University of California, Santa Barbara
HSITest-FreeGreek LifeLGBTQ+
Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•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
TECHNIQUE
•Minimum of eight technique classes per week in ballet and modern dance
•Sequential progression through technique courses
CURRICULUM BREADTH
•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
University AppApplication
Deadline
Regular DecisionDec 1, 2025
Domestic Fee
$80Waiver
International Fee
$95Waiver
Program AppApplication
Auditions
In-Person Audition (UCSB Campus, 12pm)Jan 18, 2026
In-Person Audition (UCSB Campus, 12pm)Jan 25, 2026
In-Person Audition (San Francisco & San Diego)Feb 8, 2026
Audition Requirements
Dance
IN-PERSON AUDITION
•Technique classes in modern dance and ballet
•Guided improvisation
VIDEO AUDITION (8 min for freshmen, 8-12 min for transfers)
•Self-introduction — name, pronouns, what inspires you about dance, and interest in UCSB
•Ballet adagio — 90 sec (learn from department tutorial videos)
•Ballet allegro — 90 sec (learn from department tutorial videos)
•Modern center exercise — 120 sec (learn from department tutorial videos)
•Freshman: open improvisation or original choreography — 120 sec
•Transfer: 2-5 min solo of original choreography or improvisation
VIDEO SPECIFICATIONS
•Record in horizontal/landscape orientation
•Light from front/side — avoid backlighting
•Clear, uncluttered background — no mirrors
•Edit all material into ONE video file
•Upload to Vimeo or YouTube (unlisted or password protected)
•Do not submit via Google Drive
Good to Know
ELIGIBILITY
•Must have DANCE listed as a major in UC application (first choice or alternate)
•To change major to dance after applying, email Admissions at admissions@sa.ucsb.edu with full name and UC application ID or UCSB perm number
•Only a limited number of first-year students accommodated each year
•Fall enrollment only
What's The Process
AUDITION PROCESS
•In-person auditions strongly encouraged — video accepted for exceptional circumstances
•January/February auditions recommended to secure a place in the program
•September audition limited to continuing students or those already accepted to UCSB
•Students who audition in September should be prepared to adjust their fall schedule
VIDEO SUBMISSION
•Submission window: November 29, 2025 through January 5, 2026
•Learn combinations from department Video Audition Tutorial videos on YouTube
•Send video link to ucsbdanceaudition2023@gmail.com
REGISTRATION
•Register for in-person auditions via PlanetReg (links on department website)
•Register separately for video auditions via PlanetReg
Program info updated 1h ago
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
•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
TECHNIQUE
•Minimum of eight technique classes per week in ballet and modern dance
•Sequential progression through technique courses
CURRICULUM BREADTH
•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 1h ago
Academic School Information
33%
Admit Rate
84%
Grad Rate
23,113
Enrollment
$74,915
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$16,414
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$50,614
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,109
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$9,231
Family Income $30k - $48k$9,992
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,588
Family Income $75k - $110k$17,136
Family Income $110k+$31,863
