The Dance Division at Texas State was founded and fostered by Dr. Joan Hays (Dance Division Director from 1973-2003). Dr. Hays decided to base the program in the aesthetic philosophies and technical principles of modern dance pioneer, Erick Hawkins.
Texas State Dance
Success Starts Here
Texas State Division of Dance provides a holistic approach to dance education through rigorous training in technique, performance, choreography, and pedagogy, while cultivating individual creative potential.
Applications Are Open!
Applications will open August 1, 2026, for spring 2027 and fall 2027
Application deadline:
September 26, 2026
Live audition dates:
October 3, 2026
Auditions are only required for the BFA Performance and Choreography and BFA Dance Teacher Certification programs.
Group of dancers leaping across stage at Texas State
Current Season
Texas State Dance performs several shows each season with 2-3 shows in the fall and 4-5 in the spring.
Upcoming Events
TXST Dance: Texas Dance Improvisation Festival (TDIF)
Thursday – Sunday,
–
- Location:
- Jowers Center
- Cost:
- See TDIF Registration www.tdif.dance
- Contact:
- Michelle Nance
mnance@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- TXST DANCE DIVISION
The Texas Dance Improvisation Festival (TDIF) is an annual event organized by Texas artists to inspire, challenge and build diverse improvisational dance communities through a festival featuring classes, jams and performances at an affordable cost.
Click here for more information
more about event
TXST Dance: Opening Door Dance Theatre
–
until Oct. 24
- Location:
- Performing Arts Center; Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre
- Cost:
- Pricing not yet available
- Contact:
- Lauren Jurgemeyer
Marketing and Communications Manager
School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
sotdf@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- School of Theatre, Dance & Film
As the name suggests, an important mission of Opening Door Dance Theatre is to open the world of contemporary dance to the Texas State University, San Marcos, and the surrounding area communities. Each year, students are selected to work with the Texas State faculty and guest artists for the concert season. Texas State alumni, who have continued their dance careers, are often invited to contribute their work to the repertoire. ODDT has commissioned nationally and internationally recognized choreographers, composers, artists, and designers to collaborate with their dancers.
TXST Dance: BFA Performance & Choreography Senior Showcase
–
until Nov. 14
- Location:
- Evans Auditorium
- Cost:
- Pricing not yet available
- Contact:
- Lauren Jurgemeyer
Marketing and Communications Manager
School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
sotdf@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- School of Theatre, Dance & Film
The Division of Dance presents the annual concert for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance and Choreography graduating seniors.
TXST Dance: Student Dance Concert
–
until Feb. 13
- Location:
- Evans Auditorium
- Cost:
- Pricing not yet available
- Contact:
- Lauren Jurgemeyer
Marketing and Communications Manager
School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
sotdf@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- School of Theatre, Dance & Film
The Division of Dance’s annual concert showcases original choreographic works by student ensembles and individual student artists. The performance highlights the breadth of styles, perspectives, and creative voices within the program, offering audiences an evening that celebrates innovation, collaboration, and the diverse talents of its student choreographers.
TXST Dance: Merge Dance Company
–
until March 27
- Location:
- Performing Arts Center; Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre
- Cost:
- Pricing not yet available
- Contact:
- Lauren Jurgemeyer
Marketing and Communications Manager
School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
sotdf@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- School of Theatre, Dance & Film
Merge Dance Company is a faculty-directed student dance company committed to presenting interdisciplinary performances with an aesthetic that weaves social, political, and communal dialogues with innovative approaches to artmaking for the University and the community at large. The company comprises dedicated and gifted students seeking careers in performance and choreography.
TXST Dance: Choreographers' Showcase
–
until April 24
- Location:
- Jowers Center; Jowers Dance Studio 178B
- Cost:
- Pricing not yet available
- Contact:
- Lauren Jurgemeyer
Marketing and Communications Manager
School of Theatre, Dance, and Film
sotdf@txstate.edu - Campus Sponsor:
- School of Theatre, Dance & Film
Students in the Advanced Choreography class showcase a variety of contemporary and modern-inspired dance works. The Division of Dance presents the annual concert to showcase the coursework of these individual artists.
