On Friday, June 9, UT announced a proposed budget cut that would force the elimination of three programs including the dance department.            

Because of the $11.1 million dollar funding cut, several dance instructors are now without jobs and students with a dance minor are now confused on how to complete their education lacking the proper teaching.

"I have worked three years toward a goal that is now unattainable," said Brittany Fitzgerald, a rising senior with a dance minor.           

The elimination of the dance department consists of the ending of the dance minor, dance classes taught by trained instructors, and the UT Dance Company, who had a spring performance every year.

Fitzgerald said she had "high hopes" for UTDC this upcoming year, but now feels "lost" since the company was such a large part of her life.

Dance faculty told Sandy Shelton, president of UTDC and the UT Dance Society, that rising seniors would be able to finish their minors, although the quality of the remaining classes would not be the same.

"Courses would now be through the physical education department," said Shelton whose field of study is the business of dance production and performance.

These students make it clear that regardless of the dance program's existence at UT, they will continue dancing.

Shelton is "actively recruiting" students to become members of the Dance Society, which is a university recognized activity that is open everyone with an interest in dance.

The organization's members will be "advocates for dance education" and, through the help of the community, put on shows and let the UT faculty know just because the program may be gone, dancers will keep on dancing said Shelton.

The definite fate of the dance program is pending, but students can help by signing an online petition.