Dance

The bachelor of science in dance (B.S.Dan.) is a 120-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience through a curriculum which merges theory and practice.  

View the sample four-year plan for this degree.  

Explore program courses in the University Catalog 

Dance majors are required to audition for program placement and scholarship consideration.

Professional development

Guest artist residencies and master classes are a priority of the dance program, as they provide  networking and real-world learning experience.

You will have opportunities to attend conferences with state and national dance organizations, through  involvement in faculty research and additional performance experiences. Faculty also provide guidance to students for dance internships and summer intensives.  

Students gain teaching experience in public schools through our Teaching Creative Dance and Dance Integration for Children course, in private dance studio settings during Dance Pedagogy and through additional individually mentored dance practicums.

Qualified candidates are also regularly hired as dance instructors to teach a myriad of studio dance courses through Festival Dance & Performing Arts Association, an in-residence academy and non-profit arts organization partner, giving students the opportunity to directly apply their learning while building their résumés.

Performance opportunities

Dance students have numerous opportunities to perform throughout their college studies.

• Dancers audition for the pre-professional  company, UIdaho Dance Ensemble, working closely with faculty and guest artists in choreography projects. The ensemble tours with selected dancers throughout the Northwest.
• DancersDrummersDreamers is a collaboration with the Lionel Hampton School of Music performed to original, live music. It has toured with selected dancers throughout the Northwest.
• Choreo-Lab and Dance Research Showcase feature advanced student choreography.
• Dance Off Hand is a bi-annual informal concert series, produced by Terpsichore Student Dance Organization, enhancing your leadership experience.

Dance students gain additional leadership experience as members of university student organizations such as Terpsichore Student Dance Organization, Ballroom Club and the National Honor Society for Dance Arts.

While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
• Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.

If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Dance majors may audition for scholarships annually with a solo performance and an interview. Considerations for these awards can include excellence in dance, academic merit, and financial need. See additional audition requirements under the Application tab below.

• Scholarship audition deadline: Feb. 19, 2027  
• Awarding beyond this deadline is contingent upon availability of funding.  

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.

Prospective students complete a placement audition for placement in the dance major. Students will be evaluated by the dance faculty on the basis of  performance presence, body awareness, alignment, maturity of movement and potential. To prepare, you should receive training in ballet, modern dance or other dance forms.  

Students meeting our program standards will be granted entrance into the program under a four-year plan. Students who do not meet program standards upon entrance will be accepted under conditional status and will be re-evaluated the following year for improvement and growth potential.    

Dance minors do not need to audition. However, all intermediate and advanced level technique classes in ballet and contemporary modern dance require program permission. A placement class will take place annually.  

Upcoming program auditions

• Ongoing individual in-person audition or video submissions
  • Contact the program (dance@uidaho.edu) to schedule an individual in-person audition or audition by video for program placement and/or scholarship
  • Fall technique placement class (Fall 2026 entering students, returning majors and minors, all students seeking placement above a beginning level)
    • Saturday, Aug. 22, 12-2pm, Dance Lab 110
• Fall program placement and scholarship audition (Fall 2027 entering students)
  • Sept 26, time TBA, Dance Lab 110
• Spring program placement and scholarship audition (Fall 2027 entering and returning students)
  • Feb. 19, 2027, time TBA, Dance Lab 110
• Mid-spring placement/scholarship audition and master class (Fall 2027 entrance, prospective students and community)
  • March 27, 2026, 10–11:30 a.m., Dance lab 110
• High School Dance Festival (students seeking placement into the program for Fall 2027 are invited to request placement results)
  • April 17, 2027, all day, PEB, registration information TBA

Audition registration process

Follow these steps to register for a placement and/or scholarship audition.

Step 1

• Incoming students must apply to University of Idaho prior to attending a placement or scholarship audition for the dance program. It is advantageous for prospective students to apply as early as possible to qualify for academic scholarships based upon academic credentials through the University of Idaho undergraduate application process.
• All students auditioning for scholarships must apply for financial aid in order to be considered for dance program scholarships. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Step 2

• Complete audition registration online using the audition registration form.

Additional information

If you plan to enter the program in the spring, you should contact the program (dance@uidaho.edu) for those deadlines.

Technique class

Your audition for the department will consist of participation in an intermediate/advanced technique class in ballet and/or contemporary modern, taught by U of I dance faculty members and attended by other dance majors and minors. Wear dance attire or other form-fitting clothes with appropriate footwear. Contact the dance program (dance@uidaho.edu) for scheduling.

Solo performance (for scholarship applicants only)

Prepare a 2–4-minute dance solo demonstrating your dance experience and performance range. Consider musicality, dynamic movement quality and creative risk taking. You will be evaluated on your ability and aptitude for growth. If the solo is accompanied by music, please bring a digital copy on a device that can connect to an auxiliary cable or using Bluetooth.

Interview (for scholarship applicants only)

Be prepared to discuss the information on your audition form and your interest in becoming a dance major at University of Idaho. This also is a chance to get to know faculty members and ask any questions about the degree program.

Video submissions

Submission will not be viewed until applicants have applied to University of Idaho and submitted dance audition registration form.

• Audition registration form

New student scholarship priority deadline

• Audition in-person or online by Feb. 19, 2027

Requirements

• Videos should not exceed 10-minutes

Introduction

• Speak your name, where you are from and a brief discussion of your interest in dance.

Technique demonstrations

• Ballet segment
  • Two ballet barre combinations (sideview)
  • One ballet center combination
  • One ballet traveling combination
  • You must demonstrate at least one turn and one jump
• Contemporary modern segment
  • Two contemporary modern combinations of approximately 32 counts each
  • You must demonstrate moving into and out of the floor
• Solo (for scholarship applicants only)
  • Present a 2–4-minute dance solo demonstrating a wide range of dance techniques and artistry.
  • Identify the title and choreographer and any accompanying music for your piece.
• Video submission
  • Submit a video link (ie. YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) to dance@uidaho.edu or provide the link when submitting the audition registration form
• Zoom interview (for scholarship applicants only)
  • After submitting your audition registration form and video audition you may be contacted by the program to schedule an interview with faculty.
• Additional information
  • Please edit your video
  • Do not wear loose clothing or costumes