Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Conservatory-level dance training within a top-ranked liberal arts college
•Described as one of the most distinctive undergraduate dance experiences in the U.S.
•Small class sizes: 100-level (28 students), 200-level (26), 300-level (18)
CURRICULUM & TECHNIQUE
•Balances rigorous technique and performance training with core study in history, composition, production, and music
•Six credits of specialized theory in a chosen area of interest
•Over 70% of dance students are double majors
PERFORMANCE & GUEST ARTISTS
•Students perform in faculty choreography, student showcases, and campus-wide events
•Annual residencies with accomplished choreographers including Ohad Naharin, Paul Taylor, Robert Battle, and Larry Keigwin
•Partnership with ODC/Dance from San Francisco
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Sybil Shearer — pioneering modern dancer and choreographer, MacArthur-recognized innovator in experimental dance
•Robert Tracy — dancer, writer, and educator who worked with George Balanchine, Martha Graham, and Rudolf Nureyev
•Emily Gunter — choreographer who has showcased work internationally and returned to Skidmore as a lecturer
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atCoalition App
Apply atQuestBridge
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early DecisionNov 1, 2026
Early Decision IIJan 8, 2027
Regular DecisionJan 8, 2027
Good to Know
APPLICATION DETAILS
•Apply through Common App, Coalition App, or QuestBridge
•No application fee
•No supplemental essays required
•Test scores optional (test-optional since 2016)
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment only
•Three decision rounds: Early Decision I (Nov. 1), Early Decision II (Jan. 8), Regular Decision (Jan. 8)
What's The Process
ADMISSION PROCESS
•No audition required for admission to the dance major
•Students are admitted to Skidmore College through the regular admissions process
•The program welcomes dancers with varying backgrounds and experience levels
OPTIONAL PORTFOLIO
•Prospective dance majors may submit an optional video portfolio through the Skidmore Applicant Portal
•Video portfolios should be no longer than three minutes
•May demonstrate any dance discipline(s) or style(s) that best exemplify the dancer's strengths
•Should include at least one longer clip (at least 30 seconds) demonstrating ability to execute more complex choreography
•Must be uploaded within one week of the application deadline
Scholarship Info
MIRANDA FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
•Supports rising juniors and seniors majoring or minoring in theater, dance, music, or arts administration
•Created by the family of Lin-Manuel Miranda (Skidmore graduate)
•Up to five students selected annually
•Must self-identify as underrepresented and/or first-generation college student in the arts
AWARD DETAILS
•Covers full demonstrated financial need, dedicated summer experience fund, work-study relief, and faculty mentoring
•Includes professional development coursework, guest artist experiences, and cohort activities such as NYC theater trips
•Eligible scholars may apply for the Miranda Family Fellowship during senior year for post-graduation career support
•Application deadline: March 31
Program info updated Mar 23, 12:45 AM
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•Conservatory-level dance training within a top-ranked liberal arts college
•Described as one of the most distinctive undergraduate dance experiences in the U.S.
•Small class sizes: 100-level (28 students), 200-level (26), 300-level (18)
CURRICULUM & TECHNIQUE
•Balances rigorous technique and performance training with core study in history, composition, production, and music
•Six credits of specialized theory in a chosen area of interest
•Over 70% of dance students are double majors
PERFORMANCE & GUEST ARTISTS
•Students perform in faculty choreography, student showcases, and campus-wide events
•Annual residencies with accomplished choreographers including Ohad Naharin, Paul Taylor, Robert Battle, and Larry Keigwin
•Partnership with ODC/Dance from San Francisco
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Sybil Shearer — pioneering modern dancer and choreographer, MacArthur-recognized innovator in experimental dance
•Robert Tracy — dancer, writer, and educator who worked with George Balanchine, Martha Graham, and Rudolf Nureyev
•Emily Gunter — choreographer who has showcased work internationally and returned to Skidmore as a lecturer
Updated Mar 23, 12:45 AM
Academic School Information
3.92
Avg GPA (W)
21%
Admit Rate
82%
Grad Rate
2,694
Enrollment
$69,363
Earnings
10yr after
Tuition & Fees
$67,290
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$32,297
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$9,932
Family Income $30k - $48k$11,454
Family Income $48k - $75k$15,855
Family Income $75k - $110k$22,438
Family Income $110k+$45,136
