Southeast Missouri State University
Test-Optional
Program
No PrescreenScholarship AuditionNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Scholarship Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING & FACILITIES
•Professional, conservatory-style training program
•Exceptional dance facilities at River Campus with sprung floors, Marley dance surface, and up-to-date sound systems
•24-hour access to dance studios with key card system
•Diversity of dance training including aerial, ballet, hip-hop, modern, jazz, pointe, and tap
PROGRAM FOCUS
•Explores all aspects of dance with focus on training, production, and professional development
•Wide range of flexibility to explore any and all aspects of dance
•Incorporates academic courses, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities
•Prepares students for professional dance, entertainment, and arts markets
•Prepares students for continuing studies to M.A. and M.F.A. level
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Master classes and choreographic residencies with guest artists
•American College Dance Association Annual Conference participation
•Recent graduate opportunities include Jacob's Pillow, Disney Internships, Broadway Dance Center, Chicago Repertory Ballet
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Chance Marshaun Hill (2013) — company dancer with STREB Extreme Action in New York City
•Kelcey Matheny — professional dancer and teacher in New York City
•Amy Cole (2015) — competition team director at Wildwood Dance and Arts, St. Louis
•Crystal Lewis — Assistant Professor of Dance at Radford University
Key Info
Program AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Video Audition (Scholarship Consideration)Feb 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
Optional audition for scholarship consideration — not required for program admission.
Dance
OPTIONAL PLACEMENT AUDITION
•Not required for admission — for technique-level placement and scholarship eligibility
IN-PERSON AUDITION
•2-hour dance master class incorporating ballet, modern, and jazz techniques
•Present a 90-second solo in the dance form of your choice
-May feature your own choreography or another choreographer's
-Should highlight your technical strengths and performance ability
•Bring music for your solo (phone, iPod, MP3 player with CD backup)
•Remove passcode from phone before audition
•Arrive at least 30 minutes early to sign in, change, and warm up
ATTIRE
•Solid-colored leotard or tank top
•Pink or black tights
•Ballet and jazz shoes
•Bring pointe shoes if comfortable en pointe
•No warm-ups, skirts, or jewelry
•Hair must be secured away from face and neck
VIDEO AUDITION (if unable to attend in person)
•Video must include ALL of the following:
-Brief introduction stating your name and interest in the program
-Short ballet barre: pliés, battement tendu/dégagé, ronde de jambe, frappé, grande battement
-Ballet center work: tendu with port de bras, adagio, waltz combination with pirouettes, petite allégro and grand allégro
-Pointe work (if applicable)
-One phrase (at least 16 counts) of modern dance material
-One phrase (at least 16 counts) of jazz dance material
-Choreographed solo, 90 seconds, in any dance style
•Must include all three technique styles: ballet, modern, and jazz
•Same dance attire must be worn throughout the video
•No stage performance videos accepted
•Submit video link via YouTube, Dropbox, or Vimeo on the application form
Additional Materials
•HEADSHOT (need not be professional)
•resume including roles played, formal training, awards or recognitions
Good to Know
ADMISSION
•No audition required for BA Dance program admission
•Audition strongly encouraged for technique-level placement and scholarship eligibility
VIDEO DEADLINE
•Video audition submissions must be received by February 1 for scholarship consideration
APPLICATION
•Apply via Conservatory dance application form
•Must also be accepted academically to SEMO via Common App or university portal
What's The Process
OPTIONAL PLACEMENT AUDITION
•Not required for admission — strongly encouraged for technique-level placement and scholarship eligibility
•Students typically notified of placement within two weeks of audition
•Must participate to be eligible for dance scholarships (awarded by March 1)
•Automatic scholarship consideration — no separate application form required
IN-PERSON FORMAT
•2-hour master class (ballet, modern, jazz) + 90-second solo presentation + brief faculty interview
•Interview covers technical training, previous dance experience, and goals
•Students evaluated on previous technical training, body alignment, movement mechanics, expressivity, and individual artistic potential
CONTACT
•Email BA Dance Coordinator Michael Lomeka at mlomeka@semo.edu to schedule
Scholarship Info
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
•Theatre and Dance Scholarships valued at $500, $1,000, or $1,500
•Renewable with acceptable progress
REQUIREMENTS
•Maintain 2.5 cumulative GPA and 3.0 Theatre and Dance GPA
•Earn no lower than 'B' in all Rehearsal and Production classes
•Complete 30 credit hours per academic year
Program info updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
TRAINING & FACILITIES
•Professional, conservatory-style training program
•Exceptional dance facilities at River Campus with sprung floors, Marley dance surface, and up-to-date sound systems
•24-hour access to dance studios with key card system
•Diversity of dance training including aerial, ballet, hip-hop, modern, jazz, pointe, and tap
PROGRAM FOCUS
•Explores all aspects of dance with focus on training, production, and professional development
•Wide range of flexibility to explore any and all aspects of dance
•Incorporates academic courses, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities
•Prepares students for professional dance, entertainment, and arts markets
•Prepares students for continuing studies to M.A. and M.F.A. level
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
•Master classes and choreographic residencies with guest artists
•American College Dance Association Annual Conference participation
•Recent graduate opportunities include Jacob's Pillow, Disney Internships, Broadway Dance Center, Chicago Repertory Ballet
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Chance Marshaun Hill (2013) — company dancer with STREB Extreme Action in New York City
•Kelcey Matheny — professional dancer and teacher in New York City
•Amy Cole (2015) — competition team director at Wildwood Dance and Arts, St. Louis
•Crystal Lewis — Assistant Professor of Dance at Radford University
Updated Mar 27, 2:30 AM
Academic School Information
3.50
Avg GPA
74%
Admit Rate
57%
Grad Rate
6,373
Enrollment
$44,030
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,903
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$9,903
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$15,882
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$12,704
Family Income $30k - $48k$13,342
Family Income $48k - $75k$15,338
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,395
Family Income $110k+$21,267
