# Dance BFA - BFA - Major ![Students on stage, performing "Violet" choreographed by Leslie Kraus.](/sites/default/files/styles/660x400/public/2026-03/JulieLemberger_BFA-Dance-hero.jpg.6.2x.generic.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=DVzoJ4XN) 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](http://catalog.montclair.edu/programs/dance-bfa/). - [Apply Now](https://apply.montclair.edu/portal/admissions) - [Request Info](https://apply.montclair.edu/register/inquire) - [Audition Information](#dance-audition) Program Format On Campus Estimated Program Cost [Undergraduate Cost of Attendance](https://www.montclair.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-fees/undergraduate-student-costs) School or College College of the Arts Area of Study Arts, Culture & Creative Practice ## Raise Your Sights at Open House Join us Sunday, November 15, for sessions with faculty in your major, admissions presentations for first-year and transfer students, financial aid info and a campus tour. [Register Today](https://apply.montclair.edu/register/?id=a222d895-93ee-4079-bffc-e35c2c31f9f6&utm_source=web&utm_medium=oh&utm_campaign=register_ay27&utm_content=program_pages_promo) ![students standing in front of the student center](/sites/default/files/styles/770x420/public/2026-09/110925_434_Open_House-LAROSA.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=_6nJzAzN) ## Accredited The BFA in Dance is accredited by the [National Association of Schools of Dance](https://nasd.arts-accredit.org/) 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. ![male dancer performing on stage](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_100/public/2026-08/BFA-Dance-accredited.jpg?itok=soTfRi6h) ## Take the next step - [Apply Now](https://apply.montclair.edu/) ## 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**, ### 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**](mailto: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. General Video Submission Requirements - Submit video links through the [Montclair Dance registration portal](https://apply.montclair.edu/portal/dance) 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). Required Prescreen Video 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. General Information and Tips - 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. In-Person 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. Virtual Audition 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: For DTCB registration and Student Ticket Package information, email - GTen Global Applicants auditioning through a partner organization are **not required** to submit a pre-screen video. However, they **must** complete 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 ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/proteo578.jpg?h=0722f989&itok=Gw_imU1X) ### [Kathleen Kelley](/faculty-staff/kathleen-kelley) - Professor ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/021726711facultyheadshotslarosa_0.jpg?h=d7071701&itok=SzKcaqnm) ### [Elizabeth McPherson](/faculty-staff/elizabeth-mcpherson) - Professor ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/jcdhiensbb25_1.jpeg?h=05ee7ac3&itok=OaCELZFd) ### [Stefanie Batten Bland](/faculty-staff/stefanie-batten-bland) - Associate Professor ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/maxine_at_TC_1.jpg?h=e859b5c0&itok=lXT1rlfn) ### [Maxine Steinman](/faculty-staff/maxine-steinman) - Associate Professor ![](/sites/default/files/styles/260x260/public/profile-photos/derekcrescentiheadshot.000_0.jpeg?h=6b27c085&itok=p8028Hku) ### [Derek Crescenti](/faculty-staff/derek-crescenti) - Assistant Professor Go to the previous slide 1/ Go to the next slide ## Questions? We're Here to Help. [Undergraduate Admissions Office](/offices-departments-centers/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. - - Telephone [973-655-4444](tel:973-655-4444) - Address Susan A. Cole Hall, Suite 100 [Department of Theatre and Dance](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/arts/theatre-and-dance-department) 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. - Telephone [973-655-4000](tel:973-655-4000) - Address Life Hall [Program Coordinator: Maxine Steinman](/faculty-staff/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. - ## Request Information See where a Montclair education can take you, with personalized details about programs, admissions, financial aid and campus life. [Request Information](/request-info) ### Visit and Connect Tour campus, attend an information session and experience the people, places and possibilities that make Montclair distinctive. - [Explore Visit Opportunities](/admissions-aid/visit-and-tour) ### Apply to Montclair Ready to become a Red Hawk? Find your application, review requirements and take the next step toward your future. - [Apply Now](/apply-montclair-state-university)