Undergraduate Admissions FAQs

Both the BS and BFA degree provide rigorous technical training and breadth of study across the discipline of dance. The BS degree is ideal for students who wish to pursue an additional major or dual degree; the BFA requires additional technique and performance credit hours, and is ideal for those students with strong interest and aptitude for professional performing careers.

We have a large number of degree students who pursue additional majors. Some students pursue dual degree programs. While this is a very challenging route to go, it is possible to complete the dance degree and an additional major in four years with very careful planning. Dual degree programs may take an additional semester or year, depending on the program.

We have an in-house dance advisor who works closely with our students to assist with carefully planning course schedules so that dance degree requirements can be met, along with another major, certificate program or in some cases another degree program.

There are some degree programs on campus that do not allow students to pursue a dual degree, two of the most common degree programs students inquire about are journalism and engineering. Both of those programs will not allow students to also pursue the dance degree.

If you have questions about a particular major or degree program, contact our dance advisor, Karen McShane-Hellebrand.

Our degree programs are designed to, and can, be completed in four years, provided that students follow the advising grid. Adding an additional major to the BS or BFA degree, taking coursework out of sequence, or dropping courses may impact timeline to graduation.

Acceptance into the program is not limited to a certain number of students. We evaluate prospective students’ ability to demonstrate  and achieve the technique requirements given at the audition. We screen to determine whether students are a good match for our program and whether they will be successful in either the BS or BFA program. All first-year students are admitted as BS candidates when the UW–Madison admissions office renders its final decision.

The numbers of students in each of our courses vary depending on the course. Some courses are open to all students and some are open to dance degree candidates only. Numbers can range between 15-50 students.

All degree students must take First Year Workshop, repertory, and composition classes – all of which require participation in a formal or informal performance. Additional performance/choreography opportunities include two student concerts, faculty research concerts, guest artists-in-residence work, senior honors projects, and more! (Prerequisites or auditions may be required).

Yes! Dance degree and certificate students who demonstrate evidence of emerging professionalism in the field are eligible to apply for scholarships and awards. For more information, visit our Scholarship and Awards page. 

We have grads who have gone on to graduate school to pursue an MFA in dance, to become physical therapists, athletic trainers, dance movement therapists, arts administrators, and more. Some of our graduates have also gone on to dance professionally at  Nova Linea Contemporary Dance, Joffrey Ballet School, Pilobolus, and in New York under talent management agencies.

Dance students at UW–Madison have access to all the resources of a large, public university while being a part of an inclusive, tight-knit dance community. Students learn from and work directly with a diverse faculty and engage in an interdisciplinary curriculum that: 1) is designed to give students a strong foundation in technique, performance, and composition; and 2) emphasizes creative investigation, scholarship, innovation, and rigorous dance training.  Students are challenged to think deeply, push boundaries, and make art that creates change. There are several opportunities to audition for and work with faculty and guest artists-in-residence throughout the academic year. Many of our students travel nationally and internationally over the summer to engage with the global dance community and can do so with financial support from our department. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Dance Department was the first in the nation to offer a dance degree, and our department has alumni in positions of leadership in the dance discipline all over the world. When students study dance at UW–Madison, they become a part of that legacy — of dance in higher education — and join a dynamic dance community that celebrates innovative and diverse styles and aesthetics. Our students graduate with wide professional networks and go on to have extraordinary careers.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has consistently been ranked one of America’s best colleges and best college values among public universities. The university is a prolific research institution and our students, staff, and faculty partake in a world-class education to solve real-world problems and create a better future for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world. The university offers thousands of classes across a spectrum of liberal arts and science disciplines. UW–Madison students receive a well-rounded, world-class education that prepares them not only for a career, but one that makes a difference.

The campus is in the heart of Madison, WI, the state capitol, a city that has been listed as one of America’s best places to live. The 936-acre campus spreads out along Lake Mendota, encompassing wooded hills, friendly shores, and lively city streets. Madison offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, stimulating cultural offerings, outdoor recreation, distinctive restaurants, unique shops, and a vibrant nightlife. Learn more about the city of Madison.

We are happy to arrange visits to Lathrop Hall for prospective students. Please contact Recruitment Director Anna Rogovoy. Be sure to include the dates that you’re interested in visiting, as well as classes you would want to observe (e.g. contemporary technique, ballet technique, hip hop, etc.). Please note that visitors are not permitted to participate in classes. Your visit will also include a tour of our studios and theater and talking with current students (pending availability).

We have auditions three times a year in February, August, and November. Please view our audition page for more detailed information.

Ballet shoes are required for ballet class, clean sneakers or dance shoes for hip-hop, and barefoot for contemporary. Students are encouraged to wear neat, professional dancewear that clearly shows their movement and alignment, while helping them to feel comfortable and confident.

We are not looking for one particular kind of dancer. Prospective students are evaluated on their ability to demonstrate facility and their potential to grow as artists.

On-campus auditions allow you to see the University, tour the Dance Department facilities, and attend a dance performance (Nov & Feb only). Equal consideration is given to students who attend any of these audition dates. 

Students attending in-person auditions will be notified approximately within one week of the audition. Off campus audition results will be sent out on a case-by-case basis.

It is possible to re-audition.