UPDATE (May 7)

The website for the BU Dance Theater has been update to provide more clarity regarding the pause in rental reservations. The language now states, "We are not booking external groups this year. Please check back in the Spring for availability in the 2027-2028 academic year." https://www.bu.edu/fitrec/what-we-offer/dance/dance-theater/

The Phys. Ed, Recreation, and Dance stated in an email that they are "updated pricing" in regards to Theater rentals from outside groups. While it is good news that they intend to keep the space open to community groups it is important that these groups don't get priced out of renting the venue. Please continue to advocate for the space to remain affordable to community dance companies and artists. The financial health of the Theater should not rely on the shoulder of individual rentals. Voice your concerns by contacting BU on how the year long pause and updated pricing will impact you and/or your dance group. Encourage BU to consider the community in their decision making that will affect the future of dance in our community. 

ORIGINAL POST (May 6)

The Boston University Dance Theater has been a sanctuary for students, artists and a vibrant hub for community interaction in the Greater Boston Area. The BU Dance Theater and Rehearsal Space is a 225-seat, state-of-the-art studio/theater designed specifically for dance performances, classes, and special events. In addition to housing a wide variety of educational and recreational dance activities, the space can be rented for concerts, master classes, and other events by the community. It is the only space of its kind in the area designed specifically for dance. 

As of March 2026, the BU Dance Theater is no longer taking rentals for use as a performance space from the community. BU posted the following announcement on the Theater website, "It is with deep regret that we share that theater rentals for performances taking place after July 1, 2026, will be on pause until further notice. This was a difficult but necessary decision in order to re-evaluate the venue’s operations and financial model. We are using this time to reassess and develop a new strategic plan, rebrand the space, and envision fresh ways to activate the theater." 

The BU Dance Theater is housed in the Fitness and Recreation Center building under the Phys. Ed, Recreation, and Dance Department (PERD). There is growing concern that the space will be “rebranded” from a dedicated dance space for BU students and community renters into an exercise room for non-dance related activities. The closing of its doors would leave a significant void in the cultural fabric of our community, depriving students, alumni, and residents of a venue that has supported and inspired forward thinking in the arts. 

Since 2005, the Theater has been a pivotal venue for countless independent artists, dance groups, and dance enthusiasts, offering a platform to showcase their talents, create innovative works, and foster a strong cultural network in the community. It has been a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together, connecting through movement and art. The BU Dance Theater has been much more than just a building with a performance venue; it builds community, inspires, and creates social change. The space is an active laboratory for experimentation, exploration of complex ideas, and creative advancement. 

In 2023, BU established the Arts Leadership Circle (ALC) with the “mission is to further elevate the profile of the arts at BU.” As stated, the committee is charged with "identifying and developing strategies for promoting BU as a regional, national, and global leader in the live, performing, and visual arts.”  https://www.bu.edu/cfa/news/articles/2023/boston-university-establishes-arts-leadership-circle-led-by-dean-harvey-young/

A university’s responsibility is not only to educate students, but to nurture, share, and actively contribute to a thriving cultural life beyond campus. By keeping the theater operational as its intended purpose, a dance studio and performance venue, BU will honor its responsibility as an intellectual, social, and cultural institution that values the arts, the spirit of creativity and support for local artists and performers. We urge the ALC, PERD, Fit/Rec Center, and other decision-makers of Boston University to keep the doors of the Dance Theater open to dance studies, practices, and performances that further the greater dance field. 

Studies show that arts and cultural spaces contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of cities. These spaces not only enhance the quality of life but also drive local economic growth by attracting visitors, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of pride and community identity. In fact, arts and cultural production in Massachusetts contributes roughly $27 billion to the state's economy annually, representing about 4.2% of the GDP. This sector supports over 135,000 jobs and generates significant tax revenue for state and local governments (2021 U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Report: https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/new-data-touts-the-economic-impact-of-the-arts-cultural-sector/

Please sign this petition to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and be inspired by the magic of the BU Dance Theater. Let’s preserve this cultural heritage for artists, dancers, and the community at large.