Program
No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewIn-Person or VirtualUniversity App RequiredStudy Abroad
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
University App Required
Study Abroad
Program Highlights
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BA Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Department of Theatre Arts & Dance
•Focus on contemporary dance in global context(s)
•Four balanced curricular areas: technique, performance, composition, and dance studies
•More flexibility than BFA for double majors, minors, and interdisciplinary study
•Acceptance by audition only — same audition process as BFA Dance
TRAINING & OPPORTUNITIES
•Training in modern/contemporary, African diasporic movement, jazz, hip hop/street styles, and ballet
•Cowles Visiting Artists program
•Located at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance in Minneapolis
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 1, 2025
Early Action IIDec 1, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 1, 2026
Fee
$55Waiver
Program AppApplication
Auditions
On-Campus (Wednesday)Aug 27, 2025
On-Campus (Saturday)Dec 6, 2025
On-Campus (Saturday)Feb 7, 2026
Audition Requirements
Dance
AUDITION CLASS:
•Modern/contemporary technique
•African diasporic movement
•Jazz
•Hip hop/street styles
•Ballet
•Dancers need NOT have trained in all forms — wide-ranging trainings, experiences, and backgrounds encouraged
SOLO:
•One-minute maximum solo of your own choreography/creation
•Music welcome — bring a device to connect to sound system, cue ready
WRITING SAMPLE:
•Paper copy submitted day of audition
•Two pages, one question per page, double-spaced, font size 12
•Question 1: How would you describe your current dance practice?
•Question 2: Choose a video of a dance performance that moves you and describe it in detail. Why did you choose this piece?
ATTIRE:
•No specific dress code, but body line should be clearly visible (ankles, knees, hips)
•Cover midriff and legs in tights, leggings, or dance pants (no bare legs)
•Dance barefoot; bring ballet, jazz, and non-marking athletic shoes if available — no pointe shoes needed
Additional Materials
•Writing sample (paper copy, submitted day of audition) in response to essay questions
•University of Minnesota application via Office of Admissions
•Register online for audition in advance
What's The Process
THE PROCESS:
1. Apply to University of Minnesota via Office of Admissions (priority deadlines recommended but not required before audition)
2. Register online for a Dance Program audition
3. Attend in-person audition at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance
4. Submit a writing sample (paper copy, day of audition)
5. Dancers need not have trained in all forms to audition
AUDITION DAY SCHEDULE:
•8:30-9:00 AM — Registration/Welcome
•9:00-10:15 AM — Moving Warm Up + Contemporary Forms
•10:15-10:45 AM — Ballet
•10:55 AM-12:10 PM — African Based Forms
•12:15-1:15 PM — Lunch Break
•1:15-2:15 PM — Solos
•2:30-3:30 PM — Informal Interviews/Q&A
VIDEO AUDITION:
•Available for dancers unable to travel to campus
RESULTS:
•Results available within five days of audition
•Major program decisions within three weeks
VISITING:
•Observe class Friday afternoon before Saturday auditions
•Barbara Barker Center for Dance, Studio 100
•Contact: Nora Jenneman at 612-624-4008 or umdance@umn.edu
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
Program info updated 4d ago
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
•BA Dance at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Department of Theatre Arts & Dance
•Focus on contemporary dance in global context(s)
•Four balanced curricular areas: technique, performance, composition, and dance studies
•More flexibility than BFA for double majors, minors, and interdisciplinary study
•Acceptance by audition only — same audition process as BFA Dance
TRAINING & OPPORTUNITIES
•Training in modern/contemporary, African diasporic movement, jazz, hip hop/street styles, and ballet
•Cowles Visiting Artists program
•Located at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance in Minneapolis
Updated 4d ago
Academic School Information
3.90
Avg GPA (W)
80%
Admit Rate
85%
Grad Rate
31,855
Enrollment
$69,020
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$17,214
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$38,362
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$16,778
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$6,642
Family Income $30k - $48k$7,283
Family Income $48k - $75k$9,931
Family Income $75k - $110k$16,415
Family Income $110k+$27,008
