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The University of Akron

Akron, OH

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BFA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenInternal AuditionInternal InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)

Part of the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Training

Emphasis in ballet and modern dance technique

Extensive training in technical, performing, and choreographic skills

7 state-of-the-art dance studios including a performance studio

6-10 annual productions in theatre and dance

Faculty of professional artists actively working in their fields

Professor Robin Prichard honored with three national book awards in dance education

National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron in residence

"Ideas in Motion" initiative brings leading dance artists for master classes

Guest artists from across the national dance landscape

Professional Development

Exclusive partnership with the Joffrey Ballet School of New York City (since Fall 2024)

BFA students can train at the Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program in NYC while earning their UA degree

Comprehensive curriculum spanning concert and commercial dance

School Info

Snapshot

3.46

Avg GPA (W)

60%

Admit Rate

school-wide

52%

Grad Rate

9.1K

Enrollment

$47K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$14,146

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$21,826

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$32,370

Before aid

Average Net Price

$13,946

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · uakron.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 6, 12:46 AM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)

Part of the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Training

Emphasis in ballet and modern dance technique

Extensive training in technical, performing, and choreographic skills

7 state-of-the-art dance studios including a performance studio

6-10 annual productions in theatre and dance

Faculty of professional artists actively working in their fields

Professor Robin Prichard honored with three national book awards in dance education

National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron in residence

"Ideas in Motion" initiative brings leading dance artists for master classes

Guest artists from across the national dance landscape

Professional Development

Exclusive partnership with the Joffrey Ballet School of New York City (since Fall 2024)

BFA students can train at the Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program in NYC while earning their UA degree

Comprehensive curriculum spanning concert and commercial dance

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)

Part of the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Training

Emphasis in ballet and modern dance technique

Extensive training in technical, performing, and choreographic skills

7 state-of-the-art dance studios including a performance studio

6-10 annual productions in theatre and dance

Faculty of professional artists actively working in their fields

Professor Robin Prichard honored with three national book awards in dance education

National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron in residence

"Ideas in Motion" initiative brings leading dance artists for master classes

Guest artists from across the national dance landscape

Professional Development

Exclusive partnership with the Joffrey Ballet School of New York City (since Fall 2024)

BFA students can train at the Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program in NYC while earning their UA degree

Comprehensive curriculum spanning concert and commercial dance

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Deadline

PriorityJan 31, 2027

Regular DecisionRolling

Deadlines.Dot · uakron.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

Audition Fee

$10

Audition Information.Dot · uakron.edu

Post-Enrollment Audition and Interview Requirements

These requirements are from the Fall 2026 entry cycle. Fall 2027 requirements are typically posted between August and October and usually change only slightly — confirm on the official source before submitting.

No audition and interview is required for the initial application. The optional scholarship review (audition) is separate from the internal audition and interview gate students complete after enrollment.Gateway source

Dance

In-Person Audition

Ballet Class (60 Min)

Barre and center work taught by faculty

Faculty may ask to see dancers en pointe (not required)

Bring pointe shoes if you wear them

Arrive early to warm up due to fast pace

Contemporary Class (60 Min)

Grounded in release technique with emphasis on floorwork and movement dynamics

Learn a short movement phrase and present in small groups

Solo Presentation

Present a solo in a genre of your choice (up to 2:30)

Ballet variations, hip hop, improvisation, tap, etc. are acceptable

Choose material that plays to your strengths and feels authentic

Bring music and any needed adaptors; UA uses an auxiliary cord connection

Ballet

Dress Code

Female-identifying: pink or flesh-toned tights under leotard and inside ballet shoes, black leotard, hair securely back, minimal jewelry

Male-identifying: black tights, white or black fitted T-shirt tucked in, black or white ballet shoes, hair securely back, minimal jewelry

Gender neutral: within listed options, wear what feels most authentic

Contemporary Attire

Anything comfortable to move in

Long pants and shirt to cover shoulders recommended

Audition Information.Dot · uakron.edu

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Pre-registration appreciated but not required

$10 audition fee paid via CashNet

Auditions finalized when payment is received

Walk-in registration available on audition day (bring $10 cash, exact change appreciated)

Must still register and pay $10 audition fee

Ongoing submissions accepted

Scholarship consideration deadline: February 6, 2026

Admission Pathway

All prospective dance majors enter on a provisional basis

Technique class placement determined by audition

Students first pass the First-Year Jury and Interview to gain BA Dance status

Students interested in the BFA must pass a BFA audition at the end of sophomore year

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

60-minute ballet class

60-minute contemporary class

Solo presentation followed by one-on-one faculty interview

Informal choreographic showing, lunch with students, campus tour

Registration begins at 8:30 AM at Guzzetta Hall

Compile audition materials into one video

Submit via email to Christine Howe (ch48@uakron.edu)

YouTube link preferred; cloud link or email attachment also accepted

Rolling submissions; scholarship deadline February 6, 2026

Decisions

Audition results within 7 days via email

Letter outlines acceptance level, merit scholarship, class placement, and next steps

Contact

Christine Howe, Area Chair: ch48@uakron.edu / 330-972-7948

Scholarship Info

Merit Scholarships

Scholarships awarded based on audition performance

Scholarship level communicated in acceptance letter within 7 days of audition

Virtual submissions must be received by February 6, 2026 for scholarship consideration

Additional general UA scholarships available to all students

School Info

Snapshot

3.46

Avg GPA (W)

60%

Admit Rate

school-wide

52%

Grad Rate

9.1K

Enrollment

$47K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$14,146

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$21,826

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$32,370

Before aid

Average Net Price

$13,946

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · uakron.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)

Part of the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences

Training

Emphasis in ballet and modern dance technique

Extensive training in technical, performing, and choreographic skills

7 state-of-the-art dance studios including a performance studio

6-10 annual productions in theatre and dance

Faculty of professional artists actively working in their fields

Professor Robin Prichard honored with three national book awards in dance education

National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron in residence

"Ideas in Motion" initiative brings leading dance artists for master classes

Guest artists from across the national dance landscape

Professional Development

Exclusive partnership with the Joffrey Ballet School of New York City (since Fall 2024)

BFA students can train at the Joffrey Ballet School Trainee Program in NYC while earning their UA degree

Comprehensive curriculum spanning concert and commercial dance

Updated Aug 6, 12:46 AM