The University of Arizona
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How to Apply - Graduate Students

Applying

To apply for admission for the graduate program, the candidate must have extensive dance training, hold an undergraduate degree and meet the minimum requirements of the UA Graduate College. An online application is required before an interview can be scheduled, apply now.

For application materials and deadlines for admission see the School of Dance website (www.cfa.arizona.edu/dance) or contact one of the Graduate Advisers:

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Admission

  1. Students will be admitted to enter graduate studies who meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate College and the School of Dance including:
    1. Demonstrated advanced level in technique in ballet, modern or jazz dance.
    2. Have completed at least one year of dance composition, achieving a grade of “B” or higher; or at least two professional compositions that have been publicly presented
    3. Have completed at least one year of Dance or Drama theatre production, achieving a grade of “B” or higher; or at least 2 years of professional experience
    4. Have competed at least one course each in:
      1. Music history/literature, music for dance, or two years of applied music study
      2. Anatomy for Dance; Kinesiology; or Biomechanics
      3. Aesthetics of dance or the arts, or in dance ethnology/anthropology
      4. Dance History
    5. The students must fulfill deficiencies in any course subject areas at the undergraduate level during the first year of study. These courses will not be counted in the student’s plan of study. Students may be admitted to regular graduate status with up to 12 unit hours of deficiencies.
  2. All students applying for admission to the program of study must also meet qualitative standards determined by the dance faculty including:
    1. Review of three confidential letters of recommendation
    2. Review of the applicant’s performance or choreographic work
    3. Review of the student’s written Statement of Purpose (see below)
    4. On-site audition, with personal interview
  3. Criteria for admission to the program of study are based on the quantitative and qualitative requirements listed above, and admission will be determined according to:
    1. Each student’s demonstrated expertise in performance or choreography
    2. Evidence of self-motivated professional experience in the field
    3. Potential for successful completion of the degree at the University of Arizona
    4. Personal maturity, independence, and academic and artistic integrity.
    5. THE GRE IS NOT REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION

Scheduling Auditions and Interviews

Graduate students who plan to audition for the graduate program must first apply on-line. An on-line application must be completed before the University and Graduate College can accept our recommendations. Applicants must also submit the following application materials directly to the School of Dance: undergraduate transcripts, CV or resume, Statement of Purpose, choreography/performance DVD, teaching DVD, and three confidential letters of recommendation. The address is:

The School of Dance; 121 Ina Gittings Building; The University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ 85721 (attn: Graduate Advisors)  

All applicants are strongly advised to make every effort to participate in one of the two School of Dance National Auditions held in the fall and spring. Contact the School of Dance for specific dates: 520-621-4698. The physical audition is designed for the faculty to meet the prospective applicant, and for the applicant to experience the facilities, and the faculty, first-hand. 

Prospective students may schedule an individual audition/interview during the fall or spring semester if it is completely impossible for them to attend the National Audition. Appointments cannot be made over Thanksgiving break, winter break, and spring break, or after classes have ended for the year. The last day of classes for the academic year is in the first week of May.

Graduate tuition and fees remain among the lowest in the country at the University of Arizona. The School of Dance offers graduate support in the form of Teaching Assistantships, Graduate College Fellowships, and Graduate Tuition Scholarships. Graduate Teaching Assistantships include a stipend, health insurance, reduction in tuition, and an out-of-state tuition waiver.

UA Graduate Admissions Information and Application

School of Dance Graduate Program

Guidelines for Preparing the Statement of Purpose

Your Statement of Purpose must be typed and can be one or two pages in length. The statement should address each of the following:

  • Brief biography of yourself and a description of your work.
  • Why do you wish to attend graduate school?
  • As you begin your graduate program, what are your artistic and/or scholarly goals?
  • How do you think our graduate program will assist you in achieving these goals?
  • What skills and knowledge can you contribute to the University of Arizona School of Dance?