Exploring Top 10 Dance Colleges

I'm passionate about dance and considering majoring in it. Could someone share insights into the top 10 dance colleges? How competitive is the admission process, and what should I include in my application to stand out?

The world of dance at the collegiate level is indeed competitive, but with your passion and commitment, you'll find there are various exceptional programs across the country where you can pursue your love of dance. Here's a non-exhaustive list of some universities known for their dance programs:

1. Juilliard School – One of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the world, Juilliard offers a BFA in dance emphasizing ballet, but also incorporating modern, contemporary, and historical dance styles.

2. University of Southern California – The Glorya Kaufman School of Dance at USC offers a BFA in Dance. The program allows dancers to study varied styles and explore the interdisciplinary connections between dance and other fields.

3. Tisch School of the Arts – NYU's Tisch offers a BFA in Dance program focusing on modern and contemporary dance, but also including ballet, world dance forms, composition, and repertory.

4. University of North Carolina School of the Arts – UNCSA offers a BFA in Contemporary Dance, focusing on technique, choreography and performance.

5. University of Arizona – The School of Dance offers a BFA in Dance, incorporating ballet, modern, and jazz.

6. SUNY Purchase – Known for its Conservatory of Dance, SUNY Purchase provides strong training in ballet, modern, and composition.

7. Ailey/Fordham BFA Program – A unique partnership between Fordham University and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, offering a diverse curriculum of dance techniques and liberal arts coursework.

8. Boston Conservatory at Berklee – Offers a BFA in Contemporary Dance program focusing on ballet and modern dance, as well as choreography and performance.

9. Cornish College of the Arts - Cornish offers a BFA in Dance program, known for its diversity in dance styles and emphasis on performance.

10. University of Utah - The School of Dance offers separate BFAs in Modern Dance and Ballet.

Admission to these programs generally involves a two-step process: an academic review of your high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores (if required), and an audition. The competition level varies by school, but programs like Juilliard are known to be highly selective. Creating a compelling application usually involves showcasing your expertise and passion in your main dance form, your openness to explore other dance forms, and your understanding of dance theory or history.

Your audition carries heavy weight in the selection process. You need to present a solo piece showcasing your range, technical ability, and creativity. It's equally essential to demonstrate your versatility during any group or improvisation exercises.

As for the application, besides strong academic records, colleges value a well-crafted essay in which you discuss your relationship with dance and your long-term dance goals. Detailing significant performances, competitions, or choreography experiences you've had also helps.

Remember, dance departments are closely knit communities. They seek students who express commitment to their craft and seem likely to contribute to their school's dance community. If you have any specific questions about a particular school, do leave a comment and I'll do my best to respond.