Where are the best colleges for dancers?

I'm a high school junior with a huge passion for dance. I want to pursue dance as a major in college. Which schools in the US have the best dance programs and opportunities to grow as a dancer?

It's wonderful to hear about your passion for dance and your desire to major in it during college! There are several colleges and universities in the US known for having excellent dance programs where you can grow as a dancer. Here are some of the top schools to consider:

1. The Juilliard School (New York, NY): Juilliard is renowned for its performing arts programs, including its dance division. As a student here, you'll benefit from world-class faculty, rigorous training, and countless performance opportunities in New York City.

2. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA): USC's Glorya Kaufman School of Dance offers a strong balance of technique, performance, and academics. With its close ties to the entertainment industry, you'll have unique opportunities to collaborate and network with professionals in and around Los Angeles.

3. New York University (New York, NY): NYU's Tisch School of the Arts offers a BFA in Dance that incorporates technique, composition, and performance. Located in the heart of NYC, you'll have access to renowned theaters, dance companies, and networking opportunities.

4. Boston Conservatory at Berklee (Boston, MA): The conservatory's dance program is known for its rigorous training, strong faculty, and individualized attention. With an emphasis on contemporary dance, the curriculum includes ballet, modern, and improvisation as well as exposure to a wide range of dance styles.

5. University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem, NC): UNCSA provides students with comprehensive dance training in ballet and contemporary styles. The program emphasizes performance experience, and students frequently have opportunities to perform both on and off-campus.

6. Ohio State University (Columbus, OH): OSU's Department of Dance offers a BFA program that focuses on the development of versatile and innovative dancers. The coursework covers technique, history, choreography, and performance, with a strong emphasis on collaboration.

These are just a few of the many outstanding dance programs available in the US. When researching and applying, be sure to consider factors such as the dance styles offered, program focus, faculty expertise, and performance opportunities that align with your goals and interests as a dancer. Good luck!