Dance Programs

Auditions and Placement Examination

To major in dance at Palm Beach Atlantic University, you'll need to (1) apply to the University and (2) audition for the desired major.

1. Apply to PBA
2. Fill out the Audition Form

NOTE: Some students audition before applying to PBA; while this is permissible to find out if you are qualified to be a dance major, it is not advisable. You should simultaneously apply for University admission and acceptance as a dance major.

Do you live too far from campus?

If you live too far from campus or an audition site where a PBA dance faculty member is holding auditions, you may submit a video for provisional consideration, to be followed up with a live audition and interview when you do come to campus.

Questions? 

If you have questions about the audition process, please contact us.

Fall 2022 Audition Dates

• Friday, November 18, 2022 @ 3 p.m.

Spring 2023 Audition Dates

• Saturday, February 18, 2023 @ 9 a.m. 

• Friday, March 3, 2023 – Arts Day 

• Friday, March 31, 2023 @ 7 p.m. EST (Virtual Audition) 

• Saturday, April 29, 2023 @ 9 a.m. 

Application Policy

If you want to be a dance major, you will need to file an application with the College of Arts in order to set up an audition. You will need to submit three documents:

• A completed Prospective Dance Major Form

• A letter of recommendation from a high school dance teacher or other dance professional familiar with your dancing

• An essay describing your interest in dance

This application process is separate from applying for University admission. You will need to complete a live audition and interview with the dance faculty prior to your semester of initial enrollment. If you live too far from an audition site for a live audition to be practical, a videotape may be submitted for provisional consideration, to be followed up by a live audition and interview when you arrive on campus. 

Application materials should be received and auditions completed at least six weeks before the beginning of your first term as a dance major in order to ensure a place in required courses. Approval for study in the program is based on several factors, including an audition, interview, written essay and review of previous work.

Scholarships

You can use your dance audition to be considered for dance scholarships. These scholarships are available to a select number of highly talented and promising students each year. Your letter of acceptance as a dance major will tell you if your audition qualified you to be considered for dance scholarship.

Students who accept these grants-in-aid must declare and remain a major in the Department of Dance during the period of the grant, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all dance courses attempted at PBA. PBA dance grade point averages below 3.0 will result in a reduction in dance scholarships. Scholarship recipients also are required to audition for Dance Ensemble every semester and participate fully if selected.

PBA and the dance department have extensive relationships with many professional organizations. The most recent internship opportunities include:

• Palm Beach County:
  • Ballet Palm Beach       
  • Ballet Florida 
  • Dancing Waters 
  • The Kravis Center 
  • The Dancers Space 
  • Many local dance studios

• South Florida:
  • Dance NOW! Miami
  • Miami City Ballet 
  • Florida Dance Education Organization

• Other Opportunities: 
  • Ad Deum Dance Company
  • Jon Lehrer Dance Company
  • Daegu City Dance Company

Partnerships

Miami City Ballet
Every year you'll have the opportunity to do additional study and observation at Miami City Ballet and other local companies.

The Kravis Center
The Kravis Center also provides opportunities for you to observe rehearsals and attend performances of traveling national and international dance companies.

Hospital for Special Surgery
Dance medicine/science, injury prevention and recovery are very important for our dance students. PBA Dance has an extensive partnership with Hospital for Special Surgery, where our students are annually screened by DARI high tech motion capture. Watch the YouTube video about the dance screenings at HSS. Hospital for Special Surgery