Dance

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance at the University of Kansas offers a comprehensive and rigorous education for students passionate about pursuing a professional career in dance. This program is designed to provide a balanced combination of technical training, theoretical knowledge, and performance experience, enabling students to develop their artistic voice and prepare for diverse opportunities in the dance industry. Students will engage in a broad spectrum of dance disciplines, including ballet, modern dance, jazz, and choreography, under the guidance of experienced faculty members who are active professionals in their fields. The curriculum emphasizes not only mastery of dance techniques but also critical thinking, creativity, and conceptual development through coursework in dance history, anatomy, and performance studies.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to explore their individual artistic identities through collaborations, research projects, and solo and group performances. The program offers numerous performance opportunities on campus and beyond, allowing students to showcase their talents and gain valuable stage experience. The department also emphasizes the importance of professional preparation by providing training in audition techniques, dance production, and career development strategies. Facilities include state-of-the-art dance studios, performance venues, and rehearsal spaces equipped to support innovative creative work.

In addition to studio study, students have access to a vibrant dance community that fosters collaboration, innovation, and artistic exchange. Alumni of the program have gone on to successful careers as performers, choreographers, educators, and arts administrators across the country and internationally. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Kansas is ideal for students dedicated to refining their craft and seeking opportunities in the dynamic and expanding field of dance. The program’s comprehensive approach prepares graduates for graduate study, professional dance companies, and teaching positions, making it a leading choice for aspiring dance artists.

The curriculum leading to the B.A. in dance offers integrated training in ballet, modern, and jazz dance techniques, as well as courses in classical Indian dance, African dance and flamenco dance techniques, musical theatre dance, dance improvisation and composition, video for dance, history and philosophy of dance, music for dance, creative dance for children, dance production, career preparation in the arts and independent study options. The program prepares students for professional careers in dance or for further academic study. The senior project may involve research in any of the above areas or choreography and performance culminating in a senior recital. Students are expected to take technique classes appropriate to their level of training each semester they are enrolled. A total of 120 credit hours is required.

The B.A. in Dance at the University of Kansas does not require an audition. Instead, all students must pass a technical and academic evaluation at the end of their sophomore year. However, to be considered for a scholarship, a prospective or transfer student must audition. The B.A. in dance offers comprehensive technical training, built on a solid liberal arts foundation, which allows students to double-major or to pursue graduate study in any number of fields.

Freshmen must:
 
1. Provide evidence of high school graduation with a curriculum that would prepare you for university studies in your home country

Credentials and Requirements by Country for Freshman Addition to the College of LIberal Arts and Sciences

2. Have a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;

3. Submit English proficiency test scores (used to estimate students' placement in appropriate level of ESL course, as needed. All international students are screened after arrival on campus and prior to enrollment by the KU Applied English Center).

The University of Kansas will accept both the new SAT and the old SAT. We will use concordance tables to compare your scores and determine your highest scores on either the new SAT or the old SAT. At this time, any SAT scores listed are based on the new SAT (after March 2016).  

In addition to transcripts or marksheets, you must present an official diploma or graduation certificate, official examination results, or other proof of graduation particular to your country.  We use equivalent admission criteria for applicants from all countries.  Meeting the minimum grade point average does not guarantee admission.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

KU offers a few partial scholarships for qualified, new international freshmen and transfer students admitted for fall semester. To be considered for a scholarship, you must complete an online fall semester application by Jan. 15.

The Office of International Recruitment and Undergraduate Admissions (IRUA) screens candidates for a limited number of admissions scholarships. Awards are only offered to degree-seeking undergraduates whose first KU semester is the fall semester. KU does not offer international student scholarships based on financial need. International undergraduate scholarships do not cover all expenses. Prior to issuance of the SEVIS document, students requesting F-1 or J-1 status must submit proof of financial support for the first year of study.

The University of Kansas offers a comprehensive Dance program designed to cultivate technical skill, artistic expression, and critical understanding of dance as an art form. The program emphasizes both performance and academic study, providing students with opportunities to develop their abilities in various dance styles, including ballet, modern dance, jazz, and contemporary forms. Throughout the curriculum, students engage in rigorous training that enhances their physical strength, flexibility, and coordination, while also fostering creativity and personal artistic voice.

Students in the Dance program benefit from experienced faculty members who are active professionals in the dance community, offering mentorship and guidance throughout their studies. The program includes coursework in dance history, choreography, dance theory, and movement analysis, encouraging students to contextualize their practice within broader artistic and cultural frameworks. Practical classes are complemented by opportunities to perform in university productions, collaborate with peers on experimental projects, and participate in workshops led by visiting artists.

State-of-the-art facilities, including dance studios equipped with sprung floors and multimedia capabilities, support students’ training and creative projects. The university's location within Kansas also provides access to a vibrant arts scene, allowing students to engage with local dance companies and community outreach programs. The program prepares graduates for various careers in dance, whether as performers, choreographers, teachers, or arts administrators. It also offers pathways for further graduate study in dance or related fields.

The undergraduate degree typically culminates in a BFA or BA in Dance, with some programs offering minors or concentrations in specific areas such as performance or choreography. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, regional dance festivals, and academic conferences to deepen their professional engagement and expand their networks within the dance community. The program aims to produce well-rounded dance artists equipped with both technical mastery and critical insight, fostering their growth as creative leaders in the arts.

Overall, the University of Kansas’s Dance program combines practical training, scholarly inquiry, and opportunities for performance and community engagement, making it a comprehensive choice for aspiring dancers and dance scholars.