Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
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 AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
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)
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 Mar 27, 2:29 AM
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
Updated Mar 27, 2:29 AM
Academic School Information
3.93
Avg GPA (W)
6%
Admit Rate
94%
Grad Rate
5,693
Enrollment
$87,555
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$65,230
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$18,809
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$428
Family Income $30k - $48k-$213
Family Income $48k - $75k$4,179
Family Income $75k - $110k$14,591
Family Income $110k+$37,774
