Wayne State University

AIM HIGHER

Dance Company

The WSU Dance Company provides a fertile environment for young dance artists preparing for careers in the professional dance arena, giving you experience in choreography, repertory and touring that mirror today’s leading professional dance companies. WSU Dance Company also plays a significant role in the academic setting where students, faculty and guest artists exchange ideas and share aspirations by working closely in creative ways.

As a student, you are encouraged to audition for the WSU Dance Company and are required to be a member for at least two academic years. There are many performance opportunities open to you.  As a dance company member, however, you will enjoy a more intensely professional experience in which you will develop performance, choreographic and production skills as you participate in two full-length concerts annually. These include:
  • ON STAGE! Dance Theatre for Youth
    Thousands of children, teachers and parents attend this annual concert each November. During the fall and winter semesters, On Stage! tours to area schools where company members perform and teach children who are eager to explore dance.
  • Annual Spring Dance Concert
    Dance company members choreograph, produce and perform the works of peers, faculty members and the visiting artist-in-residence who works intensively with the company to set a major repertory work. As a member, you will collaborate with WSU and Detroit area ensemble musicians and contribute your ideas and energy to various technical aspects of the production.

History
In 2004, the Wayne State University Dance Company celebrated its 75th year of continuous excellence in dance performance in Detroit. The current dance company traces its beginnings to 1928 when “natural dancing” was popular. In that year, Ruth Lovell Murray formed the first performing dance group, the Dance Club of Detroit Teachers College, presenting their first dance concert in the auditorium of Northern High.  Over the past 75 years the name of the performing group and its artistic endeavors have evolved, but the basic company mission remains unchanged.

Mission Statement
The Wayne State University Dance Company serves as the primary source for preparing dance majors for the dance profession by offering opportunities in choreography and performance. Both companies connect with the community through outreach programs including lecture demonstrations, master classes, concerts and collaborative projects for both the public and private sectors, promoting the art of dance locally, nationally and on a global level.