A year ago this week, the University of the Arts in Center City announced that it was suddenly closing its doors, forever, due to financial problems. The decision shocked its students, faculty, and the city at large. But there was one bright spot: The UArts dance program was saved by a tiny college in Vermont. And now we’re told that the dance program is expected to return to Philadelphia from its current location at Vermont’s Bennington College in the 2026-2027 academic year. So we’re revisiting our conversation between host Trenae Nuri, Laura Walker, president of Bennington College, and Donna Faye Burchfield, director of the dance program, about how, and why, Bennington saved this Philly jewel.

Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise