Ballet

The Ballet Department at the University of Utah has a history of excellence dating from 1951. In this groundbreaking year, Willam F. Christensen — noted dancer, teacher, and founder of the San Francisco Ballet Company — returned to his native Utah and founded one of the first ballet programs in an American university. As faculty was developed and the curriculum grew, the excellence of this program served as the foundation for other university ballet programs.

Faculty and graduates of the University of Utah’s Ballet Department were fundamental in the formation and growth of Ballet West, Utah’s major professional ballet company. Through the excellence and professional success of our faculty, students, and alumni, the Department of Ballet continues to attract a cosmopolitan enrollment of students from all 50 states and abroad. Numerous alumni are currently dancing professionally or working as ballet instructors and administrators in colleges, universities and other educational and professional organizations throughout the world.

In 1989 the beautiful, contemporary and ideally functional facility, The Alice Sheets Marriott Center for Dance was built specifically for dance. From 1996 on, surveys of dance administrators have consistently ranked the University of Utah undergraduate programs in Ballet and Modern Dance in the top 10% across the nation. In the summer of 2009, another first in American ballet was developed when Ballet West and the University of Utah Department of Ballet joined together for a summer intensive training program.

The Department of Ballet is an educational training center that prepares majors for professional performing and teaching careers, and encourages creative and scholarly research in undergraduate students. A balanced and comprehensive curriculum created for the 100-plus professionally-oriented students leads to the BFA Degree. The Department offers many opportunities for performance and/or choreography through participation in the Pre-Professional Trainee Program with Ballet West, Utah Ballet, Character Dance Ensemble, Ballet Ensemble, Ballet Showcase, Senior Concert.

Sample 4-yr Degree Plan

Note: This is just a sample. Log into DARS/GPS (in CIS) and meet with your academic advisor to fit a program of study with your academic record.

Students may need to complete additional BALLE electives to reach the minimum major hours: 80 credits.

First Year

Fall Semester

• BALLE 1401 - Freshman Seminar: Introduction to Dance in Higher Education 2 Credit(s)
• BALLE 1500 - Elements of Music 2 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Technique (Women & Men) 3 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Studio (Women - Pointe/Variations) 1 Credit(s) or Studio (Men - Men’s Class) 1 Credit(s)
• BALLE 2300 - Character Dance I 1 Credit(s)
• BALLE 2320 - Modern Technique I for Ballet Majors 1 Credit(s)
• BALLE 3000 - Pilates Mat Class 1 Credit(s)
• or
• BALLE 3300 - Pilates Reformer and Apparatus Class 1 Credit(s)
• WRTG 2010 - Intermediate Writing: Academic Writing and Research 3 Credit(s)

• Fulfills General Education (WR2)

Total Hours: 14 Credit(s)

Spring Semester

• BALLE 2310 - Character Dance II 1 Credit(s)
• BALLE 2330 - Modern Technique II for Ballet Majors 1 Credit(s)
• BALLE 1600 - Introduction to Stagecraft and Lighting 1 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Technique (Women & Men) 3 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Studio (Women - Pointe/Variations) 1 Credit(s) or Studio (Men -Men’s Class) 1 Credit(s)
• General Education (QA) 3 Credit(s)
• General Education - (AS/SF) 3 Credit(s)
• BALLE 2910 - Dance Improvisation to Choreography 2 Credit(s)

Total Hours: 15 Credit(s)

Second Year

Fall Semester

• BALLE 2380 - Beginning/Intermediate Jazz I 1 Credit(s)
• or
• BALLE 3380 - Intermediate Jazz Dance I 1 Credit(s)
• or
• BALLE 4380 - Advanced Jazz Dance I 1 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4700 - Choreography I 3 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4401 - Kinesiology and the Physics of Ballet I 2 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Technique (Women & Men) 3 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Studio (Women - Pointe/Variations) 1 Credit(s) or Studio (Men -Men’s Class) 1 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Performance 1 Credit(s)
• General Education (AI) 3 Credit(s)

Total Hours: 14 Credit(s)

Spring Semester

• BALLE 2500 - Ballet Class Music: A Tutorial for Ballet Teachers 2 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4402 - Kinesiology and the Physics of Ballet II 2 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4710 - Choreography II 3 Credit(s)
• BALLE 2390 - Beginning / Intermediate Jazz II 1 Credit(s)
• or
• BALLE 4390 - Advanced Jazz Dance II 1 Credit(s)
• or
• BALLE 3390 - Intermediate Jazz Dance II 1 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Technique (Women & Men) 3 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Studio (Women - Pointe/Variations) 1 Credit(s) or Studio (Men -Men’s Class) 1 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Performance 1 Credit(s)
• General Education (BF) 3 Credit(s)

Total Hours: 16 Credit(s)

Third Year

Fall Semester

• BALLE 4780 - Ballet Pedagogy I 3 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Technique (Women & Men) 3 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Performance 1 Credit(s)
• General Education (HF) 3 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4411 - History & Philosophy of Western Theatrical Dance I 3 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4560 - Partner Adagio I 1 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4730 - Choreography III and Production 2 Credit(s)

Total Hours: 17 Credit(s)

