More than four years of dancing and training at the studio are required to earn a degree in dance. There are elements of pedagogy, kinesiology, and history included. Consider pursuing a career in dancing if you are capable of doing aerial acrobatics and pirouettes with such speed that onlookers are shocked. The list of the top 13 dance schools in the world will guide you to choose the best dance major colleges.

Learn one of humanity’s first arts in order to motivate those of us who are terrible dancers. Dance has gradually turned out as one of the most integral parts of human life. It has become a tool for curb depression. According to Sabine C. Koch, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported in 2007 that depression has affected over 121 million people worldwide¹.

The ability to express oneself via rhythmic movement and music is encoded into the human brain. Every human moves their body and makes sounds almost subconsciously. Earning a degree in dance will help you turn your abilities into something more than simply a hobby or interest in the art form. It is challenging to become a great dancer on the professional circuit in this day and age without having a dance degree.

This article takes a look at some of the best dance schools in the world to help you get your dance career started. Before we get started with listing the best colleges for dance majors in the world, let us get you familiar with some terms related to dancing.

What is Dance?

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia defines dance as a performing art form consisting of sequences of movement, either improvised or purposefully selected. This movement has aesthetic and often symbolic value. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, its repertoire of movements, or by its historical period or place of origin².

Who Is A Dancer?

A dancer is simply one who performs the art of dance. That is the person who dances. Therefore, a dancer must devote a significant amount of time to studying and perfecting this elegant art form. In performances, he is the kind of person who conveys thoughts and narratives via the motions they utilize.

Categorically, the dancer does the following:

• Participate in an audition for a role in a production or a position within a dance group.
• Learn intricate dance techniques that excite an audience
• Spend some hours in rehearsal each day in order to perfect their performance.
• Research contemporary and up-and-coming styles of dance, and collaborate closely with teachers and fellow dancers to interpret and refine choreography.
• Participate in marketing activities for the production in which they are starring, such as photo shoots and other promotional events
• Create new dances, or interpret old dances in your own way.
• Make selections for the songs that will be played during a dancing performance.
• Performers in a play or members of a dance group may be required to audition.
• Help with the creation of the costumes, the lighting, and any other aesthetic parts of the event. Instruct difficult dancing techniques.
• Researching new and developing dance styles will help you come up with more original dance routines.
• Contribute to the administrative tasks of a dance company, such as its budgeting, among other things

How long Does It Take To Study Dancing?

The amount of time it will take you to become a skilled dancer is mostly determined by your innate ability as well as the amount of time you dedicate to practising. To obtain a bachelor’s degree in dance, one must study the art for around four years. This is an essential fact to keep in mind.

Nevertheless, within three to nine months, provided that you practise regularly and effectively, you will have reached the level of a professional dancer. There is a general concession that the key to perfection is consistent practice.

How Much Does It Cost To Study Dancing?

There may be varying fees associated with the various dance styles. The amount of money you will need to pay in order to learn how to dance will mostly be determined by the number of dancing courses you take on a weekly basis in addition to your location. In addition to this, it will be contingent on the fee structure of either your teacher or your institution.

Depending on the requirements that were presented before, the fees might span a large price range, from around $14,000 to more than $60,000 every year. For overseas students, the typical cost of a bachelor’s degree programme at a dance school is around fifty thousand dollars per year on average.

The payments cover all aspects of the education, including textbooks and materials, meals, and room and board.

Why You Should Study Dancing?

Dancing is more than just experimenting with a variety of ways to construct a shape or learning a sequence of steps to music. It is a mode of movement that uses the body as a medium through which one can express oneself and communicate with others. Students develop abilities in spontaneity, cooperation, and attention via participation in dance. Additionally, it helps an individual learn new things and think in new ways by awakening new perspectives inside that person.

Students can gain a deeper understanding of themselves as well as the society in which they live by participating in dance classes. It improves abilities of perception, observation and focus. These will unquestionably aid students in every one of their academic disciplines.

What Is The Salary Of A Dancer?

Different dancers earn different amounts as salaries. The amount a dancer earns depends on their expertise and job. Apart from the stage performance a dancer does, he can equally become a college lecturer. College teaching may be lucrative as a career other than stage performance.

