The List of the Top Ten Dance Colleges

Barnard College / Columbia University

• Columbia University's Barnard College offers major and minor degree programs in dance. Courses span a broad spectrum of academic and technical subjects, including bio-mechanical theory, world dance history, dance criticism, and modern ballet.

  Columbia University

  Barnard College

  3009 Broadway

  New York, NY 10027

  212-854-2995

  barnard.edu/dance

Northwestern University

• The Northwestern University School of Communication offers an undergraduate degree program in dance. The school's faculty consists of award-winning professional dancers, choreographers, and dance scholars from around the word. The program is buttressed by a liberal arts education to foster professional growth and capability as well as dance skills.

  Northwestern University

  School of Communication

  2240 Campus Dr.

  Evanston IL 60208

  847-491-7023

  communication.northwestern.edu

Washington University in St. Louis

• The Arts & Science Department at Washington University in St. Louis offers a wide variety of dance degree programs. Areas of concentration include dance, ballet, modern dance, world music, and theater. Students have the opportunity to perform in plays and choreographed works written by both faculty and guests artists.

  Washington University

  Performing Arts Department

  One Brookings Dr.

  St. Louis, MO 63130

  314-935-5858

  pad.artsci.wustl.edu

Cornell University

• Cornell University's Department of Theater, Film, and Dance offers undergraduate and graduate level instruction in dance. Coursework includes exploratory dance labs and techno soma kinetics. The school also offers a wide variety of dance research courses at its satellite campuses in Europe.

  Cornell University

  Department of Theatre, Film, and Dance

  410 Thurston Ave.

  Cornell University

  Ithaca, NY 14850

  607-255-8990

  theatrefilmdance.cornell.edu

Emory University

• Emory University offers major and minor programs in dance and movement studies. The program is grounded in coursework exploring the emotional, intellectual, and kinesthetic aspects of dance through technical and research studies. Students are encouraged to join the Emory Dance Company, which features works created by Emory students each spring.

  Emory University

  Dance Program

  1602 Fishburne Dr.

  Atlanta, GA 30322

  404-727-7266

  dance.emory.edu/academics/

University of California at Berkeley

• The dance and performance studies major at the University of California at Berkeley pairs goals-oriented feedback mechanisms with a foundational course load in in dance technique and choreography. Students are required to complete a senior capstone project inclusive of a research assistantship, performance project, or independent study.

  University of California at Berkeley

  Theater Dance & Performing Studies

  101 Dwinelle Annex

  Berkeley, CA 94720

  510-642-1677

  tdps.berkeley

University of Michigan

• The dance department at the University of Michigan offers both a bachelor of fine arts and a master of fine arts degree in dance. The school's undergraduate program places emphasis on modern dance with coursework including dance repertory, composition, and technique. Graduate-level coursework includes music theory and musicology.

  University of Michigan

  School of Music, Theater, and Dance

  1100 Baits Dr.

  Ann Arbor, MI 48109

  734-764-0583

  music.umich.edu

New York University

• Master's and bachelor's degree programs in dance are offered at New York University's Tisch School for the Arts. Students in both programs are eligible to study abroad at one of the schools numerous overseas locations, including South Africa and England. Coursework includes production crew studies, acting, and dance improvisation.

  New York University

  Tisch School of the Arts

  721 Broadway

  New York, NY 10003

  212-998-1800

  dance.tisch.nyu.edu

University of Illinois

• The undergraduate dance degree program at the University of Illinois places emphasis on physical awareness and social communication. Workshops are grounded in creative problem-solving through choreography and group interactions. Coursework includes dance therapy, Pilates, and dance history.

  University of Illinois

  Dance Administration

  907 1/2 West Nevada St.

  Urbana, IL 61801-3810

  217-333-1010

  dance.uiuc.edu

University of Wisconson

• The University of Wisconsin's dance program is grounded in the development of practical dance skills complemented by rigorous lab work in theoretical performance and knowledge. Founded in 1926, the program is one of the oldest collegiate dance programs in the United States. Biannual performances are created in collaboration between students and faculty.

  University of Wisconsin

  Dance Program

  Lathrop Hall, 1050 University Ave.

  Madison, WI 53706

  608-262-1691

  dance.wisc.edu