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Program Characteristics

No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
No University App

Program Highlights

CONSERVATORY TRAINING

Intensive BFA program at the Peabody Conservatory, part of Johns Hopkins University
Training in modern, contemporary ballet, African Expressions, improvisation, and more
Curriculum blends studio instruction with dance science and social justice perspectives

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Perform during all four years of the program
Peabody Dance Ensemble: award-winning pre-professional company for 4th-year students
Ensemble performs in annual concerts, festivals, conferences, and community residencies
Guest artist residencies with master dance artists creating original and repertory works

CAPSTONE & CAREER PREP

Capstone Dance Project: independent research culminating in a self-produced concert, dance film, lecture, or panel discussion
Apprenticeships and internships with professional dance companies, choreographers, studios, and arts organizations

INTERNATIONAL STUDY

Summer study abroad opportunities including dance intensive at ICK Amsterdam

SCHOLARSHIPS & AID

All auditioners automatically considered for Peabody Merit Scholarships
Need-blind admissions — financial circumstances do not factor into admission decisions
90% of incoming students receive scholarships and financial aid
100% of demonstrated need met for eligible domestic undergraduates with no-loan packages

Key Info

Program App

Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2025
Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
Late AdmissionMay 1, 2026
Auditions
Early Decision Audition (Campus)Dec 2, 2025
Audition Week — Pre-Audition Events (Campus)Feb 21, 2026
Audition Week — Live Audition (Campus)Feb 22, 2026
Audition Week — Overflow Date (Campus)Feb 23, 2026
Fee
$120Waiver

Audition Requirements

Dance

LIVE AUDITION — GROUP PORTION

Modern warm-up
Contemporary ballet movement phrase
African Expressions
Modern movement phrase
Improvisation

LIVE AUDITION — SOLO

Up to 2 minutes in length, in any genre
May be self-choreographed or choreographed by someone else
Introduce the solo and credit the choreographer

RECORDED AUDITION — VIDEO SECTIONS

Contemporary ballet center combination
Modern phrase that travels across the floor
Modern center combination
Genre of choice center combination
Solo: up to 2 minutes in any genre — introduce and credit the choreographer
Spoken portion answering background questions (see application notes)
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Submission Specifications

RECORDING GUIDELINES

Video format required — audio-only not accepted
Selections must be performed without editing (no cuts)
May upload one single file or multiple files
Landscape (horizontal) orientation recommended
Position camera 3-6 feet away with full technique visible
Ensure good lighting — avoid light sources behind you
Neutral, distraction-free background
Turn off noise reduction on recording device
Additional Materials

RESUME (required for recorded audition)

Dance training background and experience

HEADSHOT (required for recorded audition)

Standard headshot photo

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

Three recommenders who can speak to your performance ability
Submit recommender email addresses with application

ESSAY

One to two pages responding to one of the provided prompts
Dance applicants: describe your most memorable dance experience

Good to Know

APPLICATION PORTAL

Apply via the Peabody application portal
Fee waivers available — email peabodyadmissions@jhu.edu

RECORDED AUDITION DEADLINES

Early Decision: December 1
Regular Decision: February 1
Late Admission: May 10

SPRING ADMISSION

Available for Dance students only
Application and recording must be submitted together by November 1

DOUBLE DEGREE OPTION

Peabody Dance students may pursue a double degree with JHU Homewood schools
Must also apply to JHU via Common App or Coalition App — only one application fee required
If not admitted to double degree, automatically considered for the Directed Studies Minor

FINANCIAL AID

FAFSA and CSS Profile required for need-based aid consideration
Need-based aid deadlines: ED Nov 15, RD Jan 15, Late Apr 1

What's The Process

AUDITION FORMAT

Two options: live on-campus audition OR recorded video submission
In-person auditions are strongly recommended
Recorded audition decisions released with regular decisions only

LIVE AUDITION (2-DAY FORMAT)

Day 1: Master class with Dance Chair danah bella, followed by the annual Peabody Dance Ensemble concert featuring 4th-year students
Day 2: Group audition (modern, contemporary ballet, African Expressions, improv) followed by prepared solo

RECORDED AUDITION

Video must be unedited — no cuts within selections
May upload as one file or multiple files
Upload via application status portal after submitting application
Landscape (horizontal) orientation recommended
Include spoken portion answering background questions

CONTACT

Dance Chair danah bella: dbella1@jhu.edu

Scholarship Info

PEABODY MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS

All applicants who complete an audition are automatically considered
Awarded based on merit, talent, and school needs for balance across areas

NEED-BASED AID

Need-blind admissions policy
90% of incoming students receive scholarships and financial aid
100% of demonstrated need met for eligible domestic undergraduates
No-loan financial aid packages for eligible students
FAFSA and CSS Profile required for need-based consideration
Program info updated Today

Academic School Information

3.93
Avg GPA (W)
8%
Admit Rate
94%
Grad Rate
5,617
Enrollment
$87,555
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$63,340
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,161
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$1,473
Family Income $30k - $48k$2,708
Family Income $48k - $75k$4,431
Family Income $75k - $110k$12,085
Family Income $110k+$38,745