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University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

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BA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program Recognition

The only dance program in Kentucky with an emphasis on modern dance, creativity, and research-based choreography

Housed in the UK College of Fine Arts Department of Theatre and Dance

Training

45-credit BA pairing technique in ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation with a curriculum centered on contemporary practice

Choreography taught "through the lens of diverse dance genres" with a research-based, creativity-first approach

Coursework builds collaboration, peer mentorship, and project-management skills alongside performance training

Performance & Productions

Students perform in both the departmental Main Season and the student-driven Studio Season

Degree Flexibility

Liberal-arts BA structure leaves room to double major or add a minor in another discipline

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.58

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

71%

Enrollment

24.8K

Earnings

$59K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,177

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$35,846

Before aid

Average net price

$18,851

After aid

Undergraduate Tuition And Fees · studentaccount.uky.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 4, 12:17 AM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

The only dance program in Kentucky with an emphasis on modern dance, creativity, and research-based choreography

Housed in the UK College of Fine Arts Department of Theatre and Dance

Training

45-credit BA pairing technique in ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation with a curriculum centered on contemporary practice

Choreography taught "through the lens of diverse dance genres" with a research-based, creativity-first approach

Coursework builds collaboration, peer mentorship, and project-management skills alongside performance training

Performance & Productions

Students perform in both the departmental Main Season and the student-driven Studio Season

Degree Flexibility

Liberal-arts BA structure leaves room to double major or add a minor in another discipline

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

The only dance program in Kentucky with an emphasis on modern dance, creativity, and research-based choreography

Housed in the UK College of Fine Arts Department of Theatre and Dance

Training

45-credit BA pairing technique in ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation with a curriculum centered on contemporary practice

Choreography taught "through the lens of diverse dance genres" with a research-based, creativity-first approach

Coursework builds collaboration, peer mentorship, and project-management skills alongside performance training

Performance & Productions

Students perform in both the departmental Main Season and the student-driven Studio Season

Degree Flexibility

Liberal-arts BA structure leaves room to double major or add a minor in another discipline

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App School Website

Fees

Domestic Fee

$50

International Fee

$60

Deadline

Early ActionDec 1, 2026

Regular DecisionFeb 15, 2027

Freshman · admission.uky.edu

Program AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Auditions

BA in Dance Audition

Nov 13, 2026Feb 12, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Video Audition Submission DeadlineMay 1, 2027

Dance · finearts.uky.edu

Audition Requirements

Dance

Requirements

Three styles, 1 min each

Ballet: choose one of the following — traveling tendu with pirouette, adagio, petit allegro, or grand allegro

Jazz: upbeat movement including grand battement (front or side), pirouette in parallel, and elevation

MODERN: center work with different uses of the torso, floor work, and inversion

Attire

Leotard and tights or unitard

Ballet slippers for ballet

Jazz shoes for jazz

Bare feet for modern

Additional Materials

Resume (Required)

One-page dance resume listing training history and performance experience

Entrance Essay (Required)

500-word writing sample choosing one of the following prompts:

Identify and discuss your future dance goals

Describe a dance work you would like to choreograph (realistic or unrealistic)

Discuss the importance of art and dance in fostering discussion and promoting change

Dance · finearts.uky.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Reserve audition at apply.uky.edu/register/dance at least 1 week prior

Submit resume and entrance essay to susie.thiel@uky.edu

Video auditions accepted — submit links by May 1

Contact

Susie Thiel: susie.thiel@uky.edu

Current students: Sarah Smith at sarah.smith0@uky.edu (the BA Dance audition event page lists Sarah Willoughby at sarah.willoughby@uky.edu instead — confirm before registering)

What's The Process

Audition Expectations

In-person audition includes ballet, jazz, modern dance, and improvisation

Each dance section is 1 minute maximum

Culminates with an individual interview with a faculty member

Video auditions accepted (ballet, jazz, and modern only) — submit links by May 1 for fall admission

Decisions

Audition results provided within 2 weeks with class placement levels

Spaces filled on a first-come, first-served basis from accepted students

Scholarship Info

College of Fine Arts Scholarships

Amy Holbrook Mowbray Dance Scholarship — selected through the BA Dance application and audition process

Applicants attend one of the department's BA Dance audition days, typically offered in November and February

CFA Theatre & Dance Scholarship — amount varies

Additional named scholarships are available through the department

Eligibility

Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA

Full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours)

Demonstrated commitment to dance

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.58

Admit rate

93%

school-wide

Grad rate

71%

Enrollment

24.8K

Earnings

$59K

10yr after

Costs & aid

In-state tuition

$14,177

Before aid

Out-of-state tuition

$35,846

Before aid

Average net price

$18,851

After aid

Undergraduate Tuition And Fees · studentaccount.uky.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

The only dance program in Kentucky with an emphasis on modern dance, creativity, and research-based choreography

Housed in the UK College of Fine Arts Department of Theatre and Dance

Training

45-credit BA pairing technique in ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation with a curriculum centered on contemporary practice

Choreography taught "through the lens of diverse dance genres" with a research-based, creativity-first approach

Coursework builds collaboration, peer mentorship, and project-management skills alongside performance training

Performance & Productions

Students perform in both the departmental Main Season and the student-driven Studio Season

Degree Flexibility

Liberal-arts BA structure leaves room to double major or add a minor in another discipline

Updated Sep 4, 12:17 AM