collageThe schools on this list were selected based on a combination of alumni accomplishments, faculty prestige, and access to professional opportunities. Admissions selectivity was another factor. The list presents a kaleidoscope of private and public schools, with small to mid-sized student populations. All rank highly in terms of diversity.
Any student with high aspirations in dance and choreography would do well to peruse NYC and its dance schools. Students have access to numerous opportunities to hone their skills and make a dent in the world of dance. Many of the schools have affiliations and partnerships with artistic and cultural organizations. They are uniquely placed because of the breadth and depth of the city’s cultural and artistic landscape.
Is New York City a good place to pursue a career in dance?
If you love the hustle, NYC is the place to be. There is an undeniable energy here that drives one to work hard and play hard. “Take every opportunity that comes by,” advises Thryn Saxon, a professional dancer with the Kate Weare Company. “You just never know.”
New York has a huge number of concert dance opportunities, meaning auditions are constantly in session. It’s the epicenter of contemporary and modern dance in the United States and has some of the greatest opportunities for technical ballet and modern training. If you’re looking for theater, Broadway, and ballet auditions, you’re in the right place—and NYC is also the home of the Radio City Rockettes, of course. But if you’re looking to be in commercials or tour the world as a backup dancer, Los Angeles may be better suited to your career goals.
In Philadelphia, there’s also a vibrant concert dance scene—albeit with fewer opportunities than NYC. And don’t forget that companies exist all over the country in smaller cities and towns, such as Tulsa, Oklahoma; Boise, Idaho; and Stamford, Connecticut.
Where should I live in NYC as a dancer?
As a dancer in NYC, a lot depends on where you live. We’ve broken down some of the most popular neighborhoods for dancers across Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx:
Astoria: Otherwise known as “Actoria,” this neighborhood can be a great spot for dancers and actors alike. The N,W, and R subway lines run directly between Midtown and Queens, making it easy to get to Broadway—as well as New York City Center, a great venue for dance performances and classes, and Broadway Dance Center.
Clinton Hill: You’ll be a hop, skip, and a jump away from a few incredible dance centers with affordable classes. Clinton Hill is next door to Fort Greene, home of Mark Morris Dance Center. Also nearby is Brooklyn Studios for Dance. Clinton Hill is also home to Gallim Dance, a contemporary dance company based out of the Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew.
East Harlem: Being off the 4 and 5 subway lines will make going to Peridance and Gibney practical for dance classes (the express line will get you there quickly enough to make that 10 a.m. ballet class!). And you’re not too far from the Upper East Side and the 92nd Street Y, a historical arts center with plenty of lectures of dance performances.
Washington Heights: Situated above Upper Manhattan, Washington Heights is closest to the A, C, and 1 trains, giving you a straightforward commute to Midtown. If you’re going to Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen often for auditions, this may be the perfect neighborhood to give you some elbow room with an affordable rent and still get you to where you need to go without much hassle. Broadway Dance Center, the Ailey School, and Steps on Broadway are all very accessible as you commute south.
Inwood: Like Washington Heights, you’ll be off the A, C, and 1 trains—giving you similar options for dance studios. If you don’t want to give up being surrounded by trees or waking up to the sound of birds, this cozy neighborhood is definitely your best bet. Inwood Hill Park, a major city perk, feels like a serene getaway compared to the heightened city energy.
Red Hook: This unique Brooklyn waterfront area has an incredible view of the Statue of Liberty. If you’re someone who likes a little peace and quiet, this secluded neighborhood may be just right for you. Pioneer Works and Red Hook Labs are a couple of major artistic gems that have found their home here. One thing to keep in mind is that there is no immediate subway located in this area, so you will need to be comfortable with taking the bus or biking.
How do I make a living in NYC as a dancer?
It’s not always going to be easy to make ends meet as an artist—which is where a survival job comes in. For modern dancers, company projects can be sporadic and unpredictable. Having a flexible schedule can allow you to be available for a sudden residency upstate for four days or a last-minute performance opportunity. Consider teaching dance, leading fitness classes as an instructor, working in retail or food service, babysitting, or any other freelance gigs that allow you to rearrange your hours when necessary.
Are you also an amazing photographer and want to help dancers with their headshots? Schedule these sessions around auditions and classes. Are you organized and don’t mind administrative work? Why not help out a director and learn about the ins and outs of running a dance company? If you can relate your work to your passion, you’re less likely to feel like you are working and instead can feel that all you do is culminating toward a common end goal.
Creating and following a budget is also a key tool to keeping your finances in check. Living in a city like New York is expensive, so remember that you can only do the best you can. If you’ve already made it this far, you’ve probably got a solid start. When making your budget, be realistic with your income. Freelancing isn’t always easy, and jobs can fall through at the last minute. It’s smart to have a solid stream of income to cover the basics (food, rent, utilities, phone) so you won’t have any emergencies.
When it comes to paying for dance classes, audition fees, and material fees like headshots, you may have to take those in smaller chunks as the money is available. Staying in shape and expanding your abilities as a dancer is of course crucial as you make your way through auditions, so be sure to allocate the amount of money you will need each month for the amount of training you wish to pursue. Cross-training can help in cutting costs while staying in shape. For example, donation-based yoga studios have become popular among dancers, as it works strength and flexibility equally and can be a good replacement for a day or week when your budget is tighter than usual.
