Dance has been my form of exercise for as long as I can remember. It has basically been my whole personality for the past 16 years.

Truth be told, I didn’t have a lot of positive experiences associated with dance before I came to college, to the point where I almost didn’t continue.

But there were those nagging questions in my head. Did I want to give up something I loved? Did I want to move on? How was I going to stay active?

I’m almost 100% sure most of the girls I danced with in high school moved on from dance once they graduated, and I thought I would be the same. I’m happy to say that I am not in that same boat.

One great thing about UW-Eau Claire is that we have an amazing dance department, full of so many dance opportunities.

I didn’t need to give up my sport –– and yes, dance is a sport –– once I got to college. If anything, my passion for dance has grown since I started dancing again.

Here is my list of all the different dance opportunities at UW-Eau Claire.

Take Dance Classes

There are three dance classes offered every semester through the Dance Department, and they are open to everyone. The easiest is Dance Appreciation, which is highly recommended for anyone needing credits.

Every semester, two dance classes are offered out of the four options: Jazz, Tap, Ballet, or Modern. I’m currently taking Jazz II, and it’s a great way to get moving. All skill levels are welcome.

If you love taking dance classes at UW-Eau Claire, a great option is adding a Dance Certificate to your degree plan. You only need six classes and it’s a great way to stay active while having fun.

Join a Dance Club

One club I was a part of was Expressions Dance. Expressions does not require auditions and everyone can join, no matter their skill level. It’s free, and performances are every semester.

Another dance club on campus is Concert Dance Company. They hold auditions every fall semester and hold performances every semester.

Audition for the Confluence Dance Project

Since last spring, I have been doing the Confluence Dance Project. It is a project that performs at the Pablo Center in May. Auditions are at the beginning or end of every semester.

Students can choose to choreograph pieces and/or dance in student or faculty pieces. I am currently choreographing a piece and dancing in three others. 

Join the Blugold Marching Band Dancers

Want to join the BMB, but have no musical talent? Try auditioning for the BMB Dancers. 

You get all the perks of being a BMB member, including dancing with the band on the field at football games.

Check out the UW-Eau Claire Dance Team

If you’re into the very competitive, high-energy and technical level of dance, the UW-Eau Claire Dance Team is a great consideration.

Our Dance Team performs at football games and also competes in competitions. They are audition-based and high-commitment, but a good option for those looking for competitive dance in college.

And many more.

As you can see, there are so many different options for dance on campus.

One of the beautiful things about dance is that it is one of the few sports that are combined with art. Getting to step into the dance studio and move around the room brings me so much joy.

I’m happy when I dance. The world disappears when I dance. It will forever be one of my favorite ways to express myself, and that is why dance will always be my favorite activity.

I am an athlete-student, but most importantly, I am also an artist.

Schad can be reached at [email protected].