The University of the Arts

The University of the Arts embraces all the arts. Here, students discover a community of creative individuals whose passion and commitment spur them to create works that make a lasting impact on society. Located on the Avenue of the Arts in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, UArts is next to the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs to 2,300 full-time students from forty states and thirty other countries.

The UArts School of Dance offers an environment in which students develop an individual artistic vision while learning to be thoughtful, well-rounded artists and people. Students are prepared to dance professionally at the highest level through a rigorous studio experience and excellent instruction. As dance majors at UArts, students go beyond technique and explore the full expressive potential of dance—its beauty and power, elegance, and athleticism.

Over 200 students are enrolled, making it one of the largest dance departments in the United States. Students complete a two-year core curriculum before specializing in classical ballet, modern, jazz, or dance education. Students take classes in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, African, Brazilian, and Spanish as well as choreography, music, and repertory. Liberal arts courses and electives complete the core. Aspiring young artists are prepared to pursue careers as professional performers, dance educators, or choreographers.

The School of Dance includes nine state-of-the-art, spacious, fully-equipped, well-lit dance studios with lockers, dressing rooms, showers, and lounges. Students perform in the UArts Dance Theater, a 200-seat theater used exclusively for dance. The magnificent, historic 1,800-seat Merriam Theater is home to the School's winter and spring concerts. The University of the Arts maintains a strong relationship with local and national arts organizations, including the Philadelphia Dance Alliance, Dance Affiliates, PHILADANCO, the American Dance Festival, and Jacob's Pillow.

The UArts faculty of acclaimed professionals guides students as they strengthen their bodies and refine their technique. Students train with professionals who are familiar with the world of dance and its demands. Faculty come from many prominent areas of dance, including the National Ballet of Hungary, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Pennsylvania Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem, Momix, the Martha Graham Dance Company, PHILADANCO, New York City Ballet, the Broadway stage, and many more.

UArts alumni have gone on to perform with such prominent companies as Pilobolus, Alvin Ailey, the Joffrey Ballet, Jose Limon, Bejart, Cirque du Soleil, Rumble, Momix, and PHILADANCO. They have appeared in the Broadway productions of Evita, Cats, and The Lion King, and many alumni dance in film, video productions, and musical revues on cruise ships and cabarets. Alumni have also become dance teachers in high schools, colleges, and private dance studios, full- or part-time. Those who choose to pursue advanced degrees in dance have received prestigious teaching assistantships and fellowships. Graduates have found numerous choreographic opportunities in companies throughout the world, and several have established their own companies.

UArts’ Summer World of Dance, the Pre-College Summer Institute at UArts, is a unique environment where high school juniors and seniors ages 16–18 can find their way in the world as artists, thinkers, creators, and performers. This two-week intensive course is designed to provide the serious dancer with an opportunity to hone his or her skills and explore new techniques and styles within a university environment. Students within the dance program take a full day of classes, workshops, and rehearsals within the University’s studios. All courses in the dance program are taught by professionals in the fields who teach in the undergraduate program in the School of Dance.

In the spring of 2008, the University of the Arts hosted the ninth National High School Dance Festival, welcoming more the 1,500 students in grades 9–12 representing ninety high schools with 300 teachers and principals and 100 college recruiters and vendors. The Festival also offers a full day of scholarship auditions and more than 300 master classes in subject areas including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theater, salsa, African, Pilates, massage, stretch, injury prevention, nutrition, and more.

The University of the Arts has made a strong commitment to providing a supportive living and learning environment. The University offers four undergraduate residence halls. All are furnished and have bathroom and kitchen facilities in each apartment. Each building has 24-hour security and maintenance.

Financial aid and scholarships are available. Admission is based on both an audition and a review of academic credentials.

Application Procedures

Deadline--freshmen and transfers: continuous. Notification date--freshmen and transfers: September 1. Required: essay, high school transcript, college transcript(s) for transfer students, minimum 2.0 high school GPA, letter of recommendation, audition, SAT or ACT test scores, resume. Recommended: minimum 3.0 high school GPA, interview, photo. Auditions held 9 times on campus and off campus in various locations in California; videotaped performances are permissible as a substitute for live auditions if student lives more than 200 miles from Philadelphia.

The University of the Arts

Application Procedures

Undergraduate Contact