The 10 Best Dance Schools in New York City
Dubbed the “Dance Capital of the World” – alternatively, the “Cultural Capital of the World” – New York City is home to some of the most reputable dance schools in the world. The Big Apple is the most densely populated city in the country, with more than 2,000 cultural and artistic organizations and over 500 art galleries. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Broadway, and the once-Bohemian mecca, Greenwich Village, immediately spring to mind when thinking of the city’s eclectic arts culture.
Any student with high aspirations in dance and choreography would do well to peruse NYC and its dance schools. Students have access to numerous opportunities to hone their skills and make a dent in the world of dance. Many of the schools have affiliations and partnerships with artistic and cultural organizations. They are uniquely placed because of the breadth and depth of the city’s cultural and artistic landscape.
Here are 10 of the best dance schools in New York City.
Queens College
Dance students at Queens College receive a well-rounded education that combines rigorous study in the liberal arts and science and professional, technical training in ballet, jazz, Asian, African, Modern, and tap. Graduates have a gamut of career opportunities, ranging from choreography to dance therapy. To top off its dynamic, liberal arts and dance curriculum, the school is nestled in the most diverse zip code in the country.
Many dance performances are held at the Kupferberg Center for the Arts (KCA). Named as one of the “Best Places to Visit” by Lonely Planet, the KCA has been the setting for professional-level shows produced by Queens’ College students and world-class artists alike. It is also the incubator-site for the CUNY Dance Initiative, a residency program that supports artists from the five boroughs.
Admissions into Queens College is selective; applicants are expected to have a competitive, academic record. Prospective Dance majors are expected to audition and have a background in dance.
CUNY Hunter College
The mission of the Hunter College Dance Department is underpinned by a belief that dance is integral to a liberal arts education. Its alumni are the products of its comprehensive and diverse curriculum; many have starred in Broadway shows and worked with luminaries such as Liz Lerman. Dance faculty are accomplished and seasoned professionals in their own right. According to a recent ranking, Hunter College is among the top 20 Dance Schools in the nation and the 3rd best in New York.For those who are impassioned about dance and teaching, the school has a strong Dance Education program. Students become versed in pedagogical theory, gain practical skills in classroom teaching, and hone their skills, enabling them to share their passion with the broader world. They gain hands-on training through field placements in NYC public schools.
In recent years, enrollment in the dance department has been increasing, making it an increasingly selective program— at a school that is already quite selective.
Barnard College
The dance department at Barnard College gleams on this list. It finds its home at one of the Ivies and one of the oldest and diverse institutions of higher education in the US, Columbia University. It has a vibrant, interdisciplinary curriculum that intertwines the art of dance with a robust, liberal-arts education.
Students work with accomplished artists and develop connections to the professional world of dance via a wide array of partnerships. One such partnership is Barnard Dance in Paris. The Barnard College Department of Dance partners with the University of South Florida’s Dance program that exposes students to the technical, cultural, choreographic, and historical aspects of dance in the City of Lights. This is an intensive summer program that runs through June.The acceptance rate for Barnard College, in general, is a mere 11%. For admissions into the Department of Dance, prospective students are neither required to audition nor send audition tapes; applicants are evaluated in terms of their academic standing in Barnard College and Columbia University.
American Musical Dramatic Academy
With an acceptance rate of 31%, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) is one of the most selective schools on the list. Prospective students are required to submit the standard fare for a college application: an application, an essay, an audition, a letter of recommendation, and, of course, academic records and transcripts.
While the application process may be normal, AMDA’s dance program is unique. It is one of the only programs in the country specializing in dance theater offering a BFA, an Associate of Occupational Studies, and a Conservatory Certificate. Not only are the faculty outstanding in their instruction, they are also active professionals in the field. Alumni have earned nominations for Broadway performances or founded their own award-winning dance companies. 123
Pace University
Students aspiring to dance careers in the entertainment industry should look no further than Pace University. The program is the first of its kind, training students for a BFA in Commercial Dance. Commercial dance majors are immersed in a well-rounded curriculum that trains them in ballet, jazz, and contemporary styles. Students have the option to choose a concentration in either choreography or performance.
Commercial dance majors consistently prove themselves as rising talent, starring in TV ads or making their first Broadway debut, before graduating. Faculty of the Commercial Dance program include: Rhonda Miller, whose work has been featured in commercials for Fortune 500 companies, and Scott Jovovich, who has been featured in dozens of Broadway musicals, commercials, and soaps.
With such a unique program and stellar faculty and students, it is no wonder that Pace University frequently pops up as having one of the top dance programs in the country.
Marymount Manhattan College
The Department of Dance at Marymount Manhattan College is profiled as one of the Top Ten Colleges for Dance by College Magazine. MMC Dance alumni are employed in a wide array of professions, from Broadway to physical therapy. As students can expect from a top dance program, its faculty are professionals with impressive resumes. Students transition into the professional world through a variety of opportunities, such as internships, study abroad programs, or a year-long residency with the MMC Dance Company.
