Public school3.2K

SUNY Purchase

Purchase, NY

HSITest-OptionalLGBTQ+

Start free

Program

Concentration

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Program

Concentration

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Browse programs

Quick links

BFA Dance Performance

Performance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program profile

Highly Selective12-24 StudentsStudy Abroad

Training

Core dance performance concentration within the Conservatory of Dance

Daily classes in classical ballet and contemporary modern dance with internationally distinguished faculty

Comprehensive somatic offerings including Pilates, yoga, Alexander Technique, and anatomy

Strong musical training component with historical survey, score reading, and percussion/rhythmic training

Performance & Productions

Perform with Purchase Dance Company in Performing Arts Center, Dance Theatre Lab, and on tour in NYC, New York State, and abroad

Senior project requires performing a repertory piece by a professional choreographer of your choice, choreographing an original work, and co-producing a concert

Notable Alumni

Kyle Abraham '00 — MacArthur "Genius" Fellow (2013), founder of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Samantha Figgins '11 — principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Tamisha Guy '13 — Princess Grace Award winner, member of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Doug Varone '78 — Guggenheim Fellow, two Bessie Awards, founder of Doug Varone and Dancers

School Info

Snapshot

3.39

Avg GPA (W)

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

3.2K

Enrollment

$45K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$8,953

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$18,863

Before aid

Average Net Price

$18,913

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · purchase.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 20, 11:13 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Core dance performance concentration within the Conservatory of Dance

Daily classes in classical ballet and contemporary modern dance with internationally distinguished faculty

Comprehensive somatic offerings including Pilates, yoga, Alexander Technique, and anatomy

Strong musical training component with historical survey, score reading, and percussion/rhythmic training

Performance & Productions

Perform with Purchase Dance Company in Performing Arts Center, Dance Theatre Lab, and on tour in NYC, New York State, and abroad

Senior project requires performing a repertory piece by a professional choreographer of your choice, choreographing an original work, and co-producing a concert

Notable Alumni

Kyle Abraham '00 — MacArthur "Genius" Fellow (2013), founder of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Samantha Figgins '11 — principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Tamisha Guy '13 — Princess Grace Award winner, member of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Doug Varone '78 — Guggenheim Fellow, two Bessie Awards, founder of Doug Varone and Dancers

Program Highlights

Training

Core dance performance concentration within the Conservatory of Dance

Daily classes in classical ballet and contemporary modern dance with internationally distinguished faculty

Comprehensive somatic offerings including Pilates, yoga, Alexander Technique, and anatomy

Strong musical training component with historical survey, score reading, and percussion/rhythmic training

Performance & Productions

Perform with Purchase Dance Company in Performing Arts Center, Dance Theatre Lab, and on tour in NYC, New York State, and abroad

Senior project requires performing a repertory piece by a professional choreographer of your choice, choreographing an original work, and co-producing a concert

Notable Alumni

Kyle Abraham '00 — MacArthur "Genius" Fellow (2013), founder of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Samantha Figgins '11 — principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Tamisha Guy '13 — Princess Grace Award winner, member of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Doug Varone '78 — Guggenheim Fellow, two Bessie Awards, founder of Doug Varone and Dancers

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website Common App

Fee

$50

Deadline

Early ActionNov 15, 2026

Rolling (Recommended)Apr 1, 2027

Deadlines · purchase.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

Audition Fee

$65

Deadline

ApplicationFeb 1, 2027

Portfolio SubmissionFeb 8, 2027

Auditions

On CampusFeb 6, 12, 20 & 26, 2027

Dance · purchase.edu

Audition Requirements

Dance

Audition Class

Ballet class

Modern/contemporary combinations (center and across the floor)

Improvisation prompts

Requirements

90-second Solo

Solo in classical or contemporary ballet, modern, or contemporary dance

Choreography may be your own or another's

Music should be played from your phone

Be prepared to introduce your piece (title, choreographer, composer, and any relevant notes)

Solos exceeding 90 seconds will be stopped

Attire

Costumes are not permitted; attire should allow clear visibility of movement

The audition studio has a marley floor

Additional Materials

Audition Materials

Dance Resume

Dance photo (8x10 full-body image in leotard and tights; first arabesque preferred)

One artistic letter of recommendation (must be sent directly by the recommender to admissions@purchase.edu)

Copy of the college essay submitted with your application

Requirements · purchase.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

What's The Process

Audition Process

After submitting materials and fee, register for on-campus audition date

Advanced registration required — all auditions are scheduled online

Audition Expectations

Auditions take place in campus dance studio with fellow applicants

Class led by Purchase College dance faculty member and observed by panel of 2-3 faculty

Following the class, selected finalists present their 90-second solo and participate in a brief interview

Plan to spend the full day on campus — schedules may shift depending on number of applicants or weather

Decisions

Applicants typically notified of admission decision three to four weeks after audition

International applicants unable to attend in person should contact dance@purchase.edu

Scholarship Info

Talent Scholarships

Institutional scholarships awarded to BFA students based on talent demonstrated during audition

Scholarship awards are funded for four years (eight semesters)

All applicants are automatically considered — no separate scholarship application required

School Info

Snapshot

3.39

Avg GPA (W)

74%

Admit Rate

school-wide

63%

Grad Rate

3.2K

Enrollment

$45K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$8,953

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$18,863

Before aid

Average Net Price

$18,913

After aid

Cost Of Attendance · purchase.edu College Scorecard

Training

Core dance performance concentration within the Conservatory of Dance

Daily classes in classical ballet and contemporary modern dance with internationally distinguished faculty

Comprehensive somatic offerings including Pilates, yoga, Alexander Technique, and anatomy

Strong musical training component with historical survey, score reading, and percussion/rhythmic training

Performance & Productions

Perform with Purchase Dance Company in Performing Arts Center, Dance Theatre Lab, and on tour in NYC, New York State, and abroad

Senior project requires performing a repertory piece by a professional choreographer of your choice, choreographing an original work, and co-producing a concert

Notable Alumni

Kyle Abraham '00 — MacArthur "Genius" Fellow (2013), founder of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Samantha Figgins '11 — principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Tamisha Guy '13 — Princess Grace Award winner, member of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham

Doug Varone '78 — Guggenheim Fellow, two Bessie Awards, founder of Doug Varone and Dancers

Updated Aug 20, 11:13 PM