Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
•Physically and intellectually rigorous curriculum emphasizing diversity of styles and ideologies
•Students design their own educational pathway through mentoring and advising
•Curriculum balances critical pedagogies with rigorous studio practice
CURRICULUM AREAS
•Studio Practice & Body Pathways — ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, somatic approaches
•Thinking, Making, Doing — improvisation, choreography, rotating visiting artist faculty
•Critical Dance Processes — history, theory, Senior Seminar, Senior Thesis
•Performance Pedagogies of Dance — rehearsal and performance of new works
PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL
•Students travel to perform works by students and visiting choreographers
•Recent appearances at Jacob's Pillow and the International Association of Black in Dance (IABD)
•Collaborations with choreographers including Sidra Bell, Rena Butler, and Kyle Abraham
FACILITIES
•State-of-the-art studios and classrooms on a 440-acre Vermont campus
•Martha Graham Dance Company celebrated 100th anniversary at Bennington
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atapp.scoir.com
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early Decision IIJan 10, 2026
Regular DecisionJan 10, 2026
Audition Requirements
Dance
WORKSHOP + PREPARED SOLO
•Participate in a workshop with faculty and current students
-Workshop includes ballet, improvisation, and contemporary forms including hip-hop
•Prepare a solo, no longer than 2 minutes
-May be self-choreographed or set material
-Share music from a phone or other playback device
ATTIRE
•Wear comfortable attire
•Sneakers for hip-hop
•Ballet shoes optional
Additional Materials
HEADSHOT (required)
•Can be a selfie — printed or emailed to cameronchilds@bennington.edu
RESUME (required)
•Bring to in-person audition
Good to Know
APPLICATION DETAILS
•Apply via Common App or Apply Coalition (Scoir)
•Select Dance as your first choice area of study
•No application fee
REQUIRED MATERIALS
•One letter of recommendation
•Transcripts from all schools attended
REVIEW TIMELINE
•Applications reviewed on a rolling basis through mid-Spring
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person auditions held in New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Vancouver (WA), Norfolk, and on campus in Vermont
•Students may also audition on campus any Friday with prior program approval
•Video auditions accepted when in-person attendance is not possible
-Submit materials online through the Bennington applicant status page after applying
REGISTRATION
•Registration is required for all live auditions
•Contact: Cameron Childs, cameronchilds@bennington.edu or 802-440-4411
Program info updated 8h ago
PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY
•Physically and intellectually rigorous curriculum emphasizing diversity of styles and ideologies
•Students design their own educational pathway through mentoring and advising
•Curriculum balances critical pedagogies with rigorous studio practice
CURRICULUM AREAS
•Studio Practice & Body Pathways — ballet, modern, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, somatic approaches
•Thinking, Making, Doing — improvisation, choreography, rotating visiting artist faculty
•Critical Dance Processes — history, theory, Senior Seminar, Senior Thesis
•Performance Pedagogies of Dance — rehearsal and performance of new works
PERFORMANCE & TRAVEL
•Students travel to perform works by students and visiting choreographers
•Recent appearances at Jacob's Pillow and the International Association of Black in Dance (IABD)
•Collaborations with choreographers including Sidra Bell, Rena Butler, and Kyle Abraham
FACILITIES
•State-of-the-art studios and classrooms on a 440-acre Vermont campus
•Martha Graham Dance Company celebrated 100th anniversary at Bennington
Updated 8h ago
Academic School Information
3.53
Avg GPA (W)
45%
Admit Rate
69%
Grad Rate
780
Enrollment
$38,289
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$66,262
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$30,947
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$18,480
Family Income $30k - $48k$18,012
Family Income $48k - $75k$22,336
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,508
Family Income $110k+$44,625
