University of Tampa

What you'll study

The programme balances technique, pedagogy, theory and production. Key study areas listed by the department include:

• Technique classes – contemporary, ballet and jazz, with options such as tap, dance partnering for the stage, ballroom and West African
• Dance Pedagogy Fundamentals
• Dance History
• Dance Improvisation
• Composition and Choreography
• Dance Anatomy, Kinesiology and Injury Prevention
• Dance Production
• Teaching Methods – general methods in dance and methods for community and diverse populations
• A required capstone course that produces a culminating project applying interdisciplinary dance career applications

Entry requirements

All audition materials must be submitted through the SpartanStart Portal after applying to UTampa. Auditions for performance-based scholarships should be submitted by March 1. Auditions are accepted digitally or in person at official admissions open houses. The audition format requested includes:

• 10-minute ballet barre with combinations (pliés, tendus/degagés, rond de jambe, frappé, fondu/développé)
• Across-the-floor: battements front and side, pirouettes (parallel or turned-out), grand jeté / saut de chat
• 1–1.5 minute modern or contemporary solo
• Optional 1–1.5 minute solo in another style of your choice

Students declaring the major must pass a second-year evaluation administered after the second year (or after 60 credit hours for transfer students).

Career prospects

Graduates move into community- and commercial-focused roles such as establishing community dance programs, opening or teaching in private studios, performing in commercial venues and theme-park auditions, competition adjudication, and preparing for graduate study. The programme supports presentation of pedagogical research at local and national events and offers experiential engagements (workshops, community teaching, internships) that connect study to real-world practice.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Performance-based scholarship consideration requires audition submission (by March 1 for scholarship consideration) and declaration of the dance major. The programme notes eligibility expectations such as admission as a full-time student, an applied understanding of body knowledge and movement vocabulary, an unweighted high-school GPA of 3.0 for initial qualification, and maintenance of a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8. Contact the Dance Program Director for scholarship details and application guidance.