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University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, MN

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Program

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

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BFA Dance

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredInterview RequiredUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program profile

Study Abroad

Program Recognition

BFA Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Department of Theatre Arts & Dance

Focus on contemporary dance in global context(s) — "preparing thinking dancers and dancing thinkers"

Four balanced curricular areas: technique, performance, composition, and dance studies

Acceptance by audition only

Training

Training in modern/contemporary, African diasporic movement, jazz, hip hop/street styles, and ballet

Faculty and visiting artists from wide-ranging professional experiences

Cowles Visiting Artists program brings guest artists to campus

Located at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance in Minneapolis

Learning abroad opportunities available

School Info

Snapshot

3.90

Avg GPA (W)

80%

Admit Rate

school-wide

85%

Grad Rate

31.9K

Enrollment

$69K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$19,174

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$43,332

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$37,926

Before aid

Average Net Price

$16,778

After aid

Cost Attendance · admissions.tc.umn.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Aug 22, 7:47 PM

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BFA Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Department of Theatre Arts & Dance

Focus on contemporary dance in global context(s) — "preparing thinking dancers and dancing thinkers"

Four balanced curricular areas: technique, performance, composition, and dance studies

Acceptance by audition only

Training

Training in modern/contemporary, African diasporic movement, jazz, hip hop/street styles, and ballet

Faculty and visiting artists from wide-ranging professional experiences

Cowles Visiting Artists program brings guest artists to campus

Located at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance in Minneapolis

Learning abroad opportunities available

Program Highlights

Program Recognition

BFA Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Department of Theatre Arts & Dance

Focus on contemporary dance in global context(s) — "preparing thinking dancers and dancing thinkers"

Four balanced curricular areas: technique, performance, composition, and dance studies

Acceptance by audition only

Training

Training in modern/contemporary, African diasporic movement, jazz, hip hop/street styles, and ballet

Faculty and visiting artists from wide-ranging professional experiences

Cowles Visiting Artists program brings guest artists to campus

Located at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance in Minneapolis

Learning abroad opportunities available

Key Info

Enrollment Term

Fall 2027

University AppApplication

Apply

School Website

Fee

$55

Deadline

Early Action INov 1, 2026

Early Action IIDec 1, 2026

RegularJan 1, 2027

Freshman Application Deadlines · admissions.tc.umn.edu

Program AppApplication

Auditions

On-Campus (Wednesday)Sep 2, 2026

On-Campus (Saturday)

Nov 21, 2026Jan 30, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Priority submission deadlineJan 30, 2027

Admission Audition · cla.umn.edu Edit · docs.google.com

Audition Requirements

Dance

Audition Class

Modern/contemporary technique

African diasporic practices

Hip hop/street styles

Ballet

Dancers need not have trained in all forms; wide-ranging trainings, experiences, and backgrounds are encouraged

Solo

One-minute maximum solo of your own choreography/creation

Music welcome; bring a device that can connect to the sound system with music cued and ready

Attire

No specific dress code, but body line should be clearly visible, including ankles, knees, and hips

Cover midriff and legs in tights, leggings, or dance pants; no bare legs

Dance barefoot; bring ballet and non-marking athletic shoes if available; pointe shoes are not needed

Additional Materials

Writing Sample

In-person audition: bring a paper copy on audition day

Two pages total: one response per page, double-spaced, 12-point font

Respond to both published prompts

Video Audition Materials

If unable to travel, submit a dance resume with training, performance, and related movement/athletic experience

Submit a writing sample responding to the same prompts

Submit shareable video links for a 60-second self-choreographed solo and two UMN phrase videos

Admission Audition · cla.umn.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Logistics

Apply to the University of Minnesota through the Office of Admissions

Dancers unable to travel to in-person auditions may submit video audition materials by email using the posted instructions

Video audition materials have a priority deadline of January 30, 2027; materials received after that date are accepted on a rolling basis

Admission Pathway

University admission and Dance Program audition acceptance are both required to become a degree-seeking BA or BFA dance major

Prospective dance majors are encouraged to apply by Office of Admissions priority deadlines but do not need an admissions decision before auditioning

What's The Process

Audition Process

In-person audition includes dance class, one-minute solo, writing sample, and informal interview/Q&A

Dancers need not have trained in all audition forms

Dancers unable to travel to campus may submit a video audition

Audition Expectations

On-campus auditions are at Barbara Barker Center for Dance, Studio 100

Check in at least 15 minutes early; studio opens 30 minutes before start

Plan to stay for the full audition day

Observers are not allowed in the audition studio

Decisions

Audition results are available within five days after in-person auditions

Major program decisions are sent within three weeks

Results are valid for one academic year

Scholarship Info

Dance Scholarships

Competitive scholarships ranging from $2,500–$10,000/year for incoming dance majors

Determined by audition and University of Minnesota Office of Admissions application

Most scholarships consider the intersection of talent and financial need

FAFSA strongly encouraged for scholarship consideration

Returning Students

Merit- and need-based scholarships available annually pending available funds

Criteria: leadership, performance/technical proficiency, scholastic excellence, creativity/choreography, collaboration

School Info

Snapshot

3.90

Avg GPA (W)

80%

Admit Rate

school-wide

85%

Grad Rate

31.9K

Enrollment

$69K

Earnings

10yr after

Costs & Aid

In-State Tuition

$19,174

Before aid

Out-of-State Tuition

$43,332

Before aid

Cost of Attendance

$37,926

Before aid

Average Net Price

$16,778

After aid

Cost Attendance · admissions.tc.umn.edu College Scorecard

Program Recognition

BFA Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Department of Theatre Arts & Dance

Focus on contemporary dance in global context(s) — "preparing thinking dancers and dancing thinkers"

Four balanced curricular areas: technique, performance, composition, and dance studies

Acceptance by audition only

Training

Training in modern/contemporary, African diasporic movement, jazz, hip hop/street styles, and ballet

Faculty and visiting artists from wide-ranging professional experiences

Cowles Visiting Artists program brings guest artists to campus

Located at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance in Minneapolis

Learning abroad opportunities available

Updated Aug 22, 7:47 PM