UC Riverside Dance Department
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Embracing both dance making and written scholarship—dancing and writing about dancing. We offer:
-Ph.D. in Critical Dance Studies
-M.F.A. THE M.F.A.
The UCR Department of Dance embraces both dance making and written scholarship—dancing and writing about dancing—in each of its distinctive degree programs. in Experimental Choreography
-B.A in Dance that focuses on choreographic research together with cultural and historical studies
GRADUATE PROGRAMS:
THE Ph.D. PROGRAM IN CRITICAL DANCE STUDIES, established in 1993 (as the Ph.D. in Dance History and Theory), has achieved world-class status as the preeminent site for intellectual inquiry into dance, corporeality, movement, choreography, and performance. The specificity of the program's focus on dance studies—as opposed to performance studies or theater studies—distinguishes it in the field. The training doctoral students receive at UC Riverside prepares them to become the next generation of dance scholars. PROGRAM IN EXPERIMENTAL CHOREOGRAPHY, inaugurated in 2002, is especially designed for practicing artists who desire to return to an institutional context for advanced study. The focus of the program is on the development of experimental choreography that challenges cultural assumptions and is informed by a critical and reflective perspective. M.F.A. students benefit from close interaction with the Ph.D. in Critical Dance Studies program.
Looking for a fun way to get your body moving and learn about the cultural history of African dances this fall?
Check out Dr. Colette Eloi's two courses:
67A Beg Modern Dance | 10 - 11:20 a.m.
66A Beg. African dance | 11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Both classes meet on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Registration is open now for fall quarter 2026!
Ready to add some rhythm to your schedule? 💃🕺 Move your feet and learn Latin American social dances this semester with Carina Fourmyle.
No partner required!
Two options to choose from:
DNCE 065A | Afro-Caribbean Focus (Salsa & Bachata)
🗓️ Mon & Wed| 10:00 – 11:20 AM
📍 ATHD 102
🎯 Level: Beginner / Intermediate
DNCE 065B | Salsa & Argentine Tango Focus
🗓️ Mon & Wed | 11:30 AM – 12:50 PM
📍 ATHD 102
🎯 Level: Beginner / Intermediate
Spots fill up fast, so register soon!
A look back at trans.port.a(I) by Sammy Briseno-Jimenez from Fall Quarter 2025 in the UCR Department of Dance
Choreography & Concept: Sammy Briseno-Jimenez
Collaborators: Sabree Gilkes, Elevisi Matafahi, Cuauhtémoc Peranda, & Perry Picasshoe
Photos & Videos by Lyndsey Rankin
08/13/2026
Two great dance classes to consider adding to your schedule for this fall quarter, both taught by Dr. Colette Eloi.
All levels are welcome!
DNCE 067A
Beginning Modern: Afro-Contemporary
ARTS 100 | T/Th 10:00 AM–11:20 AM
DNCE 066A
Beginning African Dance: West African, Central & Eastern (Diaspora Dance Roots)
ARTS 100 | T/Th 11:30 AM–12:50 PM
Sign up through rweb.ucr.edu
A recap of: Visual Noise / Smog's MFA Show✨
The incredible talent showcased at the UCR Department of Dance this spring quarter is always worth a second look.
Thank you to our UCR community, faculty, friends, and patrons who joined us to support the next generation of creative leaders!
📸Photos & video by Lyndsey Rankin
Looking to check off your arts breadth requirement this summer while having fun, too? ☀️💃🕺
Join Cinthia Duran (PhD candidate in Critical Dance Studies) for Dance 05: Introduction to Dance! This isn't a typical lecture class. We’ll dive deep into how dance and performance shape politics, history, and society—while also getting up and moving to shake up your summer routine.
✨ Why take DNCE 005?
Fulfill your arts breadth requirement early.
Get moving: Seamlessly integrate physical activity into your weekly schedule.
Think critically: Learn to see dance as a powerful tool for social change.
💻 How to Sign Up:
Log into R'Web and head to the Registration tab
Browse the UCR Schedule of Classes or R'Web portal for DNCE 005.
Select "Register for Classes"
🗓️ Important Reminders:
Enrollment generally remains open right up until the start of the session, but don't wait too long!
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot for the summer session now! Let’s dance, think, and have fun together. 🎓💃🏽
🔗 Head to summer.ucr.edu/dates-deadlines for the full timeline!
Meet Stephanie Ortega, one of our Dance Makers!
Choreographer of: My Way, Your Memory
Join us for “Spring Forward: Stories Awakened,” an immersive performance experience where powerful dance meets the rich tradition of oral storytelling.
🗓️ When: May 28 & May 29, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Where: ATHD 102
See you there! 👋
RSVP:
https://events.ucr.edu/event/spring-forward-2026-stories-awakened
UCR Performing Arts events May 26-31, 2026:
May 26-27: THEATRE
7 PM: Playworks @ Studio Theatre
May 27: MUSIC
12 noon: Student Performance & Composition @ ARTS 157
May 28-29: DANCE
7 PM: Spring Forward: Stories Awakened @ ATHD 102
May 29: TFDP
10:30 AM: Screening & Conversation: Tripoli / A Tale of Three Cities with Filmmaker Raed El Rafei
3 PM: Student workshop with Filmmaker and Scholar Raed El Rafei
May 30: FILM
3 PM: Tripoli: A Tale of Three Cities @ UCR ARTS
May 30: MUSIC
6 PM: Twilight Carillon Recital @ UCR Bell Tower
8 PM: UCR Chamber Singers, Chorale & Orchestra @ University Theatre
May 31: MUSIC
3 PM: UCR Chamber Singers, Chorale & Orchestra @ University Theatre
Tickets & Info: performingarts.ucr.edu
Meet Skiye Bell, one of our Dance Makers!
Choreographer of: The Art of Almost
Join us for “Spring Forward: Stories Awakened,” an immersive performance experience where powerful dance meets the rich tradition of oral storytelling.
🗓️ When: May 28 & May 29, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Where: ATHD 102
See you there! 👋
RSVP:
https://events.ucr.edu/event/spring-forward-2026-stories-awakened
Meet Cesar Lopez, one of our Dance Makers!
Choreographer of: The Mecca
Join us for “Spring Forward: Stories Awakened,” an immersive performance experience where powerful dance meets the rich tradition of oral storytelling.
🗓️ When: May 28 & May 29, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Where: ATHD 102
See you there! 👋
RSVP:
https://events.ucr.edu/event/spring-forward-2026-stories-awakened
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900 University Avenue, ARTS 121
Riverside, CA
92521
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