‹ Back to Blogs
‹ Back to Blogs
Pursuing dance or ballet as a college major is often seen as an unconventional choice, but it’s one that comes with a host of benefits. While many may assume that studying dance is only for those aiming for a professional career on stage, a dance education can offer a wide range of personal, academic, and professional rewards. Whether you are passionate about performance, exploring choreography, pedagogy, or dance therapy, college can be the perfect setting for growth and exploration.
Many on our BalletScout team attended college for dance; here are some of their experiences:
“I went to the University of South Carolina, and graduated with a BA in Dance Performance. I really enjoyed the flexibility that a BA entailed. It allowed me to pursue other interests, while still taking class everyday and performing in mainstage shows every semester! Guest artists were often brought in, and gave me a great opportunity to network with teachers and choreographers that are in the professional world. The UofSC dance program also has a lot of niches, so we had opportunities for aspiring dance teachers, those in the dance science field, and students interested in arts marketing. I was able to take on a lot of leadership roles within the department, and I liked that the dance program was a very tight-knit community on such a big campus.
In terms of auditioning for college programs, I think it's important to really be yourself and present that to the best of your ability! A collegiate program is always looking for students that want to learn and grow, so if you can showcase that in an audition setting, that can really go a long way!”
“I attended Indiana University for 4 years, obtaining a degree in Ballet Performance & Arts Management. I absolutely loved my time in college, and truly believe it helped me prepare for a professional career. I didn't realize at the time how lucky I was to perform such outstanding repertoire including works by Balanchine, Robbins and Tharp. By performing these works, not only was I able to mature as an artist, I was also able to augment my resume to be more appealing to companies.”
“I went to college at Mercyhurst University where I graduated with a BFA in Dance Performance and a BA in Pre-Health Sciences. When looking for a collegiate ballet program, it was very important for me to find a school that offered double majoring opportunities as this was something I knew I wanted to pursue. I attribute much of my technical and artistic growth to my four years at Mercyhurst and felt prepared to step into the professional setting upon graduation. I had the opportunity to learn from a versatile faculty, numerous guest teachers and choreographers and perform multiple times each semester.
When auditioning for dance programs, something to keep in mind is the intended incoming class size. Some departments can cater to a larger freshman class, whereas others may be looking for a smaller group. A rejection may not be based solely on one’s technique, but on how many spots are available at that time. When going to an audition, take the time for a campus tour if one is not already on the audition schedule so you get a feeling for the school as a whole. If you have the opportunity to interview or meet with the dance faculty, don’t be afraid to ask questions! As much as you are auditioning for them, you are deciding whether a school is the right fit for you.”
“I attended University of North Carolina School of the Arts under Susan Jaffe and Jared Redick from 2017 to 2021, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts. The school is considered an ABT feeder school, and a lot of the faculty have strong connections not only to ABT, but to a plethora of other companies, artists, and works worldwide. While studying there, my technique improved exceptionally, and I was offered opportunities to dance great roles and expand my artistic abilities. I owe a lot of my successes in my career to my instructors and coaches at UNCSA! It was an uplifting environment that nurtured me and also connected me with a lot of other art forms, allowing me to work on a variety of different projects in different mediums such as film and costume design.
My biggest tip when it comes to collegiate auditions is to demonstrate your desire to learn and grow--when corrections are given, apply them immediately and enthusiastically to the best of your ability, smile, and be present with the instructors. They want to know that you look forward to growing in the school just as much as they look forward to helping you do so!”
Hosted at Nashville Ballet on November 10th, GTEN’s college fair is a great way for dancers to connect with leading dance programs and universities from across the country. These events are designed for dancers to showcase their talents through a series of master classes, workshops and auditions.
This session will include:
Interested students can register at:
https://www.gtenglobal.com/events/event-one-gdbz7
Going to college for a degree in dance or ballet has become an increasingly more viable option for dancers. It can help a dancer to perfect their technique and artistry in a variety of dance genres, network with professors, classmates and guest teachers and choreographers and take dance focused classes such as music, dance history, pedagogy, and kinesiology. It is an environment to help them not only train and perform, but to mature and grow. Once it is time for them to begin the audition process in their later years, they are guided and mentored through the process learning how to write a resume, create an audition reel, and more. Having a degree in dance can open many doors for students. Many companies find great value in having a college degree on one’s resume and having the four years at university can greatly aid a dancer in getting hired upon graduation.
Our data team is constantly adding and updating dance programs and auditions to BalletScout. To search for college programs, go to the “Search” tab and drop down to “Programs.” From there, you can select the “Collegiate” tab and can search programs based on location, tuition, and more!
Here is a quick list of some of the top programs to look into:
Studying dance or ballet in college offers so much more than just performance training. It’s a transformative experience that allows students to hone their technique, deepen their artistry, and connect with a network of mentors and peers—all in an environment designed to support their growth. Dancers who attend college for dance often find that these years lay a solid foundation, preparing them for the competitive audition process and providing skills that are valuable in ballet jobs and other career paths. Whether it’s building resilience, mastering choreography, or developing professional relationships, the benefits of a college dance education can be both immediate and long-lasting. For dancers considering this path, BalletScout’s extensive resources can be an invaluable guide in finding the perfect program to fit your goals.
