The Department of Dance at Chapman University has positioned itself as one of the top dance departments in the country, was recently named one of the top three “Best College Dance Programs" in California and top 24 in the nation for 2021-2022 by danceus.org and remained one of the greatest success stories at Chapman. It has built this national reputation by joining theory and practice to produce practice-ready dancers who are able to perform in a variety of styles and genres and who graduate with considerable experience as both choreographers and dancers.
As the Department of Dance continues its upward trajectory, the need for a new dance center has become crucial. The Sandi Simon Center for Dance will be further proof of Chapman’s commitment to providing the finest facilities in which to hone the skills and talents graduates need to be immediately productive in their chosen careers. Not only will this new facility accommodate the growing student population of the department, but it will provide a space that can match the quality of work being produced from both our students and faculty.
At 28,000 square feet – a 90% increase over our existing facility – this state-of-the-art dance center exceeds the National Association of Schools of Dance recommendation of 100 square feet of space per student. The Sandi Simon Center for Dance, which can accommodate up to 150 dancers at one time, will provide several new spaces, including four studios, a performance studio, two classrooms, faculty offices and all other necessary amenities of a top dance program.
