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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & PERFORMANCE
•Curriculum balances practical training and theory in a nurturing environment
•Training in ballet, hip-hop, modern technique, dance composition, and kinesiology
•All majors perform in the Emerging Choreographers Concert and Dance Ensemble Concert each year
GUEST ARTISTS & MASTER CLASSES
•Professional choreographers and guest artists from New York, Philadelphia, and beyond
•Weekly master classes every Friday in a variety of dance styles
•Recent guests include Brandon Coleman, Donald Byrd, and Armando Braswell
FACILITIES
•Two dedicated dance studios: Brisson Dance Studio and Labuda Dance Studio
•Harlequin sprung wood floor system with top-of-the-line Marley floor
•Smart classroom technology and live piano/percussion accompaniment available
CAREER PREPARATION
•Faculty advisor paired with each student from day one
•Conservatory of Dance gives dance majors teaching experience with community students
•Alumni working with companies including MOMIX, cruise ships, and theme parks
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
PriorityDec 1, 2025
Rolling
Program AppApplication
Audition
Dance Talent Scholarship and Audition Day (Labuda Center)Jan 24, 2026
Audition Requirements
Dance
AUDITION CLASS
•Brief ballet technique class
•Contemporary/modern dance technique class
•Hip-hop movement section
•Improvisation — present abilities in your strongest dance style
ATTIRE
•Form-fitting athletic attire
FOOTWEAR
•Ballet slippers for ballet
•Bare feet for modern
•Sneakers for hip-hop
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
DANCE PHOTO (required)
•Send prior to audition or bring on audition day
RESUME (required)
•Send prior to audition or bring on audition day
WRITING SAMPLE (required)
•Answer the question: "Why do you want to study dance at DeSales University?"
•Send prior to audition or bring on audition day
•Email materials to rebecca.righi@desales.edu
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to DeSales University via Common App or school website
•Register for Dance Talent Scholarship and Audition Day separately
•No application fee
MATERIALS SUBMISSION
•Send dance photo, resume, and writing sample to rebecca.righi@desales.edu before audition
•May also bring materials on audition day
ENROLLMENT
•Fall semester start only
•Rolling admission with December 1 priority deadline for scholarships
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•In-person audition consisting of ballet, contemporary/modern, hip-hop, and improvisation
•Virtual auditions also available — contact Rebecca Righi at rebecca.righi@desales.edu
AUDITION DAY
•Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM
•Location: Labuda Center for the Performing Arts
•Must complete DeSales application before registering for audition
•Date is subject to change
IMPORTANT
•Academic acceptance does NOT guarantee artistic acceptance
•Must be accepted both academically and artistically
Scholarship Info
TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Performing arts talent scholarships awarded based on audition performance
•Priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 1
•Must complete application to DeSales before registering for audition
Program info updated 22h ago
Academic School Information
3.41
Avg GPA (W)
77%
Admit Rate
72%
Grad Rate
2,128
Enrollment
$61,295
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$46,800
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$31,643
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$24,007
Family Income $30k - $48k$25,400
Family Income $48k - $75k$26,096
Family Income $75k - $110k$29,982
Family Income $110k+$34,878
