Striving to Dance in College, Where to Go?

Hi there, I'm an aspiring dancer and I'm looking for colleges with competitive dance teams. Any college suggestions for an enthusiastic dancer?

While there are numerous colleges with competitive dance teams, some particularly stand out due to their strong dance programs. Schools like the Juilliard School and Tisch School of the Arts at NYU have very reputable, highly competitive dance programs. Additionally, the University of Southern California's Glorya Kaufman School of Dance is known for an innovative approach to dance training, which provides students with strong foundational skills while encouraging creative expression. On the East Coast, Boston Conservatory at Berklee is renowned for its dance program, helping students refine their technical skills, stimulate their artistic growth, and equip them with the ability to adapt to an increasingly diverse dance world.

Outside of traditional dance programs and conservatories, many universities also have competitive dance teams that compete in dance styles like hip-hop, jazz or contemporary. Some schools, such as the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan, have dance teams that regularly compete and place highly in national championships.

It's always best to research the specific dance style you're interested in and see which teams excel in that genre. Also, keep in mind that competitive dance teams and academic dance programs do not always correlate. Some schools may have a strong academic dance program but do not focus on competitive dance, while some may excel in dance competition but do not necessarily offer comprehensive dance majors or minors.

Finally, visit their websites, go to any available online showcases, and if possible, ask to speak to present or past dancers of the programs you're interested in. This will give you a clearer idea of the culture and style of the program and help you decide which environment you thrive the most in.