Illinois State Dance Theatre (ISDT) is the student-based resident dance company of Illinois State University. Dancers are selected through an open audition process during the fall semester of each school year. The audition is open to the whole student body, and dancers are chosen for their technical and artistic experience and ability as well as for their potential to become valued members of the company. The mission of ISDT is to present the many forms of artistic dance at a professional level to the ISU campus and beyond while giving undergraduate dancers a pre-professional experience that will prepare them for their future in the field.Illinois State Dance Theatre offers students a variety of performance opportunities, on and off campus, working with faculty, guest artists and student choreographers. ISDT enjoys the visibility and strong professional support of the School of Theatre and the College of Fine Arts in the production of our Fall and Spring MainStage Dance Concerts in the Center for the Performing Arts. A Student-Choreographed Dance Concert is presented each Spring to showcase the exceptional creative work composed by members of Illinois State Dance Theatre.
Student performers regularly are involved in touring productions of works by ISU faculty and guest artists, dancing at events throughout the country, including the American College Dance Festival, Dance Chicago, summer intensive programs and informal venues. The Dance program frequently brings working dance professionals to campus to set choreography for select members of ISDT, expanding the students’ repertoire and giving them valuable experiences to complement their Dance education. In the process, students also build priceless professional connections to the Dance world.
Student- and faculty-choreographed dance pieces are adjudicated at the American College Dance Festival in the Spring semester each year, and they repeatedly win high marks.
