Dance BFA

  • BFA
  • Minor
Students on stage, performing "Violet" choreographed by Leslie Kraus.

Montclair State University’s BFA in Dance offers the perfect blend of rigorous, conservatory-style training and a comprehensive liberal arts education. To support the pursuit of a professional career in dance, this program emphasizes both artistic excellence and academic growth, as well as enhancing mind/body connections and technical facility. You will train intensively in technique, choreography and performance, while also gaining practical experience through numerous opportunities to create and perform original works. Housed within the Department of Theatre & Dance, the BFA in Dance is led by faculty who are active professionals in the field. 

Program Highlights:

  • Daily technique classes in multiple dance styles
  • Ample opportunities to perform and present choreographic work on and off campus from year one
  • An inclusive community that recognizes students as unique individuals and celebrates diverse voices, bodies and traditions
  • Continual faculty feedback and mentorship to support growth
  • Personalized academic advising and a clear four-year degree path

NOTE: Admission into the program requires an audition. 

See the curriculum.

Accredited

The BFA in Dance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance which has high standards for dance degree programs and assesses them every 10 years.

Among Top Dance Programs in U.S.

Montclair State University’s dance program has been named one of the best in the country, according to a recent ranking from DanceUs.org. With Manhattan just 30 minutes away, students connect with both world-class dance productions and numerous internship opportunities.

Two dance students on stage.

Take the next step

BFA/BA Dance Application Process

To be considered for admission to the BFA/BA Dance program, applicants must first submit an online application to Montclair State University and then complete the required audition process. Incoming freshmen and transfer applicants must complete a pre-screen submission before being considered for a full audition unless auditioning through an approved partner organization. Please review the audition requirements carefully and ensure all required application materials are submitted before your audition can be reviewed.

For questions regarding the Dance audition process, please contact: Christina Paolucci, paoluccic@montclair.edu

Application Checklist

  1. Online Application: Submit the Montclair State University application
  2. $65 University Application Fee (or fee waiver, if applicable)
  3. $65 Audition Fee 
  4. Official Transcripts 
  5. Resume of Dance Experience 
  6. Personal Statement  
  7. Full-Body Dance Pose: Submit a full-body dance pose of any kind demonstrating line, form, and expression.
  8. Two Letters of Recommendation
    • One from an academic teacher.
    • One from a dance professional. The dance professional should email their recommendation to msuadm@montclair.edu with the subject line: Dance Recommendation/Candidate Name.
  9. Pre-screen Video (required for incoming freshmen and transfer applicants; see requirements below).

Please Note: Pre-screen videos will not be reviewed, and audition decisions will not be processed, until all required application materials have been received, including both letters of recommendation.

Prescreen Audition

Incoming freshmen and transfer applicants must submit a pre-screen video to determine whether they will be invited to a full audition. Applicants should first activate their Montclair application portal account through the email received from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and then follow the instructions provided to upload their pre-screen video and register for an audition.

Applicants auditioning through an approved partner organization are not required to submit a pre-screen video but must complete all other University application requirements.

  • Submit video links through the Montclair registration portal only.
  • Only YouTube and Vimeo links are accepted.
  • Video links submitted by email or through documents containing links will not be accepted.
  • Videos should be recent (recorded within the past six months).

Submit one 2–3 minute solo in the modern or contemporary genre. The solo may be recorded in a studio, outdoors, or during a performance.

Prescreen Introduction “SLATE” Video

At the beginning of your video, either verbally or with on-screen text, include:

  • Applicant's name
  • Home state
  • Choreographer(s) of the piece

Solo Requirements (Common Prescreen Option A)

  • One 2–3 minute modern or contemporary solo.
  • The performance may be filmed in a studio, outdoors, or during a live performance.
  • Footage must have been recorded within the previous six months.

Optional Second Video

  • Applicants may submit an optional second 2–3 minute solo in a different dance genre (such as ballet, tap, hip hop, flamenco, or another style). If submitting a second video, follow the same introduction guidelines used for the required pre-screen video.

Video Attire

Wear clothing that allows the faculty to clearly see your movement and body alignment. Avoid:

  • Dark clothing against a dark background.
  • Oversized, thick, or loose-fitting clothing that obscures movement.
  • Hairstyles that cover your face.
  • Pre-screen videos will only be reviewed after all required application materials have been received.
  • This includes both required letters of recommendation (one academic and one dance professional).
  • Follow all video submission instructions carefully to ensure your audition can be reviewed.

Live Audition

Following faculty review of the pre-screen submission and application materials, selected applicants will be invited to participate in a full audition. Approximately 3–5 days before the audition, invited applicants will receive an email with additional audition details, including instructions for submitting solo music if applicable.

Faculty evaluate applicants on qualities including collaboration, movement quality, body articulation, use of momentum, rhythmic acuity, spatial awareness, curiosity, authenticity, written and interview responses, and overall artistic expression. A cumulative GPA of approximately 3.0 or higher is also considered. Please note that while ballet is an important part of the curriculum, it is not part of the audition.

The in-person audition is held from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and includes:

  • Information session and opportunity to meet current Dance majors
  • Contemporary technique class
  • Group improvisation
  • Solo performance
    • One-minute modern or contemporary solo
    • The solo does not have to be the same one submitted for the pre-screen.
    • Wear the shoes or socks in which the solo was choreographed.
    • Identify the choreographer (or indicate if the work is self-choreographed).
    • Please do not include aerials, backflips, or other "no-hand" gymnastic-style movements.

The virtual audition is held from approximately 1:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST and includes:

  • Information session and opportunity to meet current Dance majors
  • Contemporary technique class
  • Improvisation session
  • Group interviews

Partner Organization Auditions

Approved partner organizations for the 2026–2027 audition cycle include:

  • NYCDA (Phoenix)
  • Dance Awards
  • Revel
  • Dance Forward
  • Dancewave

Applicants auditioning through a partner organization are not required to submit a pre-screen video. However, they mustcomplete the Montclair State University application and submit all required application materials.

Applicants must:

  1. Register with the partner organization.
  2. Register for the corresponding partner organization audition through the Montclair State University website, even if they have already completed the audition.

Registering through both organizations allows Montclair State to connect the audition results with the University application.

Scholarship Opportunities

Montclair State University offers artistic merit, academic merit, and need-based scholarships for Dance applicants.

  • Artistic merit scholarships are awarded based on the audition.
  • Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher are automatically considered for academic merit scholarships.
  • No separate scholarship application is required for artistic or academic merit awards.
  • Additional need-based housing grants and funding are determined through the FAFSA.
  • Additional College of the Arts scholarships are available each spring through Scholarship Universe.
  • Applicants are encouraged to audition by the end of January for the strongest consideration for artistic merit scholarships.

Featured Faculty

1/

Questions? We're Here to Help.

Undergraduate Admissions Office

Whether you’re looking to begin an application, have questions about transferring to Montclair or trying to check your application status, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is pleased to help you in any way we can.

Department of Theatre and Dance

The College of the Arts’ Department of Theatre and Dance has trained actors, dancers, production artists, educators and arts managers to create “magic” for the stage for more than 50 years.

Program Coordinator: Maxine Steinman

Get detailed information about the program itself—from curriculum and faculty expertise to research, internships and career outcomes. The program coordinator can explain how the program connects to your academic and professional goals.