According to the BLS in May 2021, a professional dancer’s salary yearly is $48,589. Dancers may earn $41,371 a year working for performing arts companies. Amusement park workers may earn $37,918 annually.

What Are The Best Dance Programs In 2022?

The rate of dance programs carried out globally at higher institutions is overwhelming. All the dance schools in the world are globally recognized and most of them are rated according to the type of degree they offer. In all, there are over 1000 dance programs in the USA and the world put together.

To put you on the safer side and make it easier for you to choose a dance college to acquire a dance degree, we will list out the top 13 dance schools in the world. These schools are listed according to the QS world university ranking. In this ranking, so many factors were considered and they include but are not limited to:

Tuition Fee

The cost of tuition is an indicator of how affordable the school is. The tuition fee is the session charge that each student is required to pay. This fee in most cases excludes feeding costs, living expenses and rent. It is simply the school fees only.

Accrediting Bodies

This is a reference to the accrediting bodies, which are the organisations that bestow formal recognition or standards upon institutions. The accreditation body of every program matters and as a result of this, the dance colleges considered in this list of the best dance colleges in the world are accredited by the best accrediting bodies in the host countries or regions.

Most of the accrediting bodies for these dance schools in the list include:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• UK Government

Acceptance Rate (Admission Rate)

This is the maximum number of pupils that can be enrolled in a given session at the dancing school. A smaller number indicates that the school is selective while a larger number means it is unselective.

Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)

This is a reference to the total number of students that are enrolled in each lecture offered by the dancing school. A smaller number indicates that the lecturer will be able to provide each student with the necessary amount of attention that they demand.

Alumni Success

This refers to the impact the old students (alumni) have made outside the school. How far they have gone in real-life adventures and the message they portray outside.

Faculty Prestige

This is simply the charisma of the dance program of the school. The popularity of the college and also the recommendations it gets all over the world.

Access To Great Opportunities

This refers to the opportunities the graduates of these colleges are presented with after their dance programs in these schools. How often are they considered when opportunities call and what is their employability rate?

List Of The Best Dance Schools In 2022

Based on the above criteria, we have ranked the top 13 dance schools in the world. The list also comprises the best hip hop dance schools in the world and some of the best dance schools in Europe. Also, the top ballet schools in the world make the list as well as the famous dance schools in the world like the Juilliard School of dance and the New York University³.

We have also taken into consideration the best contemporary dance schools in the world to make this list of the most prestigious dance schools in the world. Based on all these, here is the list of the best dance schools in the world.

1. Juilliard School Of Dance

Beyond reasonable doubts, Juilliard is and has been for decades, the top and best school for dance performance majors, acting and, musical studies in the USA and the world at large. Their program is referred to as the Gold standard for modern dancing. Although its strong tie to traditions of ballet and other forms of dancing cannot be set aside.

Through the investigation of ballet, modern, and contemporary dance approaches, you will be encouraged to develop into a performer who is both flexible and subtle while studying at Juilliard. “Our curriculum is multifaceted, creating effective communicators and citizen artists,” said Mack.

The Juilliard School cultivates and enables the next generation of extraordinary artists and creative voices in the field of dance through the chances it provides in the form of classes, performances, and composing projects. This is why Alicia Graf, the Director of Juilliard’s Dance Divison said, “I expect my dancers to show up; not just in the sense that they walk into a room and are marked present, but that they fully commit to investing in their potential daily”

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
New York	49,510	7	5:1	MSCHE

 

2. Brenau University

Atlanta’s Brenau University is one of the best dancing schools in the United States. It has a renowned dance programme. The department will train you to become a professional dancer, scholar, and artist. This school provides options. Modern dance, advanced ballet, jazz, or musical theatre can be Bachelor of Arts concentrations.

Alternatives include dance pedagogy, pre-occupational, and pre-physical therapy. The Low student-to-faculty ratio and mentorship programme boost personal and professional development. This university emphasises physical health. Brenau East has a Pilates studio and two large studios.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
Atlanta	31,720	64	9:1	SACSCOC

 

3. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a private research university that was established in 1873 and is located in Nashville, Tennessee. Classical ballet, tap, contemporary/modern, hip hop, and global dance methods are the focus of instruction provided by Vanderbilt’s dance instructors.

