Ballet Scholarships for College: How Competitive Are They?

Hi! I'm a ballet dancer hoping to pursue it in college. Does anyone have experience with ballet scholarships for college? How competitive are they, and what schools offer the best programs? Any advice on audition prep?

Colleges generally do offer ballet scholarships, and the competition can be quite intense. It's important to remember, however, that the competitiveness can vary depending on the specific college program. Well-known schools for dance like Juilliard, The University of North Carolina School of Arts, and The Boston Conservatory at Berklee can be particularly competitive due to their reputation in the field.

However, there are numerous colleges with vibrant dance programs that may be a little less well-known but still offer sizable scholarships. Some examples include Point Park University, The Ohio State University, Florida State University, and The University of the Arts.

In terms of audition preparation, it's advisable to start early. Many schools will want you to perform one or two solos in different dance styles. So, have a few different choreographed dances ready to show your flexibility and range. Also, don't shy away from performing something original—it can help to showcase your unique talents.

Expressive quality and being able to connect emotionally with the storyline or theme of your dance piece are as important as technical skills during audition assessments. Additionally, conditioning and healthy technique to prevent injury are key, as well as mastering alignment, musicality, and epaulement (the subtle yet vital skill of using your head and shoulder angles to enhance a performance).

One more tip: make sure you highlight your dance experience in your application, not just the audition. Quality is more important than quantity, so rather than listing every performance you've ever had, focus on the ones where you had significant roles or demonstrated leadership.

And lastly, keep in mind that, along with talent and skill, the audition panel takes into account your professionalism and dedication. So, be prompt, polite, respectful, and remember that attitude and work ethic can sometimes tip the scales in your favor.

It's also a good idea to look into summer intensives and pre-collegiate programs at the schools you're interested in. These can be an excellent way to get noticed by faculty and get an edge on a scholarship.

Remember, every dancer brings their unique style and story. Own yours and let it shine through in both your application and your performance. Best of luck to you in your college journey!