How can you get a scholarship for dance?

I've been dancing for several years and I'm hoping to pursue it further in college. I'm pretty sure there are scholarships out there for dance, but I'm not exactly sure how to find them or what the requirements usually are. Does anyone know how to start the search for dance scholarships? Are there specific competitions or achievements that can boost my chances of getting one?

The first step to finding dance scholarships is to narrow down the types of scholarships you're eligible for. If you're planning on majoring in dance, you can start by looking for independent organizations, dance companies, and foundations that offer scholarships for dance students. Take the example of the American Dance Festival (ADF) and National Dance Education Organization (NDEO), both of which offer different scholarships related to dance. Another example is the Caroline H. Newhouse Scholarship Fund, specifically for professional dancers who are transitioning to new careers.

The selection process often includes an audition or a video application that showcases your dancing skills. The criteria for performance-based dance scholarships can vary widely from one program to another, but they often evaluate a combination of technique, creativity, and overall performance ability.

Schools often have their own scholarships for students majoring in dance. For instance, many colleges have talent scholarships that are open to students with exceptional abilities in the arts, including dance. Usually, you would need to submit a portfolio that typically includes a video of your performance and possibly letters of recommendation from your dance teachers. Look up the dance department websites of the colleges you're interested in. They will usually list scholarship information there.

Competitions are another source of scholarships if you're a competitive dancer. Most dance competitions offer scholarships or cash prizes on top of the recognition that comes with winning or placing in these events. These can be local, national, or even international competitions. Some examples include the Youth America Grand Prix and the Starpower Talent Dance Competition. Winning or placing in prestigious competitions would indeed give you a boost when applying for scholarships as it showcases your talent and dedication.

Always pay attention to the application deadlines and complete all required steps for application. It often involves more than just submitting an application itself, requiring you to provide videos of your dance, references, and potentially interviews or auditions.

Finding and securing dance scholarships can take a significant amount of time and effort, but it could be worth it to help support your passion and education. Best of luck!