University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music
Test-Optional
Select Program
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person Only
Highly Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Study Abroad
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)
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•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 & SUPPORT
•Three large dance studios with an observation booth and dressing rooms
•Onsite physical therapists and athletic trainers
FACULTY
•Distinguished, dynamic faculty members including Shauna Steele (Department Chair), Deirdre Carberry, and Hee Ra Yoo
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadline
Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
Fee
$50Waiver
Pre-Screening Fee
$95Waiver
Per major
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadlines
DeadlineDec 8, 2025
PrescreenDec 10, 2025
Auditions
On CampusFeb 13–14, 2026
On CampusFeb 21, 2026
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: Technique
•BALLET TECHNIQUE
•At Barre: Short plié w/tondu and degage, Short développé w/fondu, Petit battement, Grand battement
•At Center: Adagio (female identifying in pointe shoes), 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, fouetté turns. Male identifying students, please show a final combination that demonstrates 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 once on both sides, Combination should contain: contraction & release, Spiral to the ground/recover to standing, 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 Skill (Optional)
•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)
Submission Specifications
•Framing: At barre your camera should be placed so that the evaluator has a clear side view of you and frames at medium distance while still keeping full body in frame at all times
•Video #1 should clearly state your name, which classical variation, act and ballet, and the studio/academy/training program currently attending
•Performance videos are acceptable but should clearly show the applicant only and be a clear, moderately close video. The video should not be at a distance, fuzzy, or grainy
•Dancers (male, female, non-binary) wanting to be evaluated for pointe roles must wear pointe shoes for center work. It is strongly encouraged for barre work
Additional Materials
•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 relevé
•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 including: Why do you need to dance, Some of your long and/or short-term goals you feel can only be accomplished at UC/CCM
Good to Know
ACCEPTD ACCESS
•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
PRESCREEN
•Submit all materials via Acceptd by December 10
•Multiple videos requested to demonstrate strengths and skills for initial invitation
LIVE AUDITION
•Invitation-only — notified in January by CCM Admissions Office
•Must select preferred date/time by January 19 at 5 p.m. EST
AUDITION DAY SCHEDULE
•Check in with Ballet+Contemporary Dance Department
•Individual warm-up time, meet current majors, tour of dance wing
•Ballet Technique Assessment (approx. 1 hour - 1 hour 15 min) in ballet slippers
•Pointe Technique Assessment (approx. 30-45 min)
•Men's Technique Assessment (approx. 20 min)
•Modern/Contemporary Technique Assessment (approx. 1 hour) — begin in bare feet, bring contemporary socks
•Structured/Guided Improvisation (approx. 10-15 min)
•Q&A with dance faculty, current majors, prospective parents & students
•Tour of Performance Spaces (dependent on availability)
Scholarship Info
•Scholarships are available to qualified students
Program info updated 1 week ago
Academic School Information
3.69
Avg GPA (W)
88%
Admit Rate
72%
Grad Rate
29,094
Enrollment
$54,810
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$13,570
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$30,582
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$23,156
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$15,108
Family Income $30k - $48k$16,373
Family Income $48k - $75k$20,607
Family Income $75k - $110k$25,288
Family Income $110k+$26,573
