The Arts at the University of Virginia is dedicated to building on innovative research and fostering inspired expression that equips us for the future.
Although these organizations have members who are University of Virginia students and may have University employees associated or engaged in their activities and affairs, the organizations are not a part of or an agency of the University. They are separate and independent organizations which are responsible for and manage their own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control these organizations and is not responsible for the organizations' contracts, acts or omissions.
Belly Dance Club
The Belly Dance Club provides students with the opportunity to learn belly dancing through proper instruction, to participate in performances open to the community, and to discover the rich culture from which belly dancing originates. This club for anyone who likes to dance, regardless of skill level--there is something for everyone! So come out and shake it! It is definitely an experience unlike any other.
The Ballroom Dance Club at the University of Virginia is a contracted independent organization (CIO) and club sport at U.Va. The club seeks to promote ballroom dancing on- and off-Grounds, socially and competitively. Membership is open to all students, faculty, and staff of the University, regardless of prior dance experience. The Ballroom Dance Club at U.Va. offers lessons in ballroom dancing ranging from beginner lessons to advanced technique. Our instructor is a professional who has won multiple national ballroom dancing championships. Throughout the year, a student can learn over 16 dances ranging from standard, latin, rhythm, and smooth styles. The club hosts a series of social dances throughout the year, travels to five or more dancesport competitions to face off against dances from other schools across the country, and holds a showcase of dancing with student-generated and performed routines twice a year.
A country dance club aimed to teach and provide a place for students to learn and enjoy country dance. Also to provide students with a fun non-alcoholic alternative to the local bar scene. The club will partner with other organizations that encourage students to make wise choices in regards to alcohol consumption.
The Dance Resource Center was created by members of Dance Committee. Originally founded as the Campaign for Dance, Dance Committee has helped to initiate, promote, and expand the University's dance program. Now that a dance minor has been established in the Drama Department, the main mission of Dance Committee is to support and advocate the further development of and the Dance Program at the University of Virginia. Our activities will be directed towards facilitating interaction between students and faculty, communicating our goals and needs with the administration, creating a sense of community among dancers on grounds, and building awareness of the Dance Program within the larger U.Va. Community.
Each year U.Va. students take on the challenge to stay on their feet for 24 consecutive hours for Dance Marathon – an event that raises money to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital. Since its inception, our event has raised over $150,000 for the Hospital. In addition to dancing the night away with the line dance, the rave and the greek dance off - students participate in a variety of fun activities, enjoy a wide range of entertainment group, great food, and special events. The student participants experience physical and mental challenges during the event, serving as a reminder of the obstacles children treated at the U.VA. Children’s Hospital. The highlight of the event is when the Miracle Families visit, play and share their stories during Family hours. Their stories of success are what keep the dancers motivated and remind everyone that they are making a difference in a child’s life.
Disturbance Dance Crew is dance group at the University of Virginia that focuses on many dance styles, including Hip-Hop, Modern, Contemporary, Dancehall, etc. DisturbANCE is a fusion dance group, attempting to combine a variety of personal styles and genres of dance. There are auditions for the dance group at the start of each semester.
Dance Brigades is a new program through Global Brigades, a student-led health and sustainable development organization. The purpose of dance brigades is to run a program for underprivileged youths to improve confidence while teaching about the arts. It aims to provide an outlet for creativity and expression to help at-risk youths to discover their potential. We will lead one week brigades to Panama to hold workshops and discussions with youth-at-risk groups. During the dance brigade, volunteers will take part in dance technique classes with international faculty, empowerment and movement workshops with at-risk youth and Panamanian dancers, and interactive cultural exchange events led by local guest artists. The week will culminate with an opportunity to perform in a site-specific piece outdoors and a performance in one of Panama City’s theaters.
Mahogany Dance Troupe is the oldest hip-hop dance group at U.Va. Mahogany is known for its diversity in culture, race, choreographic style, and dance level, but primarily serves to bring black culture, through hip-hop dance, to the university. Mahogany serves as a dance group for both advanced and less experienced dancers, providing an opportunity to experience hip-hop dance to all members of the U.Va. community.
Perfect Praise Dance Ministries is Christian dance group whose purpose is to minister under the gift and anointing of praise dance to the University and greater Charlottesville area. We desire to recruit members of all Christian denominations and display expressive movement, synchronicity, and excellence through a variety of dance genres such as hip-hop, ballet, modern, African, mime, interpretational, and jazz. We plan to have monthly performances and an end-of-the-year dance recital. All dance backgrounds are welcome; no experience is needed.
Rhapsody Ballet Ensemble is a dance performance group at the University that produces two shows a year based in ballet technique. The ensemble also offers non-performing classes and invites non-performing members who wish to learn more about the art of ballet. The ensemble provides a venue through which members of the University community may continue to perform, take class, and choreograph.
The sole mission of Step It Up is to celebrate the art of stepping through teaching and learning routines. Step It Up gives students, regardless of experience, the opportunity to learn steps as well as cooperate with leaders to choreograph routines. Our organization shares this art form with the University through performances on grounds, such as recitals and community service events. Step It Up also performs in the city of Charlottesville as well as in competitions outside of the University. The goal of our efforts is to inspire an appreciation for the art of step at U.Va. as well as outside of the University.
A student-run organization of dance enthusiasts, and UDC has become a home for many dancers here at the University of Virginia. Our motto is "Dance for the Love of Dance!" We have shows once a semester and offer a variety of classes for everyone.
A group dedicated to dance for the love of dance. Performances are done in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop and much much more. Our organization is student run and consists of 30 to 40 members. The Company performs throughout the semester on Grounds and in the Charlottesville community. An end-of-the-semester performance showcases the student-choreographed dances from that semester. Auditions are held one week after the semester begins in both the fall and the spring. Once you are a member of the company you stay a member for the rest of your time at the University!
X-tasee Dance Group is an organization that is wholeheartedly focused on bridging the gap between Charlottesville residents and students at the University through the artistic expression of dance. This organization specializes in the expansion of competitive hip hop dance.
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