I spent some time researching the University of Utah’s ballet program, and it has some interesting history and strong training opportunities worth knowing about.
The University of Utah has one of the oldest ballet programs in the country. It was founded in 1951 by William F. Christensen, who also founded San Francisco Ballet. This was one of the first ballet programs at an American university, which gives it real historical weight in dance education. The program is now part of the School of Dance, which merged the ballet and modern dance departments in 2016. So if you’re interested in both disciplines, that’s something to be aware of—though they maintain separate tracks, there are opportunities for crossover.
The training itself is comprehensive. Students work on technique, pointe, partnering, repertory, choreography, pedagogy, and dance history. The curriculum also includes kinesiology and career preparation. The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance and housed in the Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance, which opened in 1989. Students perform multiple times throughout the year and can also participate in Ballet West’s Pre-Professional Trainee Program, which provides direct connection to Utah’s major professional company.
One aspect I found interesting: About 60% of students in the School of Dance have a second major, and another third are in the Honors College. The program allows you to combine ballet with basically any other field, which isn’t always possible at conservatory-style programs. This flexibility can be valuable if you want to develop skills beyond dance or keep other career options open.
The faculty includes former professional dancers with significant credentials from companies around the world. Having instructors who’ve performed professionally brings real-world experience into the classroom, which can help students understand what to expect if they pursue professional careers.
The connection to Ballet West is a major advantage. As one of the major professional companies in the U.S., having that relationship gives students networking opportunities and a potential pathway into the company. The location in Salt Lake City also means students can see professional performances regularly and engage with the broader dance community there.
The facilities at the Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance are well-equipped, with multiple studios and performance spaces. The program has made recent updates including bringing in athletic trainers to help students manage injuries safely and implementing new policies around inclusivity and dancer wellbeing.
Melonie Buchanan Murray, PhD, the current Director of the School of Dance, brings extensive experience as both a performer and educator. She danced as a Radio City Rockette and principal dancer with Wichita Ballet Theatre, and is certified in American Ballet Theatre’s national training curriculum. Speaking about her role, Murray said:
The program is consistently mentioned among the top ballet programs nationally, though as I noted before, there isn’t really a standardized ranking system for ballet programs. The historical legacy means there’s a strong alumni network, which can be helpful for making connections in the dance world.
For prospective students, the combination of serious ballet training, academic flexibility, proximity to a major professional company, and the option to engage with modern dance makes it worth considering. The program offers both a BFA and a BA degree, so you can choose the level of intensity that fits your goals. If you’re interested, I’d suggest visiting the campus, watching a performance, and talking to current students to get a sense of whether the environment feels right for you.
Key takeaways:
- Earn in-state tuition after freshmen year
- Connection to Ballet West
- Beautiful facility
- Large program
- Also a modern program
- Lots of performance opportunities
- Double major!