University of South Carolina - Columbia
Test-OptionalGreek Life
Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredVirtual OnlyUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
Interview Required
University App Required
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)
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
•Earns South Carolina K-12 Teacher's Certification in dance
•In conjunction with the USC College of Education
•Qualifies to teach in public or private schools in South Carolina and other states
TRAINING
•Full participation in technique classes, performances, and choreography alongside Performance & Choreography students
•Teaching experiences at elementary, middle, and high school levels before graduating
•Practicum hours and a full semester of student teaching
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•McCree O'Kelley ('11) — Assistant Professor of Dance at Kennesaw State University
•Joanna Hardy ('12) — dancer and outreach coordinator with Moxie Contemporary Ballet in Portland
•Tyler Beriault ('22) — DPT student at Columbia University
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionOct 15, 2025
Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
Fee
$65Waiver
Program AppApplication
Apply atAcceptd
Deadlines
Acceptd Video Audition Deadline 1Nov 1, 2025
Acceptd Video Audition Deadline 2Feb 1, 2026
Audition Requirements
Dance
ONE UNEDITED 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
•No pointe shoes or improvisation
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 flat ballet 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
DANCE EDUCATION VIDEO (required)
•3-5 minute video answering these questions:
-Why you would like to pursue teaching dance
-What age group(s) you are interested in teaching and why
-What you have learned from any prior teaching experiences
-What aspects of the Dance Education concentration interest you
-Acknowledgment that the concentration requires practicum hours and a full semester of student teaching in a K-12 classroom
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
Good to Know
APPLICATION PROCESS
•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
FEES
•Nominal, non-refundable fee charged by Acceptd
ELIGIBILITY
•Fall enrollment only
•Must fulfill professional education program requirements
•Requires practicum hours and a full semester of student teaching in a K-12 classroom
What's The Process
AUDITION FORMAT
•Video audition only — submit via Acceptd
•Includes interview component with Head of Dance Education
•Two submission deadlines per year (November 1 and February 1)
•Notification of acceptance and scholarship within 5 weeks of deadline via Acceptd
EMPHASIS SELECTION
•To be considered for BOTH Dance Education and Performance & Choreography, complete the Dance Education application and indicate interest in Performance & Choreography
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 3 weeks of deadline
Program info updated Mar 27, 1:48 AM
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)
TEACHER CERTIFICATION
•Earns South Carolina K-12 Teacher's Certification in dance
•In conjunction with the USC College of Education
•Qualifies to teach in public or private schools in South Carolina and other states
TRAINING
•Full participation in technique classes, performances, and choreography alongside Performance & Choreography students
•Teaching experiences at elementary, middle, and high school levels before graduating
•Practicum hours and a full semester of student teaching
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•McCree O'Kelley ('11) — Assistant Professor of Dance at Kennesaw State University
•Joanna Hardy ('12) — dancer and outreach coordinator with Moxie Contemporary Ballet in Portland
•Tyler Beriault ('22) — DPT student at Columbia University
Updated Mar 27, 1:48 AM
Academic School Information
3.69
Avg GPA (W)
60%
Admit Rate
78%
Grad Rate
29,820
Enrollment
$62,177
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$12,688
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,972
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$22,811
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$12,634
Family Income $30k - $48k$14,953
Family Income $48k - $75k$19,859
Family Income $75k - $110k$24,478
Family Income $110k+$28,125
