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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Browse programs

Quick links

BA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Selective12-24 StudentsTransfer In Friendly

Program Recognition

BA Dance in the School of Theatre and Dance

Focus on getting to know students as individuals, not just technical proficiency

Cultivates citizen artists with broad creative and technical abilities in choreography, performance, theory, and leadership

Seeking applicants with set of skills and interests both in and outside the arts

Training

Strong alumni networks in Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles, and other major cities

Alumni working on Broadway, in national tours, professional dance companies, cruise ships, and film/TV

Notable Alumni

Keira Hart-Mendoza '03 — Artistic Director of UpRooted Dance (DC-based company)

Jess Burgess '07 — Co-Artistic Director & founder of rva dance collective (Richmond, VA)

Kate Folsom '11 — Programs Associate at Dance/USA; performer with UpRooted Dance

School Info

Snapshot

3.66

Avg GPA

72%

Admit Rate

school-wide

80%

Grad Rate

20.9K

Enrollment

$70K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$14,768

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,576

Before aid

Average Net Price

$23,322

After aid

Undergraduate.Shtml · jmu.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 26, 2:07 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BA Dance in the School of Theatre and Dance

Focus on getting to know students as individuals, not just technical proficiency

Cultivates citizen artists with broad creative and technical abilities in choreography, performance, theory, and leadership

Seeking applicants with set of skills and interests both in and outside the arts

Training

Strong alumni networks in Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles, and other major cities

Alumni working on Broadway, in national tours, professional dance companies, cruise ships, and film/TV

Notable Alumni

Keira Hart-Mendoza '03 — Artistic Director of UpRooted Dance (DC-based company)

Jess Burgess '07 — Co-Artistic Director & founder of rva dance collective (Richmond, VA)

Kate Folsom '11 — Programs Associate at Dance/USA; performer with UpRooted Dance

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BA Dance in the School of Theatre and Dance

Focus on getting to know students as individuals, not just technical proficiency

Cultivates citizen artists with broad creative and technical abilities in choreography, performance, theory, and leadership

Seeking applicants with set of skills and interests both in and outside the arts

Training

Strong alumni networks in Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles, and other major cities

Alumni working on Broadway, in national tours, professional dance companies, cruise ships, and film/TV

Notable Alumni

Keira Hart-Mendoza '03 — Artistic Director of UpRooted Dance (DC-based company)

Jess Burgess '07 — Co-Artistic Director & founder of rva dance collective (Richmond, VA)

Kate Folsom '11 — Programs Associate at Dance/USA; performer with UpRooted Dance

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$70

Deadline

Early ActionNov 1, 2026

Regular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Transfer Application — FallMar 1, 2027

International Application — FallJun 1, 2027

Dates And Deadlines.Shtml · jmu.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

SlideRoom

Auditions

In-Person at JMU (recommended for Early Action)

Nov 7, 2026Dec 5, 2026

In-Person at JMU (recommended for Regular Decision)Feb 6, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Final Video Submission DeadlineFeb 15, 2027

Index.Shtml · jmu.edu

Audition Requirements

Dance

In-Person Audition

45-minute dance workshop including:

Ballet barre

Modern phrases

Directed improvisation

Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for movement

Video Submission

Download and learn the provided ballet and modern combinations

Upload videos of you performing these combinations

Optional third video in a style of your choice (up to 90 seconds)

Must also submit a 30-second video responding to:

Why are you interested in JMU?

Why are you interested in JMU Dance?

What are your goals and how will you use your JMU degree?

Additional Materials

Headshot

Photo of yourself

Resume

Dance training history, styles studied, competitions, musicals, teaching experience

Include other artistic experiences (acting, visual art, design)

Unofficial Transcript

High school or, for transfer students, both college and high school

Personal Statement

Why you want to join the School of Theatre and Dance at JMU

How the BA Dance degree will help meet your academic and professional goals

1000 words max — used for admission and scholarship consideration

Dance Videos

Upload videos as required for your audition option (in-person or video submission)

Dance Audition Requirements 2425.Pdf · jmu.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to JMU through the Office of Admissions/Common App

Fall 2027 SlideRoom applications and Dance audition-registration links opened August 19, 2026

Submit the School of Theatre and Dance application/portfolio in SlideRoom before the audition

Submit SlideRoom at least 9 days before an in-person audition/interview; video-only submissions are due by February 15, 2027 (SlideRoom's standard deadline)

JMU covers the SlideRoom fee

Transfer Pathway

JMU states that transfer students use the same Dance gateway process and, depending on prior coursework, can complete the Dance major in two to three years.

FAQ.Shtml · jmu.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

In-person applicants: upload one video in any style of your choosing

Video submission applicants: download and learn provided ballet and modern combinations

Video submission deadline: February 15, 2027

Audition Expectations

In-person audition or video submission available

In-person includes: 45-min dance workshop, faculty/student Q&A session, one-on-one interview

Interview is just as important as dancing ability

Faculty seek variety of skills and interests both in and outside the arts

Contact

Tara Lee Burns, Dance Recruitment Coordinator: burnstl@jmu.edu

Scholarship Info

Arts Scholarships

Excellence in the Arts awards

Madison Recognition awards

Merit scholarships from School of Theatre and Dance

Guaranteed admission to Wayland Living-Learning Arts Community

Criteria

Talent and ability based on audition, academic promise, interview, and application essay

Priority Consideration

Apply JMU Early Action and submit SlideRoom application before mid-January

School Info

Snapshot

3.66

Avg GPA

72%

Admit Rate

school-wide

80%

Grad Rate

20.9K

Enrollment

$70K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$14,768

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$32,576

Before aid

Average Net Price

$23,322

After aid

Undergraduate.Shtml · jmu.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

BA Dance in the School of Theatre and Dance

Focus on getting to know students as individuals, not just technical proficiency

Cultivates citizen artists with broad creative and technical abilities in choreography, performance, theory, and leadership

Seeking applicants with set of skills and interests both in and outside the arts

Training

Strong alumni networks in Washington DC, New York City, Los Angeles, and other major cities

Alumni working on Broadway, in national tours, professional dance companies, cruise ships, and film/TV

Notable Alumni

Keira Hart-Mendoza '03 — Artistic Director of UpRooted Dance (DC-based company)

Jess Burgess '07 — Co-Artistic Director & founder of rva dance collective (Richmond, VA)

Kate Folsom '11 — Programs Associate at Dance/USA; performer with UpRooted Dance

Updated Aug 26, 2:07 PM