How should I best prepare to enter a dance school, college, or university as a dance major?

Acceptance to a professional studio school or an undergraduate program in dance is based on many considerations. These vary widely among institutions. For example, some have stringent audition requirements prior to admission while others have open admission policies followed by thorough examinations at some point in the program to determine whether the student may continue. For specific application requirements, contact NASD accredited institutions directly. The suggestions below indicate how you can best prepare during the high school years, not what you must achieve to apply or be accepted. The advice provided describes two things: first, an ideal set of knowledge and skills goals for college-level applicants; second, competencies needed by dancers as they practice the various aspects of the profession in college, professional studio schools, and beyond. In brief, you should learn as much as you can as early as you can. Take responsibility for your own development. Each dancer brings ... more