Spring Semester

• BALLE 4410 - Ballet History Non-Majors 3 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4785 - Ballet Pedagogy II 3 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4815 - Dance Aesthetics and Communication 3 Credit(s)  - Fulfills CW Requirement
• BALLE 4570 - Partner Adagio II 1 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Technique (Women & Men) 3 Credit(s)
• Bachelor Degree (DV) 3 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4412 - History & Philosophy of Western Theatrical Dance II 3 Credit(s)

Total Hours: 18.5 - 20 Credit(s)

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

• BALLE 4420 - Repertoire 2 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4940 - Senior Capstone 2 Credit(s)
• or
• BALLE 4960 - Senior Capstone Honors 3 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Technique (Women & Men) 3 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Performance 1 Credit(s)
• General Education (SF) 3 Credit(s)
• General Education (HF) 3 Credit(s)

Total Hours: 14-16 Credit(s)

Spring Semester

• BALLE 4805 - Seminar in Dance Studies 3 Credit(s)
• Ballet - Performance 1 Credit(s)
• General Education (BF) 3 Credit(s)
• Bachelor Degree (IR) 3 Credit(s)
• General Elective Hours 5 Credit(s)
• BALLE 4290 - Ballet Technique III 3 Credit(s)
• or
• BALLE 4590 - Ballet Technique IV 3 Credit(s)

Total Hours: 18 Credit(s)

• Transcripts (mark sheets, school records, grades) for secondary school (9-12). Official English translations must be provided if the transcripts are only in the native language.
• TOEFL: 80 (Internet-based test), 550 (paper-based test), or 213 (computer-based test)*
• IELTS: An overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English*
• You must pre-apply to attend an in-person audition. At our Salt Lake City auditions, applications will still be accepted the day of the audition, but with a late fee of $10.
• For applicants who are not available to attend an in-person audition either on campus or at one of our national locations, you may audition via video. Videos are due February 4, 2017. View the video requirements. (If auditioning via video, you still must complete our online audition application. You will submit your video there.)
• When flying to Utah please book your return trip so that you do not need to be to the airport any earlier than 4:00 PM on the day of the audition.
• Registration for auditions will take place in the foyer of the Marriott Center for Dance 1 hour prior to the audition start time.
• The audition will consist of a ballet technique class, a pointe or men's class, and a brief interview with faculty members.
• All audition participants will be considered for acceptance to the Division of Ballet and for scholarships, as well as the Summer Ballet Intensive.)
• Part of the application process requires a 500-word essay describing, “Why you want to dance at the UofU, what your aspirations are while you are here and after graduation.”

The University of Utah offers a comprehensive range of financing options for students enrolled in their ballet program. Prospective students can apply for both need-based and merit-based financial aid to support their educational pursuits. The university's Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid provides detailed information about various scholarships specifically available for dance and performing arts students, including ballet majors. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, talent, and financial need, and they aim to make ballet education accessible to a diverse student body. Additionally, the university participates in federal and state financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant, Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and work-study opportunities, which can significantly reduce the financial burden for enrolled students. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early to determine their eligibility for these programs.

Apart from institutional aid, students may seek private scholarships and sponsorships from arts foundations and community organizations, many of which partner with the university to promote arts education. The university also offers payment plans that allow students to spread their tuition payments over the course of the semester or academic year, easing the financial planning process. For international students, specific scholarships and financial aid options are available, although they may have different eligibility criteria. It is recommended that students contact the university’s financial aid office directly to explore personalized financial planning and support options.

Concerted efforts are also made to ensure students are informed about various grants, fellowships, and emergency financial assistance programs that the university may offer periodically. In summary, the University of Utah provides an extensive array of financial resources, encompassing institutional scholarships, federal aid programs, private scholarships, and flexible payment plans, all aimed at supporting ballet students throughout their academic journey.

The University of Utah offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Ballet through its Department of Theatre, after extensive analysis of similar programmes within the university. The BFA in Ballet is designed to prepare students for professional careers in ballet and dance performance, as well as related fields such as choreography, dance education, and production. The curriculum combines rigorous technical training, performance opportunities, and academic coursework in dance history, theory, and criticism. Students engage in daily ballet classes that emphasize classical technique, modern dance, and experimental movement, aiming to develop their artistic voice and physical capabilities. The program integrates faculty-led rehearsals, full-length productions, and collaborations with guest artists and choreographers, providing students with practical experience and industry connections.

Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including spacious dance studios, performance halls, and advanced lighting and sound equipment. The program encourages creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, fostering an environment where students can explore various dance styles and develop a versatile performance portfolio. Graduates from the Ballet program at the University of Utah are well-equipped to pursue careers as professional dancers, choreographers, dance teachers, or continue their studies in graduate programs. The university's location in Salt Lake City offers additional opportunities through local dance companies, theaters, and arts organizations, enhancing students’ professional development and industry engagement. The program also emphasizes the importance of academic achievement alongside dance training, requiring students to complete coursework in liberal arts and dance-related fields, ensuring a well-rounded education. Overall, the Ballet BFA at the University of Utah combines intensive training, performance experience, and academic study to nurture talented dancers prepared to succeed in the competitive world of ballet and dance.