Walk onto the University of Arizona campus in Tucson and you’ll see plenty of red brick. It’s the standard. But then you hit the Cherry Avenue Mall and everything changes. There’s this building that looks like it’s frozen in mid-leap, a mix of rusted Cor-Ten steel and massive glass panes that reflect the desert sky. That’s the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre. It’s not just a school building. Honestly, it’s a masterpiece of performance architecture that most people walk right past without realizing what’s happening inside.
I’ve spent time in a lot of theaters. Most of them are dark, cramped, and smell like old velvet. This place is different.
Completed in 2003, it was designed by Gould Evans (now Gould Evans + CANNONDESIGN). They didn't just want a box for dancers. They wanted a space that actually felt like movement. You see it in the way the overhead canopy juts out. It’s aggressive but somehow graceful. It’s won a ton of awards, including being named one of the "150 Best Buildings in America" by the American Institute of Architects. That’s a big deal for a dance studio in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.
The Architecture of the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre Explained
Most people don't realize that the building is basically a giant instrument. The design team worked closely with the UA School of Dance—specifically the legendary Jory Hancock and Melissa Lowe—to make sure the acoustics and the "spring" of the floors were perfect.
The exterior skin is made of weathering steel. It’s supposed to rust. That deep orange-brown patina isn't a mistake; it's a nod to the surrounding mountains. Inside, the 300-seat theater feels surprisingly intimate. You’re never more than a few rows away from the sweat and the effort of the performers. That matters in dance. If you’re a mile away in a massive mezzanine, you miss the athleticism. Here, you hear the feet hit the stage. You see the muscles strain.
Why the "Front of House" is Actually the Back
One of the coolest parts about the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre is the lobby. Or, more accurately, the lack of a traditional, stuffy lobby. The glass-enclosed "crush space" allows people outside to see the dancers warming up. It breaks down that wall between the "elite" art world and the public. You’re walking to a football game at Arizona Stadium nearby and you can literally see a prima ballerina practicing a pirouette through the glass. It’s accessible.
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The building cost about $9 million back then. In today's money, that’s a steal for what they got. It includes a full-size stage, an orchestra pit (which is rare for a dedicated dance house), and some of the best costume shops in the Southwest.
What It’s Like Inside a Performance
If you’ve never been to a UA Dance production, you’re missing out on some of the highest-level collegiate talent in the country. The University of Arizona isn’t just a "party school." Their dance program is consistently ranked in the top tier nationally. They pull students from all over the world.
When the lights go down in the Stevie Eller, the atmosphere changes. The stage is wide—specifically designed for big, sweeping movements. Because the seating is raked so steeply, every seat is technically the best seat in the house. You don't get that "guy's head in front of me" problem here.
The Tech Behind the Magic
The lighting grid is surprisingly complex for a house this size. They use it to transform the blank stage into everything from a gritty New York street corner to a surrealist dreamscape. The school produces several major shows a year:
- Jazz in Desert: Usually high energy, lots of fast footwork.
- Premium Moves: A showcase of their best technical pieces.
- Masterworks: Where they tackle the heavy hitters like Balanchine or Martha Graham.
The dancers here aren't just students; they're pre-professionals. Many go on to dance with the American Ballet Theatre, Hubbard Street, or on Broadway. Seeing them here for $30 is basically a life hack compared to paying $150 in NYC.
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The Design Details Nobody Notices
Look at the scrims. Look at the way the light hits the Cor-Ten steel at sunset. The building was designed to be a "lantern" at night. When a show is happening, the glow from the lobby and the internal studios spills out onto the campus. It’s intentional. It’s meant to draw you in.
The acoustics were handled by experts who understood that dance has a specific sound profile. You need to hear the music clearly, but you also need to hear the rhythm of the dancers' feet. In many theaters, the floor is too loud or the music gets swallowed by the curtains. At the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, the balance is tuned perfectly.
Common Misconceptions About the Venue
I hear people say it’s "just a school theater."
Wrong.
It’s a professional-grade roadhouse that happens to be owned by a university. It hosts professional companies and touring artists frequently. Another myth? That it's hard to get tickets. While the "big" shows sell out, they almost always have student rush or balcony spots if you keep an eye on the UA Fine Arts box office.
People also think it’s only for ballet. Honestly, the UA program is famous for its "triple threat" approach. They do ballet, jazz, and modern equally well. The theater was built to accommodate all three. The floor isn't just wood; it's a multi-layered sprung system that prevents shin splints and allows for the high jumps required in contemporary work.
How to Actually Experience It
Don't just show up five minutes before curtain.
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First, park in the Cherry Avenue Garage. It’s right there. Walk around the building. Look at the way the steel plates are bolted together. Then, head to the second-floor balcony area if it's open—the view of the UA mall is incredible from up there.
When you're inside, pay attention to the silence. A good theater is judged by how quiet it can get. The Stevie Eller is incredibly well-insulated from the campus noise outside. Once those doors close, the rest of the world disappears.
Getting Tickets and Pricing
Prices usually hover around:
- $35 for general admission.
- $30 for seniors and military.
- $15 for students.
Compared to a touring Broadway show at Centennial Hall down the street, this is the better deal for pure artistry. You are seeing the future of dance in a building designed specifically for them.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to check out the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, do these three things to make it worth the trip:
- Check the "Studio Series" dates. These are smaller, more raw performances that happen in the upper studios. They are often cheaper or even free, and you get to see the choreographic process up close.
- Visit at Golden Hour. The Cor-Ten steel exterior is photogenic as hell when the sun is setting. It glows a weird, beautiful orange that matches the Tucson mountains.
- Follow the UA School of Dance on social media. They often post behind-the-scenes clips of rehearsals happening inside the Stevie Eller. It gives you a much better appreciation for the athleticism involved when you finally see the finished product on stage.
The Stevie Eller isn't just a landmark for the University of Arizona; it's a pillar of the Tucson arts scene. Whether you're a hardcore dance fan or just someone who appreciates cool architecture, it's a spot that earns its reputation every time the curtain rises.
To secure your spot, head to the Arizona Arts Box Office website and filter by "Dance." Shows usually run in cycles during the Fall and Spring semesters. If you miss the main stage season, look for the "Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase" which usually happens in the Fall—it's a massive burst of energy that fills the whole building.