Dance
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Advance your creativity and technique, and explore dance theory with our dance BFA program
Our dance program is a dual emphasis in modern and ballet, as well as performance and choreography, meaning that our dancers graduate from the program ready to pivot into a variety of careers in all corners of the professional dance world.
The dance program focuses on dance technique and theory while maintaining discipline and professionalism toward your individualized career goals.
Our faculty have rich performance careers and training in academic and technical dance pedagogy of all varieties. They use their experience and education to help you develop your technique, knowledge, and connections that will propel you into the next phases of your life as a dancer.
- Program Type: Major
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Standard credit hours: 125
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $57,875
- * All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Why UMKC
Vibrant arts district
Study in a city rich with cultural treasures such as the Kansas City Ballet, the Folly Theater and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Kickstart your Career
Upper-level dancers in good academic standing can apply for up to two weeks of professional leave per year for professional performance opportunities or auditions for companies and summer intensives.
Kansas City is our classroom
Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to connect with area employers, gain hands-on experience and make an impact in their areas of interest.
After Graduation
Employment of dancers is projected to grow over the next 10 years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Dancing incorporates not only physical fitness but also mental sharpness to compose, practice and train others in complex movements. Dancers who attend schools or conservatories have a better chance of finding work than other dancers who do not.
Potential careers
- Arts administrator
- Ballet Company Dancer
- Choreographer
- Dance Studio Instructor/Owner
- Freelance Dancer
- Independent Dance Instructor
- Modern Company Dancer
$49,258
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Dancers (27-2031.00)
Potential Courses
Ballet and Technique Theory I
Fundamentals of technique of classical ballet with attention given to strengthening, stretching, anatomical alignment and developing the ballet aesthetic.
Analysis of Movement
Explores various aspects of modern dance, including reasoning and methods behind the creation of dance, including class discussions, readings, examples and analyses of various works.
History of Dance
A study of the development of Western theatrical dance forms with a brief overview of “early dance,” placing emphasis on the study of Renaissance theatre spectacles to the rise of the professional…
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
I think we are really lucky to have a huge arts culture in Kansas City... There's always something going on and we can perform at the Kauffman Center, the Folly Theater - there are so many different places for us to be.
Alexandria Brant (B.F.A. '18)
Dance
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts.
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended.
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable).
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities.
- Artistic resume or CV: Please list all relevant dance experience, such as ensembles, schools, teachers, performances and awards.
- Two references: List the names and contact information of your references, and the application system will send an email to them requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters of recommendation must be received by Feb. 1.
- Dance photo: Applicants must submit a dance photo by uploading it to the application. En pointe preferred for female presenting candidates.
- Audition date selection: All undergraduate dance applications require a live audition. You must select one of the three scheduled audition dates in the application. If you are unavailable for any of these dates, please select the “video audition” option or contact Conservatory admissions.
- Review audition repertoire requirements for Dance.
- Transcripts and test scores from domestic and international undergraduate students may be sent in after the Dec. 15 Conservatory application deadline but must be received by UMKC Admissions by Feb. 1.
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: Dec. 15
Classes begin in August
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
$6,945
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$9,840
Heartland Rate
(per semester)
$16,868
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)