The Memorial Gym is the ideal location for the Vanderbilt University Dance Program, which provides dance instruction to students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. On its beautiful campus, which is also an accredited arboretum, it provides students with the opportunity to pursue one of its seventy undergraduate majors, as well as a full range of graduate and professional degrees.

In addition, the campus is equipped with modern laboratories and athletic facilities. Vanderbilt is designed to encourage and support interdisciplinary research, which ultimately results in discoveries that have an effect on the entire world.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
Nashville, Tennessee	54,158	9.6	7:1	SACSCOC

4. Skidmore College

Another highly regarded institution for dance training is Skidmore College. Skidmore College, a well-regarded liberal arts institution, is located close to Saratoga Springs, New York, on a picturesque 1,000 acres of land. Skidmore offers two different degrees in the field of dance.

There are over one hundred different study abroad programmes, 2,500 students from 67 different countries, 43 academic majors, 120 student organisations, and more. Students at Skidmore are encouraged to combine ideas that at first glance appear to be unrelated and to develop these connections into workable solutions. No matter who you are or what you do, creativity is an essential quality to have. It encompasses every aspect.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
New York	58,128	30	8:1	MSCHE

 

5. Paris Opera Ballet School

The Paris Opera Ballet School in the France capital has consistently ranked among the best dance schools in the world rankings. Despite the fact that it was not intended to be a school for children when it first opened, the Paris Opera Ballet School has remained among the top dance college in the world.

The Paris Ballet School was initially established in 1713 by King Louis XIV for the purpose of educating adults. It wasn’t until a few years later that children were first allowed to enrol. Over the course of the past three hundred years, the school has consistently ranked among the most prestigious dance schools globally.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
Paris, France	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

 

6. Fordham University

Fordham University allows its students the advantage of networking and thriving within one of the best culturally diverse cities in the whole world. It is also located in the dance epicentre of the US, and it has a lot more to offer than just location. Fordham University’s dance program is one of the top dance programs in the USA and the World.

It offers a partnership with one of the premier dance institutions, the Ailey School, which was founded by Alvin Ailey, one of the prestigious dance artists of all time. The Ailey School is a legendary institution that runs a contemporary ballet of 30 members, including students in the Fordham/Ailey program.

An intense yet highly rewarding program designed for dance specialists, the students are expected to dance 4-6 hours per day and find a means to stay top in their academics.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
New York	58,208	30	13:1	HLC

 

7. Elmhurst Ballet School

Elmhurst Ballet School is the oldest vocational dancing school in the United Kingdom. It was formerly known as Elmhurst School for Dance. Elmhurst Ballet School is currently associated with Birmingham Royal Ballet. It has a five-acre complex which includes seven dance studios, a theatrical workshop, a studio theatre with a capacity of 250 people, a medical facility, and a physiotherapy and fitness centre.

Graduates of this school have found employment with dance companies such as Birmingham Royal Ballet, Royal Ballet, Northern Ballet, Scottish Ballet, and Ballet Black, as well as dancing groups in Europe, the United States of America, and Japan. The school has a high success record. It is interesting to note that Elmhurst considers the possibility that a dancer’s career might be cut short due to injury, and as a result, they provide rigorous academic instruction.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
Birmingham, UK	52,049	67.8	13:1	HLC or UK Government

 

8. New York University Tisch School of the Arts

Considered one of the foremost dance colleges, alongside Julliard, NYU is one of the best colleges offering dance majors in the USA. It presents an opportunity nearly unrivalled as an experienced dancer on the stage of contemporary dance in New York City. In the curriculum, there is a strong focus on the skills of contemporary dance as well as ballet, and an equal amount of attention is placed on performance and choreography.

The graduates of these institutes have advanced virtually every single position a modern dance artist could hope for, including spots in top dance companies, training by the best professors at top universities, and soloist honours for a variety of important production in NY City and abroad. The location is also unbeatable as it is located in the premier city for dancers.

The mission of the Tisch Department of Dance is to foster the growth of fully developed dance artists who are capable of critical thinking, courageous leadership, and fluent performance as part of our mission to develop and prepare the students.

