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University of California - Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Browse programs

Theatre

Dance

Music performance

Composition & music studies

Quick links

BFA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person Only

Training

Conservatory-style contemporary dance program within a liberal arts setting

Specifically oriented toward training for a professional career in performance and/or choreography

Highly structured curriculum with daily professional training

Minimum of eight technique classes per week in ballet and modern dance

Sequential progression through technique courses

Courses in improvisation, choreography, repertory, and performance

Classes in dance history, criticism, music analysis, and musical resources

Required courses in costume and lighting design, acting, mime, anatomy, and arts appreciation

Optional classes in jazz, musical theatre, and pedagogy

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

4.30

Admit rate

33%

school-wide

Grad rate

83%

Enrollment

23.1K

Earnings

$75K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$17,673

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$56,943

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$50,946

Before aid

Average net price

$16,109

After aid

Ucsb Undergraduate Cost Attendance Budget · finaid.ucsb.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Oct 18, 7:17 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Conservatory-style contemporary dance program within a liberal arts setting

Specifically oriented toward training for a professional career in performance and/or choreography

Highly structured curriculum with daily professional training

Minimum of eight technique classes per week in ballet and modern dance

Sequential progression through technique courses

Courses in improvisation, choreography, repertory, and performance

Classes in dance history, criticism, music analysis, and musical resources

Required courses in costume and lighting design, acting, mime, anatomy, and arts appreciation

Optional classes in jazz, musical theatre, and pedagogy

Program Highlights

Training

Conservatory-style contemporary dance program within a liberal arts setting

Specifically oriented toward training for a professional career in performance and/or choreography

Highly structured curriculum with daily professional training

Minimum of eight technique classes per week in ballet and modern dance

Sequential progression through technique courses

Courses in improvisation, choreography, repertory, and performance

Classes in dance history, criticism, music analysis, and musical resources

Required courses in costume and lighting design, acting, mime, anatomy, and arts appreciation

Optional classes in jazz, musical theatre, and pedagogy

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

UC Application

Fees

Domestic Fee

$80

International Fee

$95

Opens

UCSB TAG Application filing period opens (transfer)Sep 1, 2026

UC Application filing period opensOct 1, 2026

Deadline

UCSB TAG Application filing deadline (transfer)Sep 30, 2026

Regular DecisionNov 30, 2026

Transfer Academic Update deadline (transfer)Jan 31, 2027

Deadlines · admissions.sa.ucsb.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

January Dance Audition, First of Two (UCSB Campus)Jan 17, 2027

January Dance Audition, Second of Two (UCSB Campus)Jan 31, 2027

Dance Auditions · theaterdance.ucsb.edu

Audition Requirements

Dance

In-Person Audition

Technique class in contemporary dance

Technique class in ballet

Improvisation

The format of the audition is similar to that of a class

Transfer students: Please prepare a 1-2 minute solo of your own choreography to share at the audition

Dance Auditions · theaterdance.ucsb.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

University Essays

UC Personal Insight Questions

350 words each · Answer 4 of 8 · Written once for all your UC Application schools

Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

Personal Insight Questions · admission.universityofcalifornia.edu Official page · ccs.ucsb.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to UCSB with the UC Application; the department page lists "Receiving Applications Nov. 1st-30th", while the UCSB Office of Admissions lists the fall 2027 UC Application filing period as October 1 - November 30, 2026

Eligibility

To be considered for admission into the dance program, students must have dance listed as their major in their UC application (either as first choice or alternate major), and intend to fully participate for at least one year on campus

If you have already applied and need to change your major to dance in your UC application, email the Office of Admissions at admissions@ucsb.edu

What's The Process

Audition Process

Admission to the Dance BA and Dance BFA programs is by audition

Auditions are offered at multiple times and locations throughout the year; students are strongly encouraged to audition in person whenever possible

Dance auditions are typically offered in January, February, and September

All students must register in advance for an audition (registration links are on the department's Dance Auditions page)

The September audition begins with registration at 12 pm and starts promptly at 12:30 pm

Students attending in September should be prepared to adjust their fall schedules, because the audition takes place shortly before classes begin

Audition Expectations

Please wear appropriate dance clothing. No loose clothing. Please wear leotards, tights (easily convertible to bare feet) and ballet slippers or trim fitting t-shirt and tights.

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

4.30

Admit rate

33%

school-wide

Grad rate

83%

Enrollment

23.1K

Earnings

$75K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$17,673

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$56,943

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$50,946

Before aid

Average net price

$16,109

After aid

Ucsb Undergraduate Cost Attendance Budget · finaid.ucsb.edu College Scorecard

Training

Conservatory-style contemporary dance program within a liberal arts setting

Specifically oriented toward training for a professional career in performance and/or choreography

Highly structured curriculum with daily professional training

Minimum of eight technique classes per week in ballet and modern dance

Sequential progression through technique courses

Courses in improvisation, choreography, repertory, and performance

Classes in dance history, criticism, music analysis, and musical resources

Required courses in costume and lighting design, acting, mime, anatomy, and arts appreciation

Optional classes in jazz, musical theatre, and pedagogy

Updated Oct 18, 7:17 PM