Western Kentucky University
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Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
Audition Required
No Interview
In-Person or Virtual
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING APPROACH
•Comprehensive training across ballet, jazz, modern, and tap
•Must achieve Level 4 proficiency in one genre and Level 3 in another to graduate
•"Thinking Artists" philosophy integrating dance with liberal arts education
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•Dance Company performances and "Evening of Dance" productions
•Faculty and student-choreographed dance concerts
•WKU Summer Dance Intensive
•15-20 department productions annually
DEGREE FLEXIBILITY
•Must pair with a minor or second major for interdisciplinary breadth
•46 credit hours covering technique, choreography, pedagogy, and production
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Apply atSchool Website
Deadline
Rolling
Application Fee
$50Waiver
Program AppApplication
Auditions
Dance Placement Audition (Gordon Wilson Hall)Oct 18, 2025
Dance Placement Audition (Gordon Wilson Hall)Feb 14, 2026
Audition Requirements
Dance
PLACEMENT AUDITION
•Ballet technique class taught by dance faculty
•Jazz combination taught by dance faculty
•Modern dance combination taught by dance faculty
•Optional tap combination
OPTIONAL SOLO (required for scholarship consideration)
•90-second self-choreographed solo in any style
•Music must be provided on a phone or portable device
ATTIRE — WOMEN
•Solid color leotard
•Skin-colored tights for ballet portion
•Black tights for remaining movement portions
ATTIRE — MEN
•Black tights and fitted white shirt for ballet
•Black leggings or jazz pants for remaining portions
FOOTWEAR
•Ballet slippers (pointe shoes optional for women)
•Jazz shoes
•Tap shoes (if participating in tap segment)
Wildcard / Special Skill
N/A
Additional Materials
RESUME (required)
•Document academic experience/accomplishments and dance training
NARRATIVE (required)
•Typed one-page statement describing prior dance experience and future goals
PHOTOGRAPHS (required)
•One full-body dance photo
•One headshot
Good to Know
ENROLLMENT
•Fall enrollment — placement auditions held each semester
•Students begin coursework immediately as "seeking admission" status
SCHOLARSHIP TIMELINE
•December 31: WKU priority deadline for automatic academic scholarship consideration
•February 1: Video audition deadline for dance scholarship consideration
•February 15: Apply and be admitted to WKU for scholarship consideration
•Set up TopDollar Scholarship Source account to receive funds
•May 1: Video audition deadline for general admission
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
•Minor or second major required
•Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
•Full participation in Jury/Portfolio Review process
What's The Process
IN-PERSON AUDITION
•Check-in begins at 8:45 AM
•Information session followed by technique classes in each style
•Concludes with optional 90-second solo (required for scholarship consideration)
•Faculty teach all audition segments
DIGITAL AUDITION OPTION
•Video submissions accepted as an alternative
•Include: self-introduction, ballet combinations, jazz movement, modern phrase, tap a cappella routine, and optional solo
•February 1: Video deadline for scholarship consideration
•May 1: Video deadline for general admission
ADMISSION PROCESS
•All incoming and transfer students must complete placement audition
•Students initially enrolled as "seeking admission"
•Full admission after 2 semesters with minimum 2.5 GPA and 8 dance technique hours
•Must apply by 4th semester and be accepted by 5th semester
CONTACT
•Amanda Clark: amanda.clark@wku.edu
Scholarship Info
JERRY E. BAKER DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS
•$500 to several thousand dollars
•Typically split between fall and spring semesters of first year
•One-time award
POTTER COLLEGE CREATIVE ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS
•$1,000 to several thousand dollars per year
•Renewable for 4 years (8 semesters)
•Requires 3.0+ cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment
•Must complete minimum 9 credit hours yearly in major
•Transfer students not eligible
IN-STATE TUITION
•Students from bordering states qualify for in-state tuition rates
•Departmental and university scholarships are stackable up to full cost of attendance
Program info updated Yesterday
Academic School Information
3.46
Avg GPA (W)
97%
Admit Rate
53%
Grad Rate
12,267
Enrollment
$43,889
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$11,436
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,000
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$10,916
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.
Annual Cost by Family Income
Family Income $0 - $30k$10,075
Family Income $30k - $48k$16,624
Family Income $48k - $75k$17,417
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,219
Family Income $110k+$18,601
