Each year, the dance program stages two large-scale performances: State of LA Danse (choreographed by faculty and guests) and An Evening of Dance (choreographed by students).
State of LA Danse
State of LA Danse features pieces choreographed by faculty members and guest artists every fall. This provides you with the opportunity to perform with professionals in the dance world and make connections that can help you break into the professional arena.
Faculty have also re-staged significant pieces from dance history for our students to perform, including ballet and modern works.
State of LA Danse 2019 courtesy of Jon Rabalais
An Evening of Dance
An Evening of Dance features pieces choreographed and developed by current dance students each spring. As a student choreographer, you will hold auditions, cast dancers, and rehearse your piece before faculty and outside artists select the finest pieces to be included in the concert.
Working on An Evening of Dance gives you the opportunity to work on fresh new pieces or develop your skills as a choreographer (sometimes both within the same production).
Master Classes
Dance students also frequently have the opportunity to take master classes with professional artists who visit the Lafayette area.
Past master class artists include:
- Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, A Dance Company
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre
- Parsons Dance Company
- Elisa Monte Dance Company
- Diavolo
- Philadanco
- Rioult Dance NY
- Blakely White-McGuire
- Houston Metropolitan Dance Company
- Ballet Memphis
How to Get Involved
If you are in the dance program, you are required to audition for all pieces included in the main stage dance production each semester, unless specifically released from this requirement by the faculty. If you’re a major and are cast in a piece, you are required to accept the role(s) offered to you. Auditions are open to everyone—dance minors, UL Lafayette students not currently participating in dance courses, and community members.
Most rehearsals take place in the evenings and on weekends, so it is essential that you keep those times as free as possible during the semester.
Regardless of your status as a major, minor, or interested student, all cast members must abide by professional standards of conduct. This means that attendance at rehearsal is required, with all cast members arriving on time, in appropriate dress, and ready to work.