Delivery
On-Campus
Dance, Dance Education Concentration, B.A.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a concentration in Dance Education nurtures future educators who teach, perform, and create dance. In addition to student teaching and other clinical experiences in public schools, students participate in dance-making, internships, and community engagement. This program is designed for students who want to teach dance in public schools and earn their K-12 teacher licensure in NC, but also benefits dancers who want to teach in studios or community centers.
Program Contact
Marissa Nesbit
Assistant Professor of Dance; Dance Education Coordinator
Still trying to decide?
Want to learn more about UNC Charlotte? Fill out the form for information on the university, application process, events, and more. For specific program questions, contact the program representative listed above.
Ready to apply?
Start your application today and discover the opportunities that await you at UNC Charlotte.
Semester of Student Teaching
The dance education program is designed for students who wish to become dance teachers in public schools, but it also benefits dancers who want to teach in studios or community centers. Take a look at recent dance ed students in various Charlotte area public schools as part of their final semester of student teaching and other opportunities for Dance Ed majors.
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Alyssa Bailey
Alyssa Bailey during her semester of student teaching at Bailey Middle School in Cornelius, NC
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Calvin Coleman
Calvin Coleman during his semester of student teaching at Sedgefield Middle School in Charlotte, NC
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Chloe Gosline
Chloe Gosline recently co-wrote an article in "Dance Education in Practice" with Associate Professor of Dance Education Marissa Nesbit.
The Department of Dance also offers a B.A. in Dance with concentrations in the following areas:
Dance Performance, Choreography, & Theory
Applied Dance
Admissions Details
Students interested in the Department of Dance must complete the University's application process and be accepted into UNC Charlotte. There is no audition requirement to be accepted into the Department of Dance. Dance Education majors must also complete additional requirements with the College of Education (see below). We recommend that you apply for admission to UNC Charlotte by November 1 to meet the Early Action deadline.
Program Courses & Progression Requirements
To be formally admitted to the Dance Education concentration, students must achieve the following:
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 overall GPA
- Pre-Major/Prerequisite Courses:
- Passing scores on Praxis Core (or prove exemption via test scores)
- Application to Teacher Education (includes a clear background check and signed professional dispositions statement)
- To progress to student teaching, students must earn a minimum 2.75 GPA in all Dance and Education courses and a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA overall. A minimum grade of C is required in all major courses, with no more than one grade of D allowed in a Dance course. Additionally, students must earn a grade of P in Student Teaching and a minimum edTPA score of 38 to be recommended for licensure.
Audition Information
UNC Charlotte Department of Dance does not require an audition for acceptance; new students will be placed in classes appropriate to their level. Admission to the Professional Training Undergraduate Certificate in partnership with Charlotte Ballet does, however, require an audition.
Questions? We’re here for you!
For general questions: Contact the Office of Admissions by email or phone at 704-687-5507.
For advising questions: Contact Performing Arts Advisor Hannah Harrell or Arts Ed Specialist Courtney Mervine.
Explore Dance at UNC Charlotte
The Department of Dance is one of five creative units within the College of Arts + Architecture, an artistic community that is unique in the Carolinas.
Dance with us
We invite you to attend our special open houses in the fall and spring that provide prospective students opportunities to take classes, meet faculty members and current students, and find out more about scholarships, financial aid, and opportunities within the department.
“I am excited to create a curriculum to figure out the best way to shape my classroom. The Department of Dance helped me find this passion and led me into a whole new world with amazing people. Shoutout to Professor Nesbit for being so helpful and preparing me for student teaching and the EDTPA. I could write a paragraph on each professor I’ve had.”
Calvin Coleman
B.A. in Dance with a concentration in Dance Education
Studio Tours
We welcome the opportunity to get to know prospective students and their families. Schedule a studio tour with the Department of Dance!
Discover other programs of dance study
Applied Dance
Dance Performance
Minor in Dance
Professional Training Certificate
Advanced Dance Studies Certificate
Musical Theatre Certificate
Register for an In-Person Campus Visit
Experience the heart of UNC Charlotte with our in-person campus visits. Register for a First-Year Student Info Session and Tour offered daily — an unmissable opportunity to live the Niner life.
Explore Official University Catalog
Check out the official catalog for information on specific degree requirements, course progressions, curriculum and more.