The Ailey School (theaileyschool.edu) is the official school of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, a highly respected modern dance company in New York. In addition to summer programs and extension classes, the Ailey School offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree run in partnership with Fordham University. Considered full-time students at both schools, students in the program take daily classes at the Ailey School in ballet and modern dance and a core curriculum of academic and elective courses at Fordham. Admission to the B.F.A. program is dependent upon acceptance to both the Ailey School and Fordham University. An audition, SAT scores, and a competitive GPA are required for admission, along with a solid background in ballet and modern dance training.
Based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (uncsa.edu) offers an undergraduate degree and certificate in ballet or contemporary dance. In addition to dance technique and improvisation courses, students also take academic courses that support their arts studies. The school also offers course work in drama, filmmaking, music and visual arts. A rigorous high school program is available for students wishing to enroll at the school prior to undertaking college studies.
The University of the Arts (uarts.edu) in Philadelphia educates students on both the undergraduate and graduate level in design, visual arts, performance and film. The School of Dance at UArts trains students in ballet, jazz dance, modern dance and dance education, as well as a variety of electives such as African dance, Brazilian dance and tap dance. It is also possible to combine dance studies with outside electives such as voice, acting and visual arts. Students enrolled in the bachelor's program must also complete a required series of academic courses throughout their four years at the school. A certificate in dance program is available for students who wish to focus exclusively on dance training.
Located in Seattle, Washington, Cornish College of the Arts (cornish.edu) offers academic programs in art, dance, design, music and theater. The dance curriculum consists of daily ballet and modern dance classes, with additional course work options in hip hop, jazz, world dance, vocal skills and martial arts available. Visiting artists teach master classes each year, allowing dance students to work with some of the country's leading dancers and choreographers. The dance department also arranges internships and study abroad opportunities for its students. Additionally, the department has a special arrangement with the University of Washington, which allows B.F.A. graduates to earn a Washington State teaching certification with a teaching endorsement in dance.