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University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music

Cincinnati, OH

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Ballet

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly SelectiveUnder 12 StudentsStudy Abroad

Training

Emphasis on ballet and contemporary styles with top-level training

Intensive academic and studio curriculum with advanced training while cultivating artistry

In-depth somatic and wellness studies (Alexander Technique, Pilates, Yoga)

Notable Alumni

Suzanne Farrell — trained at Cincinnati Conservatory; became principal dancer with New York City Ballet and George Balanchine’s foremost muse

Peggy Lyman Hayes — former CCM Corbett Scholar; principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company (1973–88)

Carrie Ellmore-Tallitsch — principal dancer and choreographer with Martha Graham Dance Company

Professional Development

Opportunities to dance with professional companies while pursuing degree (Cincinnati Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Louisville Ballet and BalletMet)

Study abroad opportunities for international performances

CCM’s production season is integrated with curriculum — all students have opportunity to perform regularly

Facilities

Three large dance studios with an observation booth and dressing rooms

Onsite physical therapists and athletic trainers

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.69

Admit rate

85%

school-wide

Grad rate

75%

Enrollment

29.9K

Earnings

$55K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,748

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$32,082

Before aid

Average net price

$25,648

After aid

Fast Facts · ccm.uc.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 2d ago

Program Highlights

Training

Emphasis on ballet and contemporary styles with top-level training

Intensive academic and studio curriculum with advanced training while cultivating artistry

In-depth somatic and wellness studies (Alexander Technique, Pilates, Yoga)

Notable Alumni

Suzanne Farrell — trained at Cincinnati Conservatory; became principal dancer with New York City Ballet and George Balanchine’s foremost muse

Peggy Lyman Hayes — former CCM Corbett Scholar; principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company (1973–88)

Carrie Ellmore-Tallitsch — principal dancer and choreographer with Martha Graham Dance Company

Professional Development

Opportunities to dance with professional companies while pursuing degree (Cincinnati Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Louisville Ballet and BalletMet)

Study abroad opportunities for international performances

CCM’s production season is integrated with curriculum — all students have opportunity to perform regularly

Facilities

Three large dance studios with an observation booth and dressing rooms

Onsite physical therapists and athletic trainers

Program Highlights

Training

Emphasis on ballet and contemporary styles with top-level training

Intensive academic and studio curriculum with advanced training while cultivating artistry

In-depth somatic and wellness studies (Alexander Technique, Pilates, Yoga)

Notable Alumni

Suzanne Farrell — trained at Cincinnati Conservatory; became principal dancer with New York City Ballet and George Balanchine’s foremost muse

Peggy Lyman Hayes — former CCM Corbett Scholar; principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company (1973–88)

Carrie Ellmore-Tallitsch — principal dancer and choreographer with Martha Graham Dance Company

Professional Development

Opportunities to dance with professional companies while pursuing degree (Cincinnati Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Louisville Ballet and BalletMet)

Study abroad opportunities for international performances

CCM’s production season is integrated with curriculum — all students have opportunity to perform regularly

Facilities

Three large dance studios with an observation booth and dressing rooms

Onsite physical therapists and athletic trainers

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App

Fee

$50

Opens

Aug 1, 2026

Deadline

UC Early Action (Recommended)Nov 1, 2026

CCM Final Application DeadlineUC Scholarship DeadlineDec 1, 2026

Admissions · ccm.uc.edu Deadlines · admissions.uc.edu Dates Deadlines · ccm.uc.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the prescreen.

Apply

Acceptd

Fee

Pre-Screening Fee

$95

Deadline

Prescreen DeadlineDec 3, 2026

Auditions

On Campus

Jan 23, 2027Feb 5–6, 2027

Auditions · ccm.uc.edu

Prescreen Requirements

Dance

Video #1

Classical solo variation from the standard, classical repertoire

Female Identifying: En pointe

Male Identifying: Black or white ballet slippers

Non-Binary Identifying: Submit a classical variation that best suits your current career goals

Video #2 — Ballet Technique

At barre: Short plie w/tondu and degage, short developpe w/fondu, petit battement, and grand battement

At center: Adagio (female identifying in pointe shoes) and petite allegro (female identifying in pointe shoes)

