Dance major
The 45-credit BA degree offers the flexibility to double major or minor in another discipline. As an art form, the study of dance incorporates and develops problem solving, collaboration, communication (visual, aural, written, and performative), critical thinking, peer mentorship, and project management - soft and hard skills that students can incorporate into a wide variety of career outcomes.
The central focus of the degree is based in creativity and choreography through the lens of diverse dance genres with an emphasis on contemporary practice. We are the only program in Kentucky with an emphasis on Modern Dance, Creativity, and Research-based choreography.
A successful audition is required to be declared a dance major.
BA in Dance Audition
Applications for admission to the University of Kentucky, as well as application deadline and materials information, are available on the UK Admissions site. In addition to being admitted to UK, a successful audition is required to be declared a dance major. During the audition, prospective students will demonstrate their knowledge of ballet, jazz, modern, and improvisation movement based phrases and exercises. The audition culminates with an individual interview meeting with a faculty member.
If you are unable to attend the audition dates a video audition may be submitted either via mailed DVD or link to a hosted video. Dance minors are not required to audition.
- Online Video Auditions
We encourage you to audition in-person, however if you are unable to attend the audition dates, we invite you to submit an online audition with a link to a hosted video. The links must be received no later than May 1 for entrance in the following fall semester. Video auditions must include the following:
Performance Requirements
Ballet
- Choose ONE of the following ballet combinations; One-minute maximum.
- traveling tendu with pirouette
- adagio
- petit allegro
- grand allegro
Jazz
- Show an upbeat movement combination including a grand battement (front or side), pirouette in parallel, and an elevation of dancer’s choice. One-minute maximum.
Modern
- Show a center combination including different uses of the torso, floor work, and an inversion of dancer’s choice. One-minute maximum.
Recommended Audition Attire
Wear appropriate attire that will show clean lines: leotard and tights, unitard, or form-fitted pants. Ballet slippers for the ballet class, Jazz shoes for the jazz class, and bare feet for the modern dance portion. If you do not own jazz shoes, ballet slippers will suffice.
Link Submission
susie.thiel@uky.edu
Subject Line – Audition MaterialsA phone or Skype interview, similar to the in-person audition interviews, may be included at the director's discretion.
Written Requirements
Resume: A one-page resume listing dance training and performance experience Entrance Essay: 500-word writing sample choosing one of following prompts
- Identify and discuss your future dance goals.
- Describe a dance work you would like to choreograph. This can be realistic or unrealistic. For example, a dance on the moon.
- Looking at recent events, describe the importance and how art and dance can be used to foster discussion and promote change.
Submit the Audition Reservation Form
Still required even if not attending the in-person audition dates.
- Choose ONE of the following ballet combinations; One-minute maximum.
- Audition Attire
Wear appropriate attire that will show clean lines: leotard and tights, unitard, or form-fitted pants. Ballet slippers for the ballet class, Jazz shoes for the jazz class, and bare feet for the modern dance portion. If you do not own jazz shoes, ballet slippers will suffice.
- Audition Reservations
The Audition Reservation Form must be completed at least one week before the audition date. Audition availability is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A confirmation email will be sent.
- Audition Results
Within two weeks of the audition, a letter and email with your audition results will be sent. Those accepted into the program will be given their class placement level in ballet, jazz and modern technique.
Students generally enter the dance major program in the fall semester. The dance program also accepts new majors in the spring semester. Spaces in the dance major are filled on a first-come, first-served basis from those accepted to the program. When all of the spaces are full, accepted students who still wish to attend will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a space opens.
The College of Fine Arts Theatre and Dance scholarship can be awarded to incoming or current students who qualify based on the guidelines laid out by the College of Fine Arts, and who have demonstrated a commitment to theatre and/or dance. Please visit the Scholarships & Financial Aid page for more information.
Transfer students are admitted through the same procedures as other incoming students, including attendance at one of the two departmental auditions or through a video audition.
Always be sure the check the full major requirements for your academic entry year on the current UK Registrar Catalog. Instructions on how to find your year and program are provided on the Catalog site.