Official Website

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
New York	54,880	16	9:1	MSCHE

 

9. Butler University

A popular nationally renowned program located in the heart of the Midwest. Butler University offers the benefit of liberal art education to its students with an intensive dance performance education. The classical tradition is where their strength lies. They often present and run events of many classical ballets, like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.

They also choreograph modern ballets as well as training students with ample experience with the choreography of past masters and modern greats. Butler University has over time been established as one of the best colleges for dance majors in the world and in the United States.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
Indianapolis, IN	43,400	73	11:1	HLC

 

10. The Royal Ballet School

The Royal Ballet School in London ranks among the top of our ranking of the top dance schools in the world. Without a shadow of a doubt, this institution is regarded as one of the finest dancing schools in the United Kingdom. The original name for the organisation was the Academy of Choreographic Art. The name of the ballerina who established it and is credited with its creation is Dame Ninette de Valois.

The School provides a well-rounded dance education that spans eight years and includes a comprehensive academic curriculum. The goal is to cultivate exceptional performers of classical ballet, particularly for the Royal Ballet. As a consequence of this, it has provided training for a significant number of very accomplished dancers working around the world today.

Location	Tuition (GBP)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
London, United Kingdom	30,240	15	N/A	UK Government

 

11. Vaganova School

The Vaganova School is one of the most renowned dance institutions in Russia. Although it has undergone several transformations throughout the course of its lengthy history, it has retained its status as one of the most prestigious dance schools in the world.

It first opened its doors in 1738 as the Imperial Theatrical School and admitted a total of 24 students—12 male and 12 female. It was not until 1957 that it was given its current name, which honours Agrippina Vaganova.

Agrippina Vaganova was a Russian figure who played an important role in the evolution of the contemporary Russian Ballet. Her roles contributed to Vaganova Schools being recognised as one of the best contemporary dance schools in the world.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
St. Petersburg, Russia	N/A	N/A	N/A	Dance Accrediting Body in Russia

 

12. Columbia University

One of the most prestigious schools of dance in the world is located at Columbia University. CU is a prestigious private institution of higher learning that may be found in Manhattan, New York, inside the metropolitan area of New York City. There are two different Dance degree programmes available at Columbia University.

It is a school of moderate size, with a total of 7,592 students enrolled in the undergraduate programme. The admittance rate at Columbia is barely 7%, thus getting in is incredibly difficult due to the fierce competition. The fields of economics, computer science, political science and government are among the most popular undergraduate majors. Alumni of Columbia University, of which 95% of students graduate, go on to earn a starting income of $66,500 after graduation.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
New York	64,380	5	6:1	MSCHE

 

13. Sunhwa Arts High School

The last but not the least on our list of best dance schools in the world is the Sunhwa Arts High School in South Korea. Even though it has only been performing on stages for a very short amount of time, the Sunhwa Arts High School has swiftly earned a reputation for creating ballet stars of the greatest calibre.

It was established in 1974 and incorporates Russian dance skills as well as its own distinctive stretching procedures. Many of its alumni have gone on to perform with the Korea Universal Ballet.

Location	Tuition (USD)	Acceptance Rate (%)	Student-Faculty Ratio (Class Size)	Accrediting Body
Seoul,   South Korea	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

 

What Are The Best Online Dance Schools?

Platforms that provide online dance training are becoming an increasingly popular option for dancers of all styles and levels of expertise. Despite the fact that they should never take the place of your live training, they can be very convenient⁴.

Consequently, the following are some of the best online dance training schools. Each of these online dance schools offers the best online dance programmes you can imagine:

• Dance Plug
• Dancio
• Learn to dance
• Just Dance
• University of Iowa

Conclusion

Dance is not just a recreational activity or a leisure game, it is a good-paying career and as such, so many are venturing into it. To get your dance career started, it is important to get a dance degree from any of these best dance schools in the world. This is the reason we have taken time out to discuss the best-ranking dance programs and dance colleges in the world.

You will become a master of one of humanity’s oldest art forms after you have learned music and dance at the college level. This will bring to the limelight what your body is genuinely capable of doing as a result of your accomplishments.

References:

1. The Joy Dance
2. Wikipedia
3. myrightrib.com
4. kiiky.com

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