University DanceWorks (UDW), the touring student dance company of Mason Gross School of the Arts, was created in 1981 and is staffed, by audition, with advanced bachelor of fine arts candidates from the Dance Department. After a rigorous, 14-week rehearsal period in the fall, UDW travels extensively during the spring semester throughout New Jersey and the New York City and Philadelphia metropolita
n areas. UDW presents formal concerts, lecture-demonstrations, and age-appropriate workshops for diverse populations, from kindergartners to senior citizens. UDW has been honored to work with internationally renowned guest choreographers such as David Parsons, Susan Marshall, Bill T. Jones, Trisha Brown, Doug Varone, and Urban Bush Women, among others. As a testament to the professionalism and superior skill level of the dancers, UDW was the first college dance company in the United States privileged to perform the works of well-known choreographers Rennie Harris and Stephen Petronio. Exceptional student choreography chosen by UDW’s artistic director is often included in the company’s touring repertoire.
