The Dance Program and dance courses at Northeastern Illinois University are open to all NEIU students regardless of experience level or course of study. We offer an individually designed minor in Dance with concentrations in dance education, performance, and/or choreography. The program offers technique classes in ballet, modern, jazz, and Spanish dance among other genres. Dance courses to fulfill the 30-credit hour Dance minor are customized to complement each student's goals, timeline and experience. The student performance group, Dance Performance Ensemble, performs faculty, student and guest artist choreography in student dance concerts offered in both the fall and spring semesters. While a major is Dance is not currently available, NEIU offers two alternatives that can be utilized to design equivalent studies through our Nontraditional Degree and the University Without Walls programs.
Please contact the University Without Walls/Nontraditional Degree Program at ndp@neiu.edu, or the Dance Program Facilitator Emma Draves at e-draves@neiu.edu. Student-led dance clubs and dance scholarships are also available to all NEIU students.
Through course work and internships, Northeastern dance students have the opportunity to work with the Ruth Page Dance Series and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, providing them with valuable skills and work experience in the arts. Faculty members include Emma Draves, Dance Program Facilitator and Irma Suarez Ruiz, Artistic Director of Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and instructor; and other guest faculty. Please see additional information regarding scholarships and other dance offerings by visiting the links in the left margin.
The Dance Program sponsors the Ruth Page Dance Series (RPDS), which brings professional artists to Northeastern's campus through dance concerts and master classes. The Preparatory Dance Program offers dance classes and performing opportunities to children and adults from the community-at-large.
