Top 10 Colleges with Dance Programs

For many high school dancers, college is the first big step toward a professional dance career. You might be dreaming of hitting the stage with a top ballet company, or into modern choreography, or doing a bit of both. No matter your chosen path, finding a college that fits your style and goals is a big deal. Below, you’ll find a rundown of standout colleges with dance programs across the U.S.

• Top 10 Dance Colleges in the US
• What to Look for in a Dance Program
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Top 10 Dance Colleges in the US

If you’re thinking about earning a dance degree in the U.S., it really helps to start with schools that know how to train you for the real world. That’s why we’re leaning on a trusted source: Backstage. It’s a go-to platform in the performing arts space, packed with tools, advice, and casting calls for dancers, actors, and creatives alike.

They’ve put together a solid list of the top 10 colleges with dance programs in the country, based on expert faculty, performance experience, and how well each school prepares you for life after graduation:

1. The Juilliard School (New York, NY)

If you’re dreaming of a dance career, Juilliard is probably already on your radar. Their BFA program is one of the most respected in the world.

Over four years, you’ll dive deep into ballet (yes, pointe and classical partnering are part of the deal), explore modern techniques like Graham, Limón, and Cunningham, and try your hand at everything from contact improv to jazz, tap, and hip-hop. Even freshmen get personalized sessions in the Alexander Technique to help sharpen body awareness and movement quality.

The dance division puts on around 30 shows a year. You’ll be part of the New Dances series, where each class works with a choreographer to bring a brand-new piece to life. In the spring, there’s the Juilliard Dances Repertory series for more established works, making it one of the most performance-rich colleges with dance programs.

And if you’re into creative collaboration, you’ll love the Choreographers and Composers concert, where student choreographers and composers team up to create original performances. Seniors also get their moment with a showcase featuring their own choreographic work.

Graduates go on to join elite companies like Alvin Ailey, Nederlands Dans Theater, and the Martha Graham Dance Company, or build careers in choreography, teaching, and interdisciplinary arts.

2. Boston Conservatory at Berklee (Boston, MA)

If you’re looking for a dance program that’s big on variety and performance, Boston Conservatory at Berklee might be your kind of place. While the focus is on commercial and contemporary dance, the curriculum branches out into a broad mix of disciplines like jazz, hip-hop, pointe, improvisation, African dance, musical theater, and even swing.

The program is designed to give you strong technical training while keeping you versatile. One of the coolest parts is that it partners with the Royal Academy of Dance and the Radio City Rockettes, giving you access to world-class training, something that sets it apart from many other colleges with dance programs.

The school puts on four mainstage dance productions every year. Some of those shows feature brand-new work by guest artists, while others shine a spotlight on choreography by students. Even freshmen jump in with pieces choreographed by guest professionals. So from the start, you’re getting world-class training while you’re performing, experimenting, and growing with every show.

3. NYU Tisch School of the Arts (New York, NY)

At NYU Tisch, the BFA dance program moves fast—and so will you. It’s built on an intense three-year, two-summer schedule that packs a ton of growth into a short amount of time. Your first year is all about building a strong, healthy foundation with technique classes that focus on placement and alignment.

By your second year, you’ll explore dance histories, acting, improvisation, and music literature to help you become a more well-rounded artist. Then, in your third year, it all comes together as you apply your technique to choreography and fully staged performances, just what you’d hope to find in top colleges with dance programs.

One standout production at NYU Tisch School of the Arts is the Choreographers, Composers, and Designers Workshop Concert, held annually in the Jack Crystal Theater. Additionally, the Second Avenue Dance Company (SADC) serves as a capstone experience for senior dance majors. Throughout the year, students collaborate with renowned guest choreographers to perform both new creations and restaged masterworks.

4. Florida State University School of Dance (Tallahassee, FL)

At Florida State, the BFA Dance program is all about helping you grow into a well-rounded artist—someone who can perform, choreograph, teach, and think critically about the art form. You’ll dive into classes like composition, movement analysis, music and choreography, and production, all while exploring big-picture topics like dance history, aesthetics, and pedagogy.

You’ll be learning from faculty who’ve danced with some of the most respected companies out there, such as the New York City Ballet, Houston Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, and many more. Their experience brings a real-world perspective into the studio and the classroom, which is a hallmark of the best colleges with dance programs.

You’ll also have the chance to take your training beyond campus. FSU’s Study Abroad and Study Domestic programs offer immersive experiences in both New York and Paris. Seniors and grad students can join ARTS in NYC, which brings together artists from across disciplines and schools for a creative deep dive in the city.

Each year, you’ll get to be part of Days of Dance and Evening of Dance, two mainstage concert series full of original works. The school also features grad thesis shows and smaller performances in its cozy black box studio, so there’s always a space to put your work out there and grow with every step.

5. University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Winston-Salem, NC)

At UNCSA, you can earn your BFA in either classical ballet or contemporary dance, and while you’ll pick a primary focus, you’ll still get to train across both styles. The program is packed with coursework that helps you grow on and off the stage.