The Department of Dance has access to five state-of-the-art facilities for rehearsals, training, and performances. The most notable, the Theresa Lang Theatre, is a 249-seat proscenium theater where dance and theater performances are staged.
Being one of the smallest schools on this list, admissions into MMC, in general, is relatively competitive. The Department of Dance tends to be more selective; applicants are expected to show professional promise, in addition to academic excellence.
New York University
New York University Tisch’s School of the Arts is one of most internationally prestigious schools. Unsurprisingly, its dance department made it to the top 5 on this list. Three recent graduates have been profiled in Dance Magazine’s list of “25 to Watch in 2021.” Tisch dance faculty are world-renowned professionals who have earned prestigious awards and have danced in many of the greatest companies alongside top choreographers.
The undergraduate dance curriculum is intensive, with its emphasis on the techniques of ballet and contemporary dance. In the first and second years, students are taught the fundamentals of dance form, as well as dance history, music literature, and composition, culminating in professional training in choreography and performance, in the third year. Given its emphasis on technical training, students participate in intensive summer residencies after the first year.
Admission to Tisch’s Department of Dance is extremely competitive. Applicants must demonstrate strong technique and earnestness in becoming a professional artist.
The New School
The Dance major at The New School’s Eugene Lang College actively incorporates new developments in the field of dance. Research and experimentation drive the curriculum, providing students with a “hybrid experience” that combines the rigor of a quality, liberal arts education with practice and performance.
Eugene Lang College is at the heart of Greenwich Village, one of New York City’s major hubs of art and culture. Dance students have access to visionary artists, institutions, performances, and events. Faculty have garnered many prestigious awards, including 22 Guggenheim Fellowships in choreography.
Lang College proudly differs from the many, conservatory-style programs on this list; it accepts students with varying degrees of training and experience. No audition is required for admission.
Fordham University
Through its partnership with the Ailey School, Fordham University’s BFA Dance program offers students the best of both worlds: an outstanding liberal arts education, coupled with professional training in dance. Students will venture out into the world as well-rounded and talented, human beings and young professionals.
Ample opportunities for performing are available to dance students. Seniors perform at various venues and work alongside stellar choreographers throughout the city. Graduates have joined renowned companies such as the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Kansas City Ballet, and many others.
The program has a unique, dual-application process; prospective students must submit separate applications to Fordham University and The Ailey School. Applicants must expound on their previous dance training and experience, as part of the application process. On average, around 35 students are admitted to Ailey/BFA Dance program each year, making admission quite competitive.
Juilliard School
The Juilliard School of Dance faculty is comprised of virtuosos and trailblazers. Art Bridgman, for example, is the co-artistic director of Bridgman-Packer Dance, the first company to be awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship for collaborative work. The company is known for its innovative approach to live performance and video technology. Outstanding faculty is just one facet of the dance program’s illustrious reputation.
Any top-ranking school is nothing without the achievements of its alumni, many of whom perform at prestigious venues and companies throughout the country, such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago or the San Francisco Ballet.
As with the other schools on this list, Juilliard students benefit from the numerous opportunities available to them because of NYC’s robust, artistic and cultural institutions. The rigor and preeminence of the conservatory curriculum at Juilliard ensure that it will hold out as the top choice among the world’s most promising artists for many years to come.
How do I network as a dancer in NYC?
Being well-connected is always an advantage when it comes to expanding your experience of the arts and finding creative opportunities to grow. As the years go by, you’ll notice this happens naturally as you befriend your peers and find artists whom you work with particularly well. If you’re just getting started, here are some ways to get yourself out there and meet the people who can ultimately make a big difference in your career.
Taking dance classes is necessary for keeping in shape and continuing to develop your craft, but it’s also a great place to create your network. “If you don’t know anyone in the room, introduce yourself to someone,” says Alex Biegelson, dancer and associate artistic director of New Jersey dance company 10 Hairy Legs. “Ninety percent of the time, it’s about people knowing who you are. If they don’t know you, they won’t call you. The people that see you in classes, in rehearsals, at auditions…the reason they know your name is because you introduced yourself.”
You will notice that as you start to follow teachers and regularly take classes at certain studios, you’ll see the same people every week. It’s not uncommon that dancers looking to create their own work, or who work for a choreographer who is looking for dancers, will approach people they take class with to let them know they think they might be a good fit. You never know who you will meet and collaborate with in the future.
Workshops also function in a similar way. Many are held by already established choreographers and company members, and more often than not, they are keeping an eye out to see who is picking up their movement well. If you can make a good impression in a workshop, it could absolutely lead to performance opportunities down the road.
Seeing performances is another great way to meet artists and feel connected to the dance community. Being an observer of dance is imperative when it comes to discussing artistic works with others and creating dialogue around dance. When you can discuss what you’ve seen with others it can progress to ideas that can be collaborated upon. These sporadic encounters are wonderful when the right timing and people come together.
Reaching out to those whose work you find inspiring and innovative may take some courage, but don’t let that stop you! People like to talk about what they are passionate about, and a quick coffee meet-up may be the perfect moment to ask questions and make that connection.
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