UNCG introduced its first course in dance in 1935 in the Department of Physical Education. The Department of Physical Education later became The School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation in 1958. In 1971, The School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation introduced the Department of Dance was. In 1980 The School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation changed its name to the School of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Then, in 1991, The school of Health, Physical education became the School of Health and Human Performance. The School Changes its name twice more in 2010 and in 2016 and is now known as the School of Visual and Performing Arts. Today the Department of dance offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Department Heads:
Mary Coleman (1935-1948)
Ethel Martus (1948-1971)
Ethel Lawther (1971-1974)
Margaret Mordy (1974-1989)
Rosemary McGee (1989-1980)
Richard Swanson (1980-1983)
Gay Cheney (1983-1985)
John Gamble (1985-1993)
Sue Stinson (1993-2000)
Larry Lavender (2001-2005)
Jan Van Dyke (2005-2011)
Janet Lilly (2011-2023)
Lee Walton (2023 – Present)
Department Names:
Department of Dance in the School of Visual and Performing Arts (2016- current)
Department of Dance in the School of Music, Theater, and Dance (2010-2016)
Department of Dance in the School of Health and Human Performance (1991-2010)
Department of Dance in the School of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (1980-1991)
Department of Dance in School of Health, Physical education and Recreation (1971-1980)
Dance Courses in the School of Health, Physical education and Recreation (1958-1971)
Dance Courses in the Department of Physical Education (1935-1958)