Pose courtesy of the Balanchine Trust ©
BFA Program
In that the BFA is a professional degree, the primary focus is to offer technical training and performance experience that optimally prepares dancers for future professional careers in dance upon graduation. In meeting these demands, the unique triple-track design, affords students the opportunity to study ballet, modern and jazz with equal emphasis. Students also have the ability in their junior year, to taper their programs of study should they desire to specialize or concentrate more heavily on a particular discipline to meet specific future career goals, while still maintaining breadth in their technical foundation. Even though the BFA degree in dance places an emphasis on technique and performing, students are also assured of receiving a well-rounded education. To study dance at The University of Arizona is to have the best of both worlds–a nationally reputed dance program with a conservatory environment (in terms of the rigor and concentration), housed within an institution nationally lauded for scientific discoveries and research!
See where BFA Alumni have gone professionally
Applying is a two step process:
- Step One: Complete an application for admission to the University of Arizona. This application should be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
- Step Two: Complete the College of Fine Arts supplemental application in your UA Future online portal. Video auditions are submitted within the online application.
Online Application includes:
- Outline of training in Ballet, Modern & Jazz
- Resume of dance experience
- Full body photo in first arabesque
- Headshot
- Reference contact information
- Video containing required content (Required for ALL applicants)
- Application Fee
Application Fee: $45.00 – paid at the time UA Dance application is submitted.
DATES AND DEADLINES
National Auditions
National Auditions for Spring 2021 and Fall 2021 will be Video Auditions only.
Spring 2021 application deadline: October 1, 2020
Fall 2021 application deadline: June 30, 2021
DANCE MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Dancers auditioning by video will be eligible for Dance Merit Scholarships. Merit scholarships are awarded at the top of the academic year.
- Dancers applying for Spring 2021 will be considered for merit scholarships for Fall 2021.
- Dancers applying for Fall 2021 will be considered for merit scholarships.
While the deadline to apply for Fall 2021 is June 30th, dancers interested in a merit scholarship are encouraged to apply prior to February 1st. Dancers applying after February 1st are eligible for a merit scholarship, however, funds to award scholarships may be limited.
VIDEO CONTENT GUIDELINES
Primarily, the video should contain classroom/studio footage. It is most helpful if the applicant is the only one filmed. If filmed in a class setting, the camera should be focused exclusively on the auditioner. In addition to the requirements listed below, a performance clip/clips may be included at the end of the footage, making sure if in a group, the applicant can be easily identified.
Videos are most successfully reviewed when they follow the guidelines. Typically, this results in a video of approximately ten minutes in length that includes a diverse sampling of your technical/studio work across all three styles.
Suggested Dress Code for video content
Ballet: Solid color leotard and tights, unitard, or form-fitting shirt with dance tights; Ballet shoes
Modern: Same as ballet attire options OR solid color form-fitting top and athletic leggings; Barefoot
Jazz: Same as ballet attire options OR solid color form-fitting top and athletic leggings; Jazz shoes
-Hair confined up off the neck and back from the face
-No loose-fitting clothing
Personal Introduction Segment
Please introduce yourself and briefly state the reasons you are interested in applying to the University of Arizona School of Dance.
Please articulate the primary factor, from your foundational dance training thus far, which you feel has best prepared you to enter the professionally slanted curriculum of the School of Dance BFA curriculum at the University of Arizona.
Ballet Segment*
- 2 Ballet Barrework Combinations (side view)
- 3 Ballet Centerwork Combinations to include:
- An Adagio demonstrating control, line, extension, placement
- Pirouettes en dehors and en dedans
- A Petit Allegro Combination
- A Grand Allegro Combination
* Optional 1 or 2 brief partnering excerpts
* Optional for female dancers: 1 or 2 pointe work exercises in the center
Modern Segment*
- 2 Modern Combinations of approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute each which should demonstrate the following:
- Articulation of the spine
- Descending and ascending (floorwork)
* You may wish to do just one combination which is twice as long (64 counts or one full minute). Include slow, sustained movement as well as quicker footwork/changes of direction.
Jazz Segment*
- A Lyrical Combination (approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute)
- An Upbeat Combination (approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute)
- Demonstrate your turning ability
- Demonstrate your jumping ability
* Optional: musical theatre or tap combination
COVID-19 Video Content GuidelinesVIDEO SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Video is uploaded directly into the application.
AFTER THE APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED
Applications will be considered by the UA Dance Faculty on a rolling basis as they are received. If you have not received a decision within 45 days of submitting your application please contact Administrative Assistant Michelle Francisco in the UA Dance Office at mfrancisco@email.arizona.edu.
Decisions will be sent out by the UA Future Portal.
- You will receive an email with the subject line:“A decision has been reached for your CFA Application.”
- A link in this message will take you to the status page of the Fine Arts Application BFA Dance.
- On the Fine Arts Application BFA Dance status page you will see: “An update to your application was last posted DATE”
- Click “View Update”
This will take you to your UA Dance decision letter. You can print a PDF copy for your records if you would like a physical copy.
MULTIPLE AUDITION POLICY
Dancers who have received a non-accept outcome and wish to audition again may do so. However, after two auditions, dancers will not be given further consideration for the BFA program.
Virtual tours and Faculty Q&A
We know the importance of getting a sense of our faculty, curriculum, facilities, and campus life as you consider our program, and we look forward to offering virtual ways to connect.