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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Scholarship Audition
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•10–17 technique classes per week including ballet, modern dance, jazz, and Afro-Cuban dance
•Faculty includes award-winning performers, choreographers, and directors from renowned companies
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•4 fully produced mainstage concerts each year
•Original faculty works, classical and contemporary repertory, and student-choreographed productions
•Guest artist workshops and residencies with companies like DanceWorks Chicago, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Malpaso Dance Company, and Chicago Dance Crash
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Graduates perform with top companies including American Ballet Theatre and Cirque Du Soleil, and on Broadway
•Alumni work as choreographers, dance educators, and studio owners across the U.S.
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
PriorityDec 1, 2025
RollingAug 1, 2026
Program AppApplication
Auditions
Campus Audition (Gabel Hall, NIU, DeKalb, IL)Feb 16, 2026
Virtual Audition DeadlineMar 2, 2026
Dance Open House (NIU Campus)Apr 25, 2026
Audition Requirements
Optional audition for scholarship consideration — not required for program admission.
Dance
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
•In-person scholarship audition includes technique class (ballet, modern, jazz, Afro-Cuban, and more)
•Virtual audition option available — see NIU Dance Scholarship Requirements video for submission details
•Virtual audition deadline: March 2, 2026
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
•Complete the NIU Dance Scholarship Application form
•Apply to NIU for general admission if you have not already
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•Apply to NIU for general admission
•No separate program application required — declare the major after university admission
•For scholarships: complete the Dance Scholarship Application and attend an audition or submit a virtual audition
What's The Process
OPEN ENROLLMENT
•The BFA in Dance Performance is an open-enrollment program — no audition is required for admission
•Once accepted to NIU, declare the major and meet with a dance advisor
•Scholarship auditions are separate from admission
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
•February 16, 2026: On-Campus Audition, Gabel Hall 113, NIU (DeKalb, IL)
•Virtual audition option available — see NIU Dance Scholarship Requirements video for submission details
•Virtual audition deadline: March 2, 2026
AUDITION DAY SCHEDULE
•9:00–9:45 AM — Registration (Stevens Building lobby)
•10:00–11:00 AM — Welcome and orientation (O'Connell Theatre)
•11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Dance Scholarship Audition (Gabel Hall 113)
•2:20–3:30 PM — Facility tour
RECRUITMENT EVENTS
•NIU also recruits at ChiArts Connections Week, Illinois High School Dance Festival, CNADM College & Career Fair, and Metamorphosis Fearless Evolution
Scholarship Info
DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
•Dance scholarship auditions held on-campus and virtually
•Complete the NIU Dance Scholarship Application
•Contact Professor Marc Macaranas (marcmacaranas@niu.edu) for information
OTHER FUNDING
•Also explore the Huskie Pledge and NIU Financial Aid
Program info updated 14h ago
Academic School Information
3.40
Avg GPA
70%
Admit Rate
51%
Grad Rate
11,277
Enrollment
$57,808
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$12,700
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$12,700
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$12,909
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$9,047
Family Income $30k - $48k$9,740
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,674
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,806
Family Income $110k+$21,307
