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University of South Carolina - Columbia

Columbia, SC

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

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BA Dance

Performance and Choreography

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

Virtual Only

Program Recognition

Recognized by Dance Magazine as one of the top non-conservatory dance programs in the country

NASD accredited (National Association of Schools of Dance)

Training

Foundation in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and jazz

Courses in dance history, dance anatomy and kinesiology, choreography, and improvisation

Senior capstone project required

Active guest-artist program with professional choreographers and dancers worldwide

Performance & Productions

Performance requirements with USC Dance Company

Annual season including classical and avant-garde choreography

Collaborations with companies such Limón Dance Company and The Joffrey Ballet

Notable Alumni

Carolyn Bolton ('11) — dancer and choreographer with Rambert Dance Company in London

Logan Acker ('22) — company member, Ballet San Antonio

Elaine Miller ('18) — dancer with City Ballet of San Diego

Danielle Wilson ('11) — apprentice with Garth Fagan Dance in NYC

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.69

Admit rate

60%

school-wide

Grad rate

79%

Enrollment

29.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$12,688

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$37,376

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$39,364

Before aid

Average net price

$22,811

After aid

Cost To Attend · sc.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated 9h ago

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Recognized by Dance Magazine as one of the top non-conservatory dance programs in the country

NASD accredited (National Association of Schools of Dance)

Training

Foundation in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and jazz

Courses in dance history, dance anatomy and kinesiology, choreography, and improvisation

Senior capstone project required

Active guest-artist program with professional choreographers and dancers worldwide

Performance & Productions

Performance requirements with USC Dance Company

Annual season including classical and avant-garde choreography

Collaborations with companies such Limón Dance Company and The Joffrey Ballet

Notable Alumni

Carolyn Bolton ('11) — dancer and choreographer with Rambert Dance Company in London

Logan Acker ('22) — company member, Ballet San Antonio

Elaine Miller ('18) — dancer with City Ballet of San Diego

Danielle Wilson ('11) — apprentice with Garth Fagan Dance in NYC

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

Recognized by Dance Magazine as one of the top non-conservatory dance programs in the country

NASD accredited (National Association of Schools of Dance)

Training

Foundation in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and jazz

Courses in dance history, dance anatomy and kinesiology, choreography, and improvisation

Senior capstone project required

Active guest-artist program with professional choreographers and dancers worldwide

Performance & Productions

Performance requirements with USC Dance Company

Annual season including classical and avant-garde choreography

Collaborations with companies such Limón Dance Company and The Joffrey Ballet

Notable Alumni

Carolyn Bolton ('11) — dancer and choreographer with Rambert Dance Company in London

Logan Acker ('22) — company member, Ballet San Antonio

Elaine Miller ('18) — dancer with City Ballet of San Diego

Danielle Wilson ('11) — apprentice with Garth Fagan Dance in NYC

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fee

$65

Deadline

Early ActionOct 15, 2026

Regular DecisionDec 1, 2026

Index · sc.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

Acceptd

Auditions

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Early audition deadline (recorded video submission)Nov 1, 2026

Final audition deadline (recorded video submission)Feb 1, 2027

Auditions · sc.edu

Audition Requirements

Dance

Ballet Class Recording, 45 Min Max

You must be the only dancer in the frame

Wear form-fitting dance attire and technique shoes throughout

Ballet Barre (one side only, recorded from the side): Plié, Tendu from 5th, Dégagé from 5th, Rond de Jambe, Grand Battement

Center (both sides, recorded from the front): Adagio, Turn/Waltz, Petit Allegro, Grand Allegro

Optional: pointe variation or exercises of your choice - pointe is not required for acceptance

Jazz, Modern, or Contemporary Solo, 1.5-3 Min

Your choice of style

Must be recorded from the front in a dance studio

Stage performances will not be accepted

Video Requirements

Use a static camera

Avoid dubbed music

Ballet

Recording of Ballet Class (Max 45 Min Total)

You must be the only dancer in the frame

Wear form-fitting dance attire and technique shoes throughout

Barre (One Side Only, Recorded from the Side)

Plié

Tendu from 5th

Dégagé from 5th

Rond de Jambe

Grand Battement

Center (Both Sides, Recorded from the Front)

Adagio

Turn/Waltz

Petit Allegro

Grand Allegro

Optional

Pointe variation or exercises of your choice - pointe is not required for acceptance

Additional Materials

Headshot (Required)

One current headshot

Resume (Required)

Include employment, community involvement, leadership positions, academic awards, AP/Honors courses, summer programs, and performances

Online Application Questions

What prompted your decision to audition for the USC Betsy Blackmon Dance Program?

List your most influential teachers and dance experiences

Additional interests to incorporate into your education at USC (dual major, minor, cognate)

Goals after graduating from the program

Application portal · Acceptd

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Submit audition materials via Acceptd

Simultaneously apply to USC Office of Undergraduate Admissions (separate process)

Undergraduate Admissions portal does not update with dance program application status

Eligibility

Fall enrollment only

Dance minor does not require an audition

Enrollment

To be considered for both Performance & Choreography and Dance Education, complete the Dance Education application and indicate interest in Performance & Choreography

Important Notes

Nominal, non-refundable fee charged by Acceptd

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

Video audition only - submit via Acceptd

Two submission deadlines per year (November 1 and February 1)

Notification of acceptance and scholarship within 5 weeks of deadline via Acceptd

Contact

Dance@sc.edu

(803) 777-5636

Scholarship Info

Dance Scholarships

Audition for acceptance automatically qualifies for departmental dance scholarship consideration

Notification of acceptance and scholarship within 5 weeks of deadline

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.69

Admit rate

60%

school-wide

Grad rate

79%

Enrollment

29.8K

Earnings

$62K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$12,688

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$37,376

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$39,364

Before aid

Average net price

$22,811

After aid

Cost To Attend · sc.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

Recognized by Dance Magazine as one of the top non-conservatory dance programs in the country

NASD accredited (National Association of Schools of Dance)

Training

Foundation in classical ballet, contemporary dance, and jazz

Courses in dance history, dance anatomy and kinesiology, choreography, and improvisation

Senior capstone project required

Active guest-artist program with professional choreographers and dancers worldwide

Performance & Productions

Performance requirements with USC Dance Company

Annual season including classical and avant-garde choreography

Collaborations with companies such Limón Dance Company and The Joffrey Ballet

Notable Alumni

Carolyn Bolton ('11) — dancer and choreographer with Rambert Dance Company in London

Logan Acker ('22) — company member, Ballet San Antonio

Elaine Miller ('18) — dancer with City Ballet of San Diego

Danielle Wilson ('11) — apprentice with Garth Fagan Dance in NYC

Updated 9h ago