Hey, friends, so I'm a dancer and my dream is to continue doing this in college. I spent most of high school immersing myself in the studio and competitions. Do you guys know any colleges with strong dance programs - classically and/or contemporary? And what's the audition process like?
Absolutely, there are several colleges known for their strong dance programs in the country.
To start off with, let's look at Juilliard. It's famous for its strong dance program which encourages both technical growth and artistic development in its students. Other notable mentions include the Boston Conservatory, and University of Southern California's Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, which has both classical and contemporary tracks. Additionally, SUNY Purchase and California Institute of the Arts offer good BFA programs and focus on providing a wide array of dance styles to study.
As far as auditions go, each school has its own specific process, but they generally include two parts:
1. The Solo Dance: Schools will usually want to see you perform a piece that speaks to your strengths as a dancer. This can be a classical ballet, modern, jazz, or a piece from another style that you're comfortable with. Check each school's guidelines for the solo's length and format.
2. The Technique Class or Dance Combination: This is usually a series of steps given on the spot. The purpose is to see how quickly you can pick up choreography, demonstrate technique, and adapt to new styles.
Remember to start preparing early and pay attention to each school's specific requirements. And don't forget to consider the academic fit of the schools, as you'll still be taking other courses outside of the dance curriculum. Good luck with your auditions!
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