The Hartt School's Dance Division continues to extend its reach for excellence, as for the fifth year in a row, they were included in DanceUS.org's list of best college dance programs in the USA for 2023-2024. DanceUS.org is the leading portal for dance professionals, learners, and enthusiasts.
Director of Dance Stephen Pier shared his enthusiasm for this accolade. "We are delighted to get this recognition from Dance U.S. for the fifth year in a row and be counted among the top 25 Dance Programs in the nation.”
The Hartt Dance Division offers students a vast array of transformative and impactful programs that develop and refine their skills. The rigorous conservatory-style curriculum led by expert instruction from world-renowned faculty and guest artists allows for a personalized approach and exposure to a larger field of dance-related occupations.
The Division produces some of the finest professional dancers in the nation with graduates performing all over the world with top companies like Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, Repertory Dance Theater, Broadway, José Limón, Charlotte Ballet, Whim W'him, and many more. They produce four concerts a year featuring works by professional choreographers (Balanchine, Limón, Graham, Cunningham, Hope Boykin, Lar Lubovitch, Pascal Rioult, Antony Tudor, etc) and by its own students who have gone on to professional careers as choreographers.
The signature performances include Hartt Dances. The Fall event runs Nov. 14 – 17, featuring the works of José Limon (Chaconne) staged by Limón luminary, Nina Watt, and August Bournonville (Napoli) staged by ABT/Pennsylvania Ballet veteran, Hilda Morales, along with three new creations. The Spring performances will run from April 11 – 13, 2024, and will present Martha Graham's rarely-seen piece, Canticle for Innocent Comedians, staged by Bessie Award-winning Graham principal dancer, Miki Orihara. Two new creations will also be on the program, one by Tamisha Guy of A.I.M. fame and another by Norbert De La Cruz III, a choreographer who has worked with Complexions, Aspen Santa Fe, Hubbard Street, and many others.
Pier’s passion for the Division is evident when he describes what the honor from Dance US means to him. “We are a small program with a large impact and this kind of recognition helps shine the light on the extraordinary work and excellence of our faculty, current students, and alumni in the field of Dance.”