Dance
A prestigious and balanced educational experience.
Performance & perseverance pay off.
The performances of these 19th- and 20th-century masterpieces are the foundation of the Department’s philosophy and training, and are central to the artistic development of its students. By presenting the technically difficult repertoire in its purest classical form, we honor the stylistic and historical importance of these ballet classics.
And, while it’s true that Dance students put in long hours preparing to put on live performances, honing their craft, and studying art and more, they are guided, pushed, and encouraged by professors readying them to succeed at the best companies in the country.
2025-26 Butler Ballet Performances
Nutcracker: December 4-7, 2025
- Thursday, 12/4 @ 7:30 PM
- Friday, 12/5 @ 8:00 PM
- Saturday, 12/6 @ 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
- Sunday, 12/7 @ 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Midwinter: February 11-15, 2026
- Wednesday, 2/11 @ 7:30 PM – A
- Thursday, 2/12 @ 7:30 PM – B
- Friday, 2/13 @ 7:30 PM – A
- Saturday, 2/14 @ 2:00 PM – A & 7:30 PM – B
- Sunday, 2/15 @ 2:00 PM – B
Spring Ballet – Giselle: April 17-19, 2026
- Friday, 4/17 @ 8:00 PM
- Saturday, 4/18 @ 8:00 PM
- Sunday, 4/19 @ 2:00 PM
Prestigious
Learn from the best
Butler’s Department of Dance is consistently recognized as one of the top five classical dance programs in the nation.
Training
The many facets of Dance
Students take studio coursework in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz, with an emphasis on Classical Ballet. Students also take supplementary studio classes in Pointe, Men’s Allegro, Character Dance, World Dance, Pas de Deaux, and Classical Variations.
Coursework
A well-rounded education
Students benefit from classes in Choreography, Improvisation, Laban Movement Analysis, Music for Dance, Dance History, Theory and Philosophy, and more, all paired with rigorous liberal arts coursework.
Performance
Set the stage
Students participate in numerous performing and choreographic opportunities, including three fully produced, full-scale dance performances each year. This includes two full-length classical ballets performed to live orchestra in the stunning 2,200-seat Clowes Memorial Hall as well as one mixed repertory evening, which features contemporary and modern works.
The Company You'll Keep
Students converge on the Department of Dance from all over the country and the world, bringing with them a myriad of experiences, cultures, and beliefs. Paired with learning from our supportive and nurturing faculty who have outstanding professional credentials, our students become not only better dancers, but empathetic people ready to collaborate and lift up others.
Contact Us
Department of Dance
Lilly Hall, Room 50
4600 Sunset Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-940-9346
Department Chair
Larry Attaway
Administrative Specialist
Marie Gray
mrgray@butler.edu
