Do you think you have a real dance fire in you and the spark to make a living out of it? If yes, then, you can enroll in one of the best dance schools near you.
Dance is a global art form. It expresses ideas, moods, and feelings in a measured creative form.
According to Wikipedia, dance is a performing art form consisting of sequences of movement, either improvised or purposefully selected. This movement has aesthetic and often symbolic value.
Also, it can be a fun activity for winding down and for enjoying during leisure. But over the years dance has become more than just a hobby or leisurely activity. Pedagogy, kinesiology, and history are some of the key areas of dance.
And many who want to feature brightly in the field know that shaking to rhythmic beats is no longer enough. They will need to go to school to attain professional status.
So if you can wow us bathroom dancers and desire an audience larger than your nuclear family, this article is for you. You are sure to discover many dance schools near you.
Here, you will learn about the 15 best dance schools, offering world-class dance lessons to students in various dance categories.
Why Attend The Best Dance School in the World
Dance programs give students the chance to study their passion and hone their skills. It’s a great avenue for those who want to venture into the world of performing arts. Simply put, talent is not usually enough. That is why dance programs teach dance techniques. And also explain the theory behind different movements including how far culture has affected dance.
Teaching dance to students also helps them to appreciate these cultures, meet professionals, and establish lifelong contact with friends.
You can get your dance education at universities or special schools for performing arts. For instance, a two-year diploma in higher studies will expand your knowledge and research skills and introduce you to basic dance concepts. You may then decide to take it up to the bachelor’s level.
This level requires more hours plus dance-intensive modules. Some people later go on to pursue a Master’s in Fine Arts. This will equip them to teach dance in schools. These programs are very practical in nature except a Ph.D. which focuses mainly on research.
It is common to think that teaching dance in schools is useless. But that’s not true. Even when you display good body movements a proper school will still teach you a lot. By gathering many useful skills, you will gain an edge in the competitive world.
The best dance schools will train your body and mind. Also, you will learn how to prevent injuries and ease the pain. These schools offer courses in teaching methods. They also focus on key areas such as somatic, kinesiology, movement therapy, and wellness/nutrition.
Clearly, there are many benefits to investing in an accredited program.
Why Teach Dance in School
Since dancing is more than a series of steps or innate skills, it is important to teach it in schools. Students learn teamwork, focus, and discipline. Furthermore, these schools help to ignite their creativity. And sharpens new perceptions and ways of thinking.
Moreover, dancing can influence other areas of life by instilling focus, concentration, and discipline including observational skills. By teaching dance, students also become self-aware and can perceive the world in an artistic manner.
Core and elective dance modules differ among institutions, but here are some common areas of focus:
- Dance technique, performance and management
- Principles of dance teaching and practice
- history of dance and cultural trends.
- Choreography
How Much Does it Cost to Attend a Dance school?
The cost depends on your preference. If you want to learn dance as a hobby, then you can attend a random dance studio.
In this case, you should expect to pay between $60 to $150 every month without following any curriculum. But if you want to earn a bachelor’s degree in dancing, you have to attend a university or college.
If you choose this, you will graduate in 3 or 4 years and pay the same amount of tuition as other students. Learning ballet is the most expensive. It costs around $30,000 to $55,000 over a 15 year period at a mid-tier institution. However, bagging a bachelor’s degree at a dance school costs about $50,000. This covers tuition, room and board, books, and supplies.
To perform well in a dance school, you need to own certain tech gadgets that will enable practice your dance lessons effectively. See our article on the best tech gadgets for students.
What are the Best Dance Schools in the World?
Here are the best dance schools in the world.
- The Julliard School
- Brenau University
- Vanderbilt University
- Skidmore College
- University of Rochester
- Fordham University
- The Hammond School
- University of Cumbria
- Folkwang University of the Arts
- Brent Street School
- Butler University
- University of Buffalo, SUNY
- Point Park University
- The Place
- The Royal Ballet School – London
We selected these schools based on alumni success, faculty prestige, access to great opportunities, and their rankings in terms of diversity. We also considered the admission ratio, tuition, and size of the class.
1. The Julliard School
The Julliard School shines bright on this list. This world-famous institution opened in 1905 and quickly became one of the best. However, Julliard established its dance division was 1951. This school represents quality and selects just a few of the best per time.
It isn’t just popular for its world-class training. In the same measure, it is widely known as one of the world’s leading drama and music schools. This prestigious private conservatory is in New York City, United States. Julliard offers a 4-year undergraduate program that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree.
