Indiana University - Bloomington
Test-OptionalGreek Life
Program
Prescreen RequiredAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person OnlyUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BFA in Dance grounded in modern and contemporary dance with ballet and world dance forms
•Curriculum includes technique, repertory, improvisation, composition, pedagogy, history, music, production, movement analysis, injury prevention, and Pilates certification
•Students may elect to study musical theatre, tap, and jazz
FACULTY & TRAINING
•Supported by three full-time faculty and several adjuncts within the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance
•Faculty from African American and African Diaspora Studies, Kinesiology, and the Jacobs School of Music also teach in the major
•Guest artists of national and international renown set choreography and teach each year
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•All students are performing members of the Indiana University Contemporary Dance Theatre
•Perform in faculty/guest artist concerts and student works — seniors produce a concert each fall
•Additional opportunities with IU Opera, Musical Theatre Program, African American Dance Company, and Windfall Dancers
•Performance opportunities at national and international festivals and conferences
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Combine the BFA with minors in Theatre and Drama, Business (Kelley School), or Liberal Arts Management Program
•Pre-physical therapy track available
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2026
Regular DecisionFeb 1, 2027
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadlines
Prescreen (for November 21 audition)Nov 14, 2025
Prescreen (for February 6 audition)Jan 30, 2026
Prescreen (for March 9 audition)Mar 2, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus (Bloomington, IN)Nov 21, 2025
On-Campus (Bloomington, IN)Feb 6, 2026
On-Campus — by special permission only (Bloomington, IN)Mar 9, 2026
Prescreen Requirements
Dance
ONE DANCE VIDEO, 30 sec
•Can be formal or informal — stage performance, studio phrase, or home improvisation
•Choose something that demonstrates your best qualities as a dancer
•Any genre is suitable
Additional Materials
PHOTO
•Formal or casual photo of yourself
RESUME
•Chronological list of dance training and performances from 8th grade to most recent
•Include teachers, companies, and locations of training and performances
•A traditional resume is also acceptable
ESSAY (five prompts, 3-5 sentences each)
•Describe an artist, choreography, or company that changed what you know about dance — what was different and how did it change your mind about what dance is or can do?
•What is another academic, service, or artistic interest of yours and how does it influence your approach to dance?
•What are some myths about dance that you held, and how have your ideas changed?
•What are the ways you notice you learn best — do you need time to reflect, witness others, or repeat movements to grow as a dancer?
•Describe the relationship between music and your dancing — what styles of music do you identify with and how might you grow in your musicianship?
Callback Requirements
Dance
TWO-HOUR AUDITION CLASS
•Western and non-western dance practices
•Includes tap and house components
•Bring tap shoes and/or tennis shoes if you have them — purchase is not required
SOLO PERFORMANCE
•Present a solo performance for faculty review
ATTIRE
•Long pants preferred — no tights or leggings
•Tops should cover back and abdomen — not too tight or large and bulky
•Long hair should be secured — no buns
•For solo: may dress in standard dance performance attire, especially if it provides cultural context for the work
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Must apply to Indiana University and select Dance as intended major on the General Admissions application
•Submit General Admissions application by November 1 for merit scholarship consideration
•Auditions may occur while university admission is still pending
•Must be accepted to IU to receive audition results
SUBMISSION PORTAL
•Submit prescreen materials via Acceptd
•No additional fee to audition — Acceptd fee waivers available
PROGRAM UPDATE
•The ballet and contemporary dance programs are merging to form Jacobs Dance under the Jacobs School of Music
•The new BFA in Dance has two tracks: Contemporary Dance and Ballet
•The existing BFA in Dance may show as suspended in the application system — this reflects the transition to the new degree, not a closure
•Contemporary dance continues to accept applications and hold auditions
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Submit prescreen materials via Acceptd
•Upon review, you will be notified if you are invited to advance to the in-person audition
•Notification typically within one week of submission
LIVE AUDITION
•By invitation only after passing prescreen
•In-person only — no virtual audition option
•Full-day format: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
•Two-hour audition class followed by solo presentations
•Parents may not view audition class, performance, or group discussion
•Optional afternoon Q&A session and campus tour do not affect results
RESULTS
•All audition results announced beginning March 15, 2026 via Acceptd
•Must be accepted to Indiana University to receive audition results
•Results sent regardless of audition date
CONTACT
•Kate Lyons, Dance BFA Liaison — kavander@iu.edu
Scholarship Info
•Submit General Admissions application by November 1 to be considered for IU Academic Merit Scholarships
Program info updated 2h ago
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BFA in Dance grounded in modern and contemporary dance with ballet and world dance forms
•Curriculum includes technique, repertory, improvisation, composition, pedagogy, history, music, production, movement analysis, injury prevention, and Pilates certification
•Students may elect to study musical theatre, tap, and jazz
FACULTY & TRAINING
•Supported by three full-time faculty and several adjuncts within the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance
•Faculty from African American and African Diaspora Studies, Kinesiology, and the Jacobs School of Music also teach in the major
•Guest artists of national and international renown set choreography and teach each year
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•All students are performing members of the Indiana University Contemporary Dance Theatre
•Perform in faculty/guest artist concerts and student works — seniors produce a concert each fall
•Additional opportunities with IU Opera, Musical Theatre Program, African American Dance Company, and Windfall Dancers
•Performance opportunities at national and international festivals and conferences
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Combine the BFA with minors in Theatre and Drama, Business (Kelley School), or Liberal Arts Management Program
•Pre-physical therapy track available
Updated 2h ago
Academic School Information
3.76
Avg GPA (W)
78%
Admit Rate
81%
Grad Rate
37,806
Enrollment
$63,742
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$12,144
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,891
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,264
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$6,324
Family Income $30k - $48k$7,610
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,154
Family Income $75k - $110k$20,204
Family Income $110k+$25,128