A waltz/turning combination that demonstrates en dehors and en de dedans from fourth position

Female identifying students: fouette turns; male identifying students: a final combination demonstrating at minimum double tour en l'air and entre chat six

Contemporary / Modern Technique

Submit 1 modern/contemporary class technique exercise no longer than 32 counts (4 sets of 8)

Do the combination once on both sides

Combination should contain contraction & release, spiral to the ground/recover to standing, and turn(s) traveling or stationary

Submit 1 modern/contemporary solo, 45 seconds to 1 minute, that highlights the dancer's technique and artistry

No gymnastics or drops to the ground

Wildcard / Special SkillOptional

A bit of information unique to you, dance related or not, that you feel comfortable sharing. Optional (will not harm your prescreen if you do not submit)

Additional Materials

Photo

Full-length photo

Female Identifying: en pointe, black leotard, pink or skin-tone tights, first position arabesque

Male Identifying: White fitted dance shirt/tank with footed black men's tights, attitude derriere en releve

Non-Binary Identifying: Unitard or attire and footwear listed above for which you want to be primarily but not solely considered for roles

Video Slate

Include why you need to dance and some of your long- and/or short-term goals you feel can only be accomplished at UC/CCM

Prescreen Notes

Prescreen results will be released to applicants by December

Application portal · Acceptd

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Audition Requirements

Dance

Technique Assessments

Ballet technique assessment: shortened classical barre and center (about 60-75 minutes)

Pointe technique assessment: about 30-45 minutes; dancers with pointe training may participate

Men's technique assessment: about 20 minutes; all dancers may participate

Modern/contemporary technique assessment: about 60 minutes

Structured/guided improvisation: about 10-15 minutes

Attire

Female-identifying: black or solid leotard, pink/skin-tone convertible tights, and pink/skin-tone ballet slippers; optional short skirt

Non-binary-identifying: black or solid unitard with pink/skin-tone, black, or white ballet slippers

Male-identifying: black convertible tights with dance belt, fitted white/black dance shirt, and black/white/skin-tone ballet slippers

Bring contemporary socks; modern/contemporary assessment begins barefoot

Application portal · Acceptd

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Must use application reference ID number (undergraduate) or application ID number (graduate) to access Acceptd

ID is received within 24-48 hours after applying to the university

What's The Process

Audition Process

Submit materials via Acceptd after completing the University of Cincinnati application

Prescreen submission deadline listed by CCM: December 3, 2026, unless otherwise noted for the major

Multiple videos requested to demonstrate strengths and skills for initial invitation

Audition Expectations

Students invited for an audition/interview will be notified of their specific date, time, and location in December

Ballet Technique Assessment, Pointe Technique Assessment, Men's Technique Assessment, Modern/Contemporary Technique Assessment, structured/guided improvisation, Q&A, and facility tour may be included

Contact

CCM Admissions: ccmadmis@ucmail.uc.edu

Scholarship Info

Scholarships are available to qualified students

Admissions application materials must be received by December 1, 2026 for scholarship consideration

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.69

Admit rate

85%

school-wide

Grad rate

75%

Enrollment

29.9K

Earnings

$55K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$16,748

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$32,082

Before aid

Average net price

$25,648

After aid

Fast Facts · ccm.uc.edu College Scorecard

Training

Emphasis on ballet and contemporary styles with top-level training

Intensive academic and studio curriculum with advanced training while cultivating artistry

In-depth somatic and wellness studies (Alexander Technique, Pilates, Yoga)

Notable Alumni

Suzanne Farrell — trained at Cincinnati Conservatory; became principal dancer with New York City Ballet and George Balanchine’s foremost muse

Peggy Lyman Hayes — former CCM Corbett Scholar; principal dancer with Martha Graham Dance Company (1973–88)

Carrie Ellmore-Tallitsch — principal dancer and choreographer with Martha Graham Dance Company

Professional Development

Opportunities to dance with professional companies while pursuing degree (Cincinnati Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Louisville Ballet and BalletMet)

Study abroad opportunities for international performances

CCM’s production season is integrated with curriculum — all students have opportunity to perform regularly

Facilities

Three large dance studios with an observation booth and dressing rooms

Onsite physical therapists and athletic trainers

Updated 2d ago