Alongside technique, you’ll learn choreography, composition, improvisation, somatic practices, and pedagogy. You’ll also take classes in music, dance history, business, and production because building a dance career means understanding the full picture, which is exactly what top colleges with dance programs aim to provide.

Every year, students take part in four major shows: fall, winter, and spring dance productions, plus a classic holiday run of The Nutcracker. If you’re a choreographer at heart, you’ll love the chance to showcase your own work in fully produced concerts like Emerging Choreographers, Pluck Project, and Spree. On top of that, the school hosts repertory class workshop performances three times a year, giving you even more time on stage to refine your craft.

6. Point Park University School of Dance (Pittsburgh, PA)

Point Park’s conservatory-style BFA program aims to turn you into a versatile, performance-ready dancer. Starting fall 2025, the school is expanding even more, with new degree tracks in Hip Hop and Jazz under the Department of Commercial Dance, and Ballet and Modern under the Department of Concert Dance.

You’ll train at the stunning George Rowland White Performance Center. All students are exposed to a wide range of movement vocabularies—ballet, modern, tap, jazz, African dance, and improvisation—so you graduate with the kind of range today’s dance world really looks for, which is exactly what sets apart leading colleges with dance programs.

Each year, Point Park invites eight to ten guest artists to either create original work or re-stage major repertory pieces. One semester, you might be dancing in a Balanchine classic, and the next, you’re taking on cutting-edge choreography by artists like Stefanie Batten Bland or Dwight Rhoden.

Thanks to partnerships with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and other local companies, you also get a front-row seat to the city’s professional dance community.

7. University of Utah School of Dance (Salt Lake City, Utah)

The University of Utah is home to one of the oldest and most established dance programs in the country, and it shows in how thoughtfully the School of Dance supports its students from day one. If you’re in the BFA program, you’ll kick off your journey with a Freshman Seminar during your first fall semester. It’s designed to help you adjust to life as a dance major and give you a strong foundation, both in and out of the studio.

Each semester, you’ll be evaluated on a few key areas: your technique, your creativity as a choreographer, your academic performance, and your overall commitment to the program, standards you’d expect from top-tier colleges with dance programs.

The school produces two full dance seasons every year, with additional showcases and student-led performances throughout. Groups like the Queer Dance Initiative and the Modern Dance Student Concert Committee give you even more chances to experiment, collaborate, and bring your ideas to the stage.

8. University of Arizona School of Dance

At the University of Arizona, the dance program follows a unique “triple track” approach, which means you’ll train equally in ballet, modern, and jazz. It’s a well-rounded setup that helps you become fluent in multiple styles right from the start.

You’ll also have the option to explore other movement vocabularies like tap, African dance, choreography, and improvisation. Once you hit your junior and senior years, you can choose to dive deeper into one or two focus areas that best match your strengths and goals.

The ensemble has performed pieces by major choreographers like Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, and George Balanchine. And if you’re someone with broad interests, you can earn a second degree while completing your BFA in dance—something that’s not always possible at other colleges with dance programs.

The School of Dance runs a packed season from September through May, with over 40 performances each year. You’ll also get to perform on some incredible stages, from the Joyce Theatre in New York City to the Kennedy Center in D.C. Some students even take part in international shows in places like Italy, Germany, and Mexico.

9. The Ailey School/Fordham University (Bronx, NY)

This BFA program is a little different. It’s a joint program between The Ailey School and Fordham University, so you’ll get the best of both worlds: conservatory-level dance training and a full academic experience. You’ll be enrolled at both schools, taking daily technique classes while also fulfilling your academic studies.

You’ll work daily in ballet and modern—specifically Horton and Graham techniques—and also explore jazz, hip-hop, West African, improvisation, dance composition, modern partnering, and somatic practices. There’s even on-site physical therapy and access to a dedicated dance video and research library, making it one of the most well-rounded colleges with dance programs out there.

Students perform in two fall shows and a spring benefit concert. If you’re a senior, you might also tour with the Ailey/Fordham Student Dancers, a repertory ensemble that performs at venues throughout New York City. And with approval, you can even take the leap into performing with local professional companies.

10. Oklahoma City University – Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment (Oklahoma City, OK)

At OCU, the dance program offers four different degree tracks, so you can tailor your education to what excites you—whether that’s performing, managing, teaching, or stepping into the entertainment business side of the industry. You can earn a Bachelor of Performing Arts or a Bachelor of Science in dance performance, dance management, American dance pedagogy, or entertainment business.

If you’re focused on performing, you’ll spend a lot of time sharpening your skills in musical theater and commercial dance styles. That means plenty of training in lyrical, contemporary, classical, and hip-hop. OCU also offers some of the most in-depth tap training you’ll find anywhere, along with strong programs in ballet, jazz, pointe, and partnering, making it a standout among colleges with dance programs.

Students can audition for the Star Dance Company and take part in the school’s big holiday show. Held each December at the Kirkpatrick Theater, this festive show features over 120 student performers showcasing a variety of dance styles, including tap, jazz, and musical theatre.

What to Look for in a Dance Program

When you’re searching for colleges with dance programs that truly fit you, there’s more to it than just picking between a B.A. and a BFA. B.A. programs typically offer a broader liberal arts focus, while BFA programs tend to be more conservatory-style and intensive.

