Scholarship opportunities for college dance teams?

Do colleges give scholarships specifically for being on their dance teams? I'm considering joining one in college to pursue my passion and need to know if it could financially benefit me.

Yes, many colleges do offer scholarships to students who are part of their competitive dance teams. These are usually partial scholarships that can help offset tuition costs. The amount and availability can vary greatly by school and will often depend on how much funding the dance program has and how competitive the team is.

It's also important to know that in some cases, these scholarships might not be awarded purely on the basis of skill or talent. Other factors that coaches often consider include leadership ability, dedication to the team, academic achievement, and more.

If you're serious about dancing in college, I'd recommend researching the schools you're interested in and reaching out to the coaches or dance program directors to ask about scholarship options. Your high school dance coach or mentor may also be a great resource for finding colleges with strong dance programs and scholarship opportunities.

Additionally, there are numerous national and regional dance organizations that offer scholarships to pre-college dancers. Competing or being a member of dance organizations could provide additional opportunities for financial aid. So don't limit your search to scholarships provided by colleges alone! You might be surprised at the number of dance-related scholarship opportunities out there.

Examples of such external scholarships include The Caroline H. Newhouse Scholarship Fund and The Dizzy Feet Foundation Scholarship. Note that such scholarships often require applications that may include an audition tape, essay, or letters of recommendation in addition to your academic transcripts.

Do remember to meet all the required guidelines and deadlines while applying for these scholarships! These financial aids can significantly lessen the economic burden, while allowing you to pursue what you love doing. Best of luck!