About Penn Dance

Penn Dance was founded in 1975 as the first performing dance company at the University of Pennsylvania. We are co-ed, student-run, and funded by the Student Activities Council. We are also a member of both the Dance Arts Council and the Performing Arts Council. Dancers in our company have been trained in a variety of styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip-hop, and Latin.

Primarily a modern dance group, Penn Dance is influenced by various techniques and forms of movement so that each show contains a unique array of styles. Additionally, our shows are student-choreographed, so members can express their own personalities and visions. Dancers are involved in the lighting, costuming, and promotion of each performance.

Penn Dance is the only dance company on campus with a professional artistic director, Rachel Kantra Beal, and director emeritus, Nancy Kantra, and members also receive professionally instructed lessons twice a week. We perform a full-length dance concert every semester, which includes pieces by professional guest choreographers. We also dance in a wide variety of campus events, including coffeehouses, charity benefits, Relay for Life, the Emily Sachs Dance Benefit, and Freshmen Performing Arts Night, to name a few.

Throughout our history, we have strived to create a close community that constantly demonstrates professionalism and dedication. As a company, we seek to encourage artistic, technical, and personal growth. Penn Dance is truly a close group of friends that loves to share our experiences and passion for dance with one other.