Choosing a dance program means aligning your goals, your learning style, and your lifestyle with what a school can actually provide. Here are important factors that you need to consider when choosing a dance program:

1. Skill-building & curriculum focus

You want to make sure the program is going to help you grow in the direction you want to go. Start by researching the genres each school emphasizes—some programs are ballet-heavy, others lean into modern, commercial, jazz, or hip-hop. If you’re interested in choreography, dance science, or dance education, check that the program offers solid coursework in those areas too.

Pay attention to:

• The number of technique classes per week
• Training hours and class sizes
• The availability of cross-training (like Pilates, yoga, somatic practices)
• The school’s approach to injury prevention and dancer wellness
• The philosophy behind their training is that some programs emphasize individuality and creativity, while others are more traditional.

The right balance between training and academics also matters. Some students want a boot-camp-style dance education; others need more flexibility to double major or join student organizations outside the studio.

2. Performance opportunities

Dancing is a performance art, so your time on stage will shape your college experience and your resume. Look into how often students perform, and when those opportunities start. Some schools hold back performance slots for upperclassmen; others let freshmen jump in right away. This feature can really set apart the best colleges with dance programs.

Ask:

• How many mainstage productions happen each year?
• Are there student choreography showcases or repertory classes?
• Are there opportunities to tour, perform in the community, or collaborate with musicians or actors?
• Can students choreograph their own work for public performance?
• Are there ensemble or company-style groups within the school?

A school that consistently gets you on stage and lets you experiment creatively will help you build both confidence and real-world experience.

3. Post-college preparation

Getting a degree is just one part of the story—you also want to walk away with a clear idea of what’s next. Does the program help you make that leap?

Check for:

• Job placement support (audition coaching, networking events, resume building)
• Internships or summer intensives with professional companies
• Access to guest artists and masterclasses with working professionals
• Pathways into graduate study, should you want to go further academically
• Strong industry connections (especially in cities like NYC, L.A., or Chicago)

Some schools also offer career development courses tailored for dancers, which can include topics like contract negotiation, freelancing, branding, or financial literacy.

4. Faculty and mentorship

The people teaching you matter just as much as the curriculum itself. Look into the faculty’s backgrounds. Have they danced with companies you admire? Are they active choreographers, researchers, or educators? Do they seem invested in mentoring students?

Strong programs often have:

• Faculty with professional performance experience
• Guest artists or choreographers in residence
• Open-door policies that encourage one-on-one feedback and guidance
• A diversity of voices, styles, and perspectives

Feeling seen and supported by your professors can make a huge difference, especially in a physically and emotionally demanding major like dance.

5. Alumni network & reputation

You don’t need a famous name on your diploma to have a successful dance career, but it doesn’t hurt to see what alumni are doing post-grad. If the school has former students dancing in major companies, Broadway shows, commercial work, or running successful dance businesses, that’s a strong indicator of what sets apart top colleges with dance programs.

Look into:

• Alumni career paths (performing, teaching, choreographing, arts management)
• Guest alumni panels or networking events
• Mentorship opportunities between grads and current students
• Where recent grads are landing jobs or gigs

This can also clue you into the school’s broader reputation within the dance industry, which may influence future audition panels and company directors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What’s the difference between a BFA and a BA in dance?

A BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is more performance-focused and typically includes a heavier load of technique, choreography, and production courses. A BA (Bachelor of Arts) offers more flexibility and is often better for double majors or students interested in dance theory, education, or administration alongside performance.

2. Do I need to audition to get into a college dance program?

Most performance-based programs—especially BFA tracks—do require an audition. Some schools hold in-person auditions, while others accept video submissions. You’ll usually be asked to demonstrate technique, improvisation, and sometimes choreography.

3. Is there a big difference between conservatory programs and university programs?

Yes. Conservatories usually offer more intense, performance-based training with fewer academic requirements. University programs balance dance with a traditional college experience, including broader academic coursework and campus life.

4. Do you need to attend a dance school to become a professional performer or dancer?

No, you don’t need to attend a dance school to become a professional performer, but it can help. Many dancers train through studios, apprenticeships, or private coaches and still build successful careers. However, college dance programs offer structured training, performance experience, networking, and academic support that can make the transition into the professional world smoother.

Takeaways

The top colleges with dance programs each offer unique strengths—from performance-intensive conservatories to flexible, academically focused tracks—but they all share a common goal: helping you grow as a dancer, artist, and professional.

• Top programs focus on versatility, offering training in ballet, jazz, modern, and more, preparing you for a range of dance careers.
• Early and frequent performance matters. Programs that let you perform immediately, not just in your senior year, build your stage presence and confidence.
• Some programs, like those at the University of Arizona or Oklahoma City University, allow you to double major or even explore fields like business, teaching, or arts management alongside dance.
• Programs connected to professional companies, festivals, or touring groups (like Ailey/Fordham or NYU Tisch) often give students access to auditions, internships, and job offers.
• Working with a college admissions expert gives you an edge. They’ll help you find the right schools, choose between BFA and BA programs, and stay on track with auditions and deadlines.