This includes a liberal arts curriculum. Students learn ballet, modern and contemporary techniques, hip hop, ethics, music studies, stagecraft, kinesiology, and acting for dancers. The Julliard School (Julliard) is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Founded In: 1905
- Tuition: $68,968 (before aid)
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
2. Brenau University
Brenau University tops the chart as one of the best schools for dance. It has one of the best departments for dance. The department will prepare you to become a professional dancer, scholar, and artist in a conducive learning environment. This school is home to options. You can acquire your B.A. with a focus in modern dance, advanced ballet, jazz/musical theater. Also, dance pedagogy, even pre-occupational and pre-physical therapy are all part of the options.
Also, the small student-faculty ratio and a mentorship program will position you for personal and professional growth. And your capstone project and artist statement will greatly benefit you. Moreover, fitness is a big deal in this University. Brenau East, another fitness studio in Brenau contains a well-equipped Pilates studio and two more large studio spaces.
What’s more? You can hardly ever suffer a dull moment. Because its two weeks summer dance program packs in ballroom dancing, pointe, West African dance, and yoga classes. Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Tuition: $31,720
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
3. Vanderbilt University
Initially, Vanderbilt University was a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. It was founded in 1873. It is an accredited university by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and one of the best dance schools in the world.
The student-to-faculty ratio is about 7:1 and the acceptance rate is 9 percent. So, If you long for world-class training in classical ballet, hip hop, contemporary, tap, and other dance techniques, then you should consider this University.
- Founded In: 1873
- Tuition: $73,148 (before aid)
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
4. Skidmore College
This top liberal arts college stands tall in Saratoga Springs, New York. Travel & Leisure says its suburb is one of “America’s best college towns.” Skidmore College offers 2 Dance Degree programs. Creativity and innovation are some of its core beliefs. If you ask us, this is very crucial in performing arts.
Furthermore, the school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Faculty to student ratio is about 8:1 with a 30 percent acceptance rate
- Founded In: 1920
- Tuition: $58,128 (before aid)
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
5. University of Rochester
Rochester is a highly rated private university located in New York. It ranked highly among the best dance colleges in NY. Rochester University explores dance in many forms even as a form of spiritual practice. Guest artists are also invited to the faculty at regular intervals.
In addition to this, Rochester has a fairly high acceptance rate and the faculty-to-student ratio is good. The University of Rochester is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). And the tuition is around $58,208 tuition.
- Founded In: 1850
- Tuition: $58,208 (before aid)
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
6. Fordham University
Through its partnership with the Alvin Ailey School, Fordham University’s BFA Dance program gives students a well-rounded liberal arts education. Students gain the best of both worlds.
A highly rated university, this private school offers one dance degree program. Students can also choose from more than 60 majors. That’s not all, its curriculum covers literature, history, science, theology, philosophy, and the arts.
Founded in 1841 as St John’s College, Fordham espouses the Jesuit tradition of intellectual exercise and respect for the individual. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the Middle States Association. Admission is quite competitive. This school admits an average of 35 students to the Ailey/BFA Dance program each year.
- Accreditation: HLC
- Acceptance rate: 30%
- Students-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Tuition Fee: $58,208
7. The Hammond School
The Hammond School was established in 1917. It offers special dance, drama, and music courses for young people ages 11 to 16+. In addition, it has a Performing Arts Center, a dance studio, and a music suite. There are also options for adults who have already completed their A-Levels.
They can choose from Pilates Level, Zumba classes, fitness training, and others. Also, there is a prep school for entry in year 3 – and for all those who show great skill in the performing arts. Dance students from the school have graduated into companies such as Phoenix Dance Theater, English National Ballet, The Australian Ballet, Lithuanian National Ballet, and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Rate of Acceptance: 96%
- Students-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Tuition Fee: $19,898
8. University of Cumbria
The University of Cumbria, Cumbria introduces students to the life of performing arts. This school is recognized by the British Government. As a result, it is listed on the education list of recognized UK awarding institutions. As part of performance opportunities, games, rehearsals, mini-lectures form part of regular academic life.
- Accreditation : UK Government
- Rate of Acceptance: 73%
- Students-Faculty Ratio: 16:5
- Tuition Fee: £9,250
9. Folkwang University of the Arts
This is one of the best contemporary dance schools in the world. It is based in Germany and was formed in 1927. It offers music, theater, dance, design, and other academic studies.
The Institute of Contemporary Dance which teaches contemporary dance styles and other dance genres is a part of the University. You will bag a Bachelor of Arts or a Master of Arts degree when you finish the dance program.
10. Brent Street School
Another best contemporary school in the world is Brent Street School. This is Australia’s leading school for performing arts, located in Sydney. For over 35 years this dance school has nurtured great talents. Most of Australia’s successful dancers are products of this prestigious school. The classes for children, teenagers, youths, and adults are tailored to fit their lives and meet their demands.
11. Butler University
The practical aspects of this school’s program emphasize intense work. There’s an opportunity to take part in classical ballet shows like Swan Lake, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. The entire full-time dance faculty in a ballet class tests and judges the students.
Thereafter, they take another ballet class with current dance majors. Butler University gives access to a conditioning room, sessions with an athletic trainer, fully equipped dance studios, and art partnerships. The likes of the Indianapolis Opera, Symphonic Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and Dance Kaleidoscope are a few of such opportunities.
- Founded In: 1855
- Tuition: $61,950 (before aid)
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
12. University of Buffalo, SUNY
University at Buffalo is a top-rated public university in Amherst, New York in the Buffalo Area. They offer 2 Dance Degree programs. It is a large institution with a fairly competitive acceptance rate of 57 percent.
There are also other popular majors. These include business, social science, research methods, and psychology. Graduating students of Buffalo University go on to earn as much as $40,800 in the start.
- Tuition: $24,740
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
13. Point Park University
Point Park University is located in Downtown Pittsburgh, United States. The BFA in dance in this prestigious University takes about four years and covers a wide range of programs.
Students in the dance department receive thorough training in ballet, jazz, and modern dance. This school welcomes international students into its dance programs and many go on to qualify for scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Dance
14. The Place
Located in the heart of London, The Place is a creative powerhouse for dance training and innovation. This is one of the best creative schools for training students in dance performance.
Students can select from a wide range of classes, courses, and professional programs for creatives. The classes are suitable for adult dancers and youths as well as kids. The place adopts innovation in dance by giving students a robust experience in the liberal arts.
- Tuition: N/A
15. The Royal Ballet School – London
The final in our list of best dance schools in the Royal Ballet School in London. This school is unarguably one of the top dance schools in the UK and around the world. The Academy of Choreographic Art was the initial name. Dame Ninette de Valois is the name of the ballet dancer who founded it.
The School offers an eight-year structured dance course, with a broad academic program. The aim is to raise great classical ballet dancers, especially for the Royal Ballet. As a result, it has trained many wildly successful dancers in the world today.
- Founded in 1926
- Acceptance rate: 10 -15%
- Tuition: £30,240 (Upper School)
Check out the best dance schools in different cities:
New York City:
- Queens College
- American Musical Dramatic Academy
- Pace University
- Marymount Manhattan College
- The New School
London
- Royal Ballet School
- University of East London
- Kingston University
- Royal Academy of Dance
- Conservatoire for dance and Drama
Birmingham
- Nicholson school of dance
- The Carey academy
- Steps dance academy
- Dance Exchange
- Elmhurst ballet School
Manchester
- The studio dance academy
- Northern ballet school
- La suerte dance school
- Prime dance
- Tiva pole dance
Adults Dance Schools Near me
- University of California
- The University of the Arts
- Point Park University
- University of Arizona
- National Dance Institute
- The Young Americans College of the Performing arts.
Best Hip Hop Dance Schools in the World
Bounce is the signature move of hip-hop music. This genre of dance evolved as part of hip-hop culture. As far as hip hop is concerned, these are among the best schools in the world:
- Flow Dance Academy
- New World Dance Academy
- DivaDance
- Ballet Kukan Academy
- Hip Hop Pop’s Dance School
Who is the Best dance teacher in the world?
There are no legends without teachers. This list features the best instruction in terms of contribution to dance education:
- George Balanchine
- Paul Taylor
- Alvin Ailey
- Katherine Duham
- Shane Sparks
- Phil Black
- Martha Graham
- Sue Samuel.
Conclusion
Dance can be a really exciting career. A dancer has the rare benefit of getting paid to do what he/she loves. The 15 dance Schools enlisted in this article are the best to consider. Jumpstart your dance career in anyone you choose and join the league of other wildly successful alumni.
People also search for; Best Online Schools: Rankings, Tuition, Acceptance, And Graduation Rates
FAQs on best Dance schools in the world
How Much Does Dance School Usually Cost?
The cost varies depending on the conditions and your instructor. The fees can range roughly, from about $15,000 to over $70,000 a year.
On average, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a dance school costs about $50,000 a year for international students
Which Country is Best for a Dance Career?
The US. This country first introduced dancing as formal education. And most of its cities are famous for dance. In fact, NYC is considered to be the Dance Capital of the world and home to the best professional dancers.
What is the Famous Dance School?
There are many prestigious dance schools in the world. Some of the most famous dance schools can be found in NYC, the dance capital of the world. The well-known ones are:
- The Juilliard School
- New York University
- Pace University
- Brenau University
References
- careerigniter.com
- worldscholarshipforum.com
- jadeharrisonschoolofdance.co.uk
- studyabroadnations.com
- tututix.com
- leverageedu.com