ll join a vibrant, inclusive community that values artistry, collaboration, and creative inquiry. As part of the Department of Theatre and Dance, students have access to award-winning productions, visiting artist residencies, and opportunities to integrate performance with music, theatre, or other disciplines.
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See what the Muhlenberg dance program has to offer
Audition
You can audition for a Talent Scholarship at an upcoming Dance Spotlight Day or by sending us a video!
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Dance students at Muhlenberg build a strong foundation in both practice and theory. The curriculum includes coursework in dance history, composition, science, education, and performance, alongside intensive training in techniques such as modern, ballet, jazz, hip hop, African, tap, aerial acrobatics, and more. Students may pursue a major or minor or simply take classes to explore their interests while engaging in a broader liberal arts education.
Dance students at Muhlenberg deepen their craft through extensive performance and travel opportunities. From intimate studio showcases to mainstage productions, students perform, choreograph, stage-manage, and teach throughout the year.
Many dancers study abroad at the renowned Accademia dell’Arte in Italy, immersing themselves in intensive training and cross-cultural collaboration. Whether in the studio or overseas, Muhlenberg dancers gain real-world experience that strengthens their artistry, broadens their perspective, and builds confidence for life after college.
State-of-the-art studios, shops, classrooms, and performance spaces, large and small, are part of what shape the Muhlenberg experience. Students and faculty in the department have a wealth of state-of-the-art facilities available to them in the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance and the Baker Center for the Arts. These include:
- The Paul C. Empie Theatre, a 392-seat stadium-style theatre
- The Dorothy Hess Baker Theatre, a two-tiered, 342-seat proscenium-style theatre
- The Studio Theatre, a black-box style space with flexible seating for about 100.
- Three dance studios with professional dance floors, mirrors, and bars
- A dedicated tap studio
- Two flexible rehearsal spaces
- State-of-the-art production facilities for creating world-class scenery, costumes and lighting
Powerful Outcomes
A Muhlenberg education sets you up for success. The liberal arts will hone your ability to think critically, communicate, and problem-solve, skills that are in high demand across all employment sectors.
Theatre and Dance Performances
Muhlenberg theatre and dance students have the opportunity to perform in the college's acclaimed stage productions. Check out what's coming this season.
Arts at Muhlenberg
Creative expression is a pivotal part of the Muhlenberg experience. From the stage to the gallery wall, students at Muhlenberg are encouraged to engage in the creation and appreciation of a wide variety of artistic endeavors.
Heidi Cruz-Austin
When I was 11, I got my first pair of pointe shoes, and ballet started to feel like a path for me. It was still difficult. I didn't see other people like me in ballet.READ CRUIZ-AUSTIN'S STORY
Dance Auditions and Interviews
Auditions are required for talent scholarship considerations and, while not required for admission, can improve your chances.
Theatre and Dance News
Luck of the Draw
Audiences who attend “Everybody” will have no idea what to expect… But neither will the actors — right down to what role they’ll be playing.
Read MoreMuhlenberg Ranks in Top 10% of Performing Arts Programs Nationally
The college ranked in the top 10 for liberal arts colleges, small colleges, and communications programs in Pennsylvania.
Read MoreAdrián Padrón-Curet ’26 Researches Puerto Rican Theatre and Society
Padrón-Curet, a theatre and Spanish double major, conducted fieldwork in Puerto Rico and in the United States.
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