Performances

Senior Dance Showcase

Annual Senior Dance Showcase
The original grant, Strengthening the Institution, was written in 1999-00 with the first showcase taking place in spring of 2000. The focus of the showcase is student assessment in the professional arena, career placement assistance for graduating seniors and degree program evaluation and feedback from professionals.

Artistic directors from professional dance companies are identified and invited to Butler University specifically to audition and assess our dancers. Target companies include both Classical and Contemporary dance companies. The current mailing list includes 75 companies and directors from across the United States.

The Showcase is held in collaboration with a performance during Midwinter Dance Festival. Seniors will perform with the Butler Ballet that evening, and will be involved in presenting Artistic Directors with class work, classical, contemporary and jazz along with solo variation (of each seniors choice) performances. Following the dance portion of the Showcase, interview time is available for directors to meet with dancers of their choice.

Statistics show that contracts have been offered, along with apprentice positions and offers for continued audition with the company at the home location. The Showcase has given many opportunities, developed networking and began company employment for many dancers since 2000.

As many as 14 directors have attended the showcase from such companies as Louisville Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Houston Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Hubbard Street II, Kim Robards Dance, Ballet Chicago and Dance Kaleidoscope to name a few.

Included in the Showcase plans, freshman, sophomores and juniors are invited to audition for company Summer Workshops/Intensives. Company directors observe an early morning technique class of interested students and have the opportunity to extend invitation or scholarship to their summer programs. Being a good networking opportunity for all, the summer workshop audition begins the relationship between students and professionals.

In the recent past, approximately 50% of our graduating class leaves Butler with professional company affiliation. Those seeking positions in Arts Administration find work readily available.