
Dance
Salve Regina University Campus, United States
Bachelor of Arts in Dance
Salve Regina University
Dance
Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Salve Regina University
Salve Regina University's dance program provides a transformative education through the study of dance in a liberal arts setting, located on a stunning oceanside campus in Newport, Rhode Island. Students engage in critical dialogue, physical practice, and creative production as they study dance history, theory, technique, performance, composition, and teaching across a range of styles.
The program features a unique focus on jazz studies, acknowledging and honoring jazz as a historically Black American art form that has influenced the continuum of American dance and culture. Students train in rooted jazz styles, learn the history, and work with jazz musicians in studio classes and performance, while also developing skills in contemporary, ballet, tap, hip hop, social dance, and commercial dance.
Through the preprofessional dance company, students work with 8 to 10 guest artists each year, gaining invaluable performance and choreographic experience. The program also offers study abroad opportunities, including a Jazz Dance in Calgary program at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, and a no-cost summer session through the Salve Compass program connected to the Newport Jazz Festival.
Program Highlights
- Unique focus on jazz dance studies with training in rooted jazz styles alongside live musicians
- Preprofessional dance company with 8-10 guest artist residencies per year
- Study abroad opportunities including Jazz Dance in Calgary at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
- Liberal arts foundation enabling individualized career paths across disciplines
Curriculum and Modules
The Bachelor of Arts in Dance requires a minimum of 120 credits, including 41-44 credits of core liberal arts courses and 38 credits in the dance major. Students work closely with dance faculty to design an educational experience relative to their own strengths and interests, with approximately three to four dance courses per semester complemented by rehearsals and performance opportunities.
Theatrical Jazz Styles and Techniques
2 CreditsExplores theatrical jazz dance styles with attention to the embodiment of Africanist aesthetics including individuality, improvisation, polyrhythms, groundedness, and syncopation. Jazz energy is explored through improvisation and choreography in relationship with music.
West African Drumming and Dancing
3 CreditsExplores contemporary and traditional styles and techniques of drumming and dancing from West African countries and cultures. Students study rhythms, movements, and aesthetics in relation to their specific cultural context through embodied studio coursework.
Dance for the Musical Theatre
2 CreditsIntroduces students to a variety of musical theatre styles and techniques from classic to contemporary. The foundation is jazz dance technique with emphasis on style, expression, auditioning workshops, and basic tap technique.
Dance Pedagogy
3 CreditsAssesses proficiency through practice-based teaching in a mentored setting, evaluating methods and best practices for the private sector, K-12, community education, and higher education. Includes development of a teaching resume, philosophy, and lesson plans.
Somatics and Conditioning for Dancers
2 CreditsOffers holistic approaches for physical health through somatic methods related to dance technique and dancers' bodies. Emphasizes strength, flexibility, endurance, alignment principles, nutrition, and cross-training integrated into each class.
Dance for Social Change
3 CreditsCreates innovative opportunities through dance and other artistic modalities for community, civic, and social engagement. Students sharpen their artistic voice for social change, exploring how dance can foster community dialogue and bring awareness to global issues.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Dance at Salve Regina University requires acceptance to both the university and an audition for the dance program. Prospective students should reach out to Uni4Edu for guidance on preparing their application and scheduling their audition.
Academic Requirements
- High School DiplomaCompletion of a college preparatory program equivalent to four years of high school, including English, mathematics, science, social science, and foreign language
- Dance AuditionA pre-recorded video audition or in-person audition is required for acceptance into the dance program
- GPAAverage GPA of admitted freshmen is approximately 3.4 on a 4.0 scale
- Standardized TestsSAT and ACT scores are optional and will not disadvantage applicants who choose not to submit them
- Personal EssayA personal statement and at least one letter of recommendation are required
English Language Requirements
- TOEFLRequired for non-native English speakers; contact Uni4Edu for minimum score details
- IELTSAccepted as proof of English proficiency; minimum score typically 6.5
- Duolingo English TestAccepted as an alternative English proficiency test
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Salve Regina University offers a range of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help make your dance education more affordable. Visual and performing arts scholarship recipients are notified of their awards at the time of admission. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding options available to you.
Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship
Awarded to talented dance students based on their audition performance. Recipients are notified at the time of admission, and the scholarship recognizes artistic excellence and potential.
Merit-Based Academic Scholarship
Available to students who demonstrate strong academic achievement in their high school record. Awards vary based on GPA and overall application strength.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Varies based on demonstrated financial needSalve Regina provides need-based financial aid packages that may include grants, work-study, and other forms of assistance. Approximately 63% of first-year students receive need-based aid.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Dance program at Salve Regina University are prepared for diverse career paths thanks to the program's combination of rigorous dance training and a liberal arts education. The curriculum develops versatile artists with skills in performance, choreography, teaching, and arts administration, enabling graduates to succeed in professional dance and beyond.
Potential Career Paths
Where Graduates Work
Rankings and Recognition
Salve Regina University is consistently recognized for academic excellence and student experience. The university has earned strong regional and national rankings, and its beautiful Newport campus has been featured by leading publications. The dance program benefits from this institutional reputation and its dedicated faculty of working professionals.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Universities North | U.S. News & World Report | #24 |
| Best Undergraduate Teaching | U.S. News & World Report | #11 |
| Best Value Schools | U.S. News & World Report | #42 |
| Top Performers on Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | #36 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Dance (BA)
University Of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Earliest Intake
January 2027
Gross Tuition
39958 $
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Dance (MFA)
University Of Arizona, Tucson, United States
Earliest Intake
July 2026
Gross Tuition