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A collage featuring dancers in NC State's student dance companies.

Dance Companies

Being part of an NC State dance company is a college experience like no other. Choreography and performance are at the core of our two companies. Here, you’ll do more than practice your craft—you’ll create beautiful, compelling art.

As a member of a company, you’ll be challenged by high expectations, nurtured by passionate teachers and encouraged by your fellow dancers. Our small-company setting means you’ll develop close-knit, collaborative relationships with the faculty, guest artists and fellow student performers. You’ll also thrive in an environment where your unique perspective is respected and trusted.

I loved every single second of my time in an NC State dance company. The people I’ve met have become my best friends and it was awesome to be able to grow alongside such amazing artists.

Delaney Galvin

B.A. English, 2022

Panoramic Dance Project
(DAN 210)

Panoramic Dance Project presents a variety of dance styles from the African diaspora with a focus on African, hip-hop and Latin dance. Explore culturally rich dance traditions with renowned artists and scholars. This company performs in two concerts yearly. Audition required.

Directed by Christa Oliver

DAN 210┃Current Trends in Afrocentric and World Dance
DAN 210 meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30-7:20 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

A group of dancers perform on stage together.

State Dance Company (DAN 295)

Learn, perform and grow with a nationally recognized modern dance company. As a member of the State Dance Company, you’ll perform the choreography of the artistic director and annual guest artists. Founded in 1987, the company has worked with such choreographers as Monica Bill Barnes, Gerri Houlihan and Tracey Durbin, among others. This company performs in two concerts yearly. Audition required.

Directed by Tara Z. Mullins

DAN 295┃Problems of Dance Performance
DAN 295 meeting times vary

A dancer reaches up and raises her leg in a spotlight. Other dancers surround her on the floor.

Faculty

Panoramic Dance Project

Christa Oliver

Associate Teaching Professor | Director of the Panoramic Dance Project

State Dance Company

Tara Z. Mullins

Associate Teaching Professor | Director of the State Dance Company | Performance & Lecture Series Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

Panoramic Dance Project

Panoramic Dance Project members train in a diverse range of dance styles from the African diaspora—including modern, jazz, hip-hop, African and Latin.

State Dance Company

With an emphasis on modern dance, the State Dance Company performs work choreographed by the artistic director and acclaimed guest artists.

Panoramic Dance Project

Classes and rehearsals are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings and on Saturday mornings.

State Dance Company

Rehearsals are Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons, Tuesday evenings and some Saturdays. Not all dancers are needed for all rehearsals.

Panoramic Dance Project

Annual performances:

  • NC State Fall Dance Concert
  • Panoramic Dance Project Concert (every spring semester)
  • Additional performances on and off-campus

Past projects include:

  • The Dereck Whittenburg Foundation Gala
  • A mixed media modern dance performance at the NC Museum of History for Black History Month
  • A performance for NC State’s Respect the Pack event
  • A mentoring workshop for Davis Drive Middle School students
State Dance Company

Annual performances:

Past projects include:

Yes, you do need to enroll in either DAN 210: Current Trends in Afrocentric and World Dance or DAN 295: Problems in Dance Performance in order to participate in a dance company.

These courses are permission only; acceptance by formal audition. If accepted into a company, your company director will help you get enrolled.

Other Questions?

For questions about our dance companies, contact Tara Z. Mullins tzmullin@ncsu.edu.