At Georgetown University, students have the opportunity to participate in dance in a variety of ways, including ensembles (two academic and three co-curricular), as well as courses in the classroom that focus on the history, design, and music of dance. The Georgetown University Dance Company and Black Movements Dance Theatre are professionally directed and have recently featured masterclasses, residencies, and choreography by artists from American Ballet Theater, the Alvin Ailey Company, and Broadway productions such as Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk.
Student-run groups include Ritmo y Sabor Latin Dance, a diverse group that promotes awareness of Spanish-speaking Caribbean culture and of the northernmost countries of South America through dance; Groove Theory, a group that offers students the opportunity to learn, teach and enjoy hip hop dance; and Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Georgetown, an ensemble that has embraced the Mexican tradition of folkloric dance from the various Mexican states, as well as modern styles including bachata, salsa and merengue.
Academic Dance Companies
Photograph by Donald Tsusaki.
Black Movements Dance Theatre (BMDT) is a contemporary, modern dance company founded on the campus of Georgetown University by African American women, more than 35 years ago. BMDT was formed by two courageous women who had a passion for dance, recognized a void in representation and wanted to express the African American experience. As a pre-professional company, BMDT utilizes its platform to address social issues including: poverty, racism, justice, equality and freedom for all of humanity. The company has evolved over the years, but holds steadfast to the vision of its founders. BMDT performs a mixed repertoire of modern, jazz, ballet, African, lyrical, hip hop and spiritual works. BMDT has had the honor and privilege of working with dance luminaries including: Christopher L. Huggins, of Alvin Ailey, Master Artist- Kevin Iega Jeff, Barbara Pouncie of Alvin Ailey, Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson (specialist in Dunham technique), Carol Foster, Adrian Vincent James, Mr. Wiggles and Crazy Legs (hip hop originators) and Assane Konte of Kankouran Dance Company of West Africa. BMDT is an academic performance course, led by a faculty artistic director and an executive board. The company has built a platform of artistic integrity, leadership and community service. BMDT originated the first “dance festival” at Georgetown, community based classes and an in-studio performance series. During the pandemic, BMDT expanded its reach by providing virtual community classes. The company was voted Outstanding Student Organization, received an award for organizational diversity and the Director’s award from the Department of Performing Arts.
BMDT has a creatively rich, diverse platform, ever-expanding audiences and support from the Georgetown community. Performances occur at the university and throughout the nation’s capital including: the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian Institute. BMDT seeks members wholly devoted to displaying creative artistry and outstanding leadership. The company is a group of committed dancers who share the founders’ vision and passion for dance. Through a formal audition process, BMDT openly welcomes new talent and artists who share the BMDT vision for community, artistry and leadership.
For a chance to be a part of BMDT, check out the Audition info here.
To learn more about BMDT, please email bmdt@georgetown.edu
Georgetown University Dance Company (GUDC), is a pre-professional concert repertory dance company that performs diverse works in classical and contemporary ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, and commercial styles. It is both a course through the Department of Performing Arts and a club under the Performing Arts Advisory Council (PAAC), and as such has both faculty and student leadership. GUDC focuses on commitment to excellence in dance training through technique classes, discussions, workshops taught by a diverse roster of professional guest artists, and performances. The company also manages a community class outreach program to bring the joy of dance to the entire Georgetown University community. Each year, the company creates original choreography that is showcased in an informal Fall Works-In-Progress (WIP) performance and a formal Spring Dance Concert. The works within each concert are created by student choreographers, the Faculty Artistic Director, and professional guest artists.
For a chance to be a part of GUDC, check out the Audition info here.
Dance Courses
Dance at Georgetown University
The program in Dance includes a range of performance and historical courses. View more information on the Performing Arts Minor which incorporates Dance.
Perform
There are a number of ways to participate in dance at Georgetown. Perform. Choreograph. Work backstage. Take your pick, and join us!
Audition info is updated on our website every semester.
For questions or further information about Black Movements Dance Theatre, email bmdt@georgetown.edu
For questions or further information about GU Dance Company, email dancecompany@georgetown.edu
Co-Curricular Dance Groups
N.B. Co-Curricular dance groups do not count for academic credit.
Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Georgetown
Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Georgetown has a legacy at Georgetown as a group of dancers who have embraced the Mexican tradition of folkloric dance from the various Mexican states. We perform on and off campus; our dancing takes us all around the DC metro area. We welcome dancers of all backgrounds, and with any level of experience. Come to learn, have fun and build rhythmic skills! Rehearsal days and times: Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9 p.m. in New South Dance Studio B, and Sunday from 7-9 p.m. in New South Dance Studio B. For more information, contact the program at bfmg@georgetown.edu.
Ritmo y Sabor Latin Dance
Ritmo y Sabor Latin Dance is Georgetown’s premier Latin Dance group that performs at different events on and off campus throughout the year. The group ranges between 20-25 dancers, and is entirely student-led. Among the genres they dance are salsa, merengue, bachata, reggaeton, samba, tango, and cha-cha. They practice in Dance Studio B three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and hold auditions in the Fall and Spring.
Groove Theory
Groove Theory is Georgetown’s first and only co-ed hip hop dance group. Ranked Best Performing Arts group for several years by students, Groove Theory performs at on-campus events as well as events and competitions in the DC area. We are committed to contributing to the Georgetown community and raising awareness for a range of issues, including cancer fundraising, LGBTQ awareness, and youth outreach. Groove Theory is more than just a group. It’s a way of life. From hip-hop to old school to classical, we get down. Check us out at Midnight Madness, Urban Fare and at a Hoya basketball game near you. One Move, One Groove.