The Dance Study Program was formed from Akademi Seni Tari (ASTI) Yogyakarta in 1963 by dance experts and masters including Nyi Hadjar Dewantara, Soedharso Pringgo Broto, Prof. Djoyo Diguno, Sindoe Sawarno, C. Harjosubroto, Ki Suratman, Prof. Dr. R.M. Soedarsono, B.P.H. Puger. This program teaches dance from 4 major cultures in Indonesia, namely Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Bali, and Sunda. When it changed to Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) Yogyakarta in 1984, dance learning was added to 3 regions, Banyumas, East Java (Surabaya, Malang, and Banyuwangi) and from Sumatra (Aceh, Malay and Padang). The positive impact is that many students come from outside Java from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Ambon, West Papua, NTT (Bima, Kupang) who study in the Dance Study Program and other study programs at ISI Yogyakarta.

The Dance Study Program is a higher education institution that is the center of Dance Study and Creation that is in harmony and balance with the context of socio-cultural changes. Based on BAN-PT decision No. 12543/SK/BAN-PT/Akred-PMT/S/XI/2021, the Dance Study Program has met the requirements for a Superior accreditation rating which is valid from November 23, 2021 to November 23, 2026, aiming to produce academic people who are professional, creative, innovative, and productive and have a competitive advantage in the field of study, dance creation with Indonesian cultural character. The Faculty of Performing Arts ISI Yogyakarta is ranked in the top 100 QS World by subject, and the Dance study program is the largest contributor to this achievement. 

ISI Yogyakarta's Dance Study Program is the oldest and only Dance Study Program accredited with excellence in Indonesia. The superior accreditation that has been achieved by the Dance Study Program is supported by Human Resources, in this case adequate lecturers. Until 2023, Dance Study Program has 28 lecturers who are all permanent lecturers. Among the lecturers in Dance Study Program, 8 lecturers have doctoral degrees, which in this case the number of lecturers with doctoral degrees in Dance Study Program is the highest number among all study programs and departments in the Faculty of Performing Arts. In addition, lecturers, students, and alumni of S-1 Dance study program play an important role in government, professional associations, and various arts activities both on a local and international scale.