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. 

Prodi Tari ISI Yogyakarta merupakan prodi Tari pertama dan satu-satunya yang terakreditasi Unggul di Indonesia. Akreditasi unggul yang telah dicapai Prodi Tari didukung dengan Sumber Daya Manusia, dalam hal ini dosen yang memadai. Sampai saat ini, Prodi Tari memiliki 33 dosen yang semuanya merupakan dosen tetap. Terdiri dari 21 dosen homebase dan 12 dosen UPPS.  Selain itu, dosen, mahasiswa, dan alumni prodi S-1 Tari memegang peran penting dalam pemerintahan, asosiasi profesi, dan aneka kegiatan kesenian baik dalam skala lokal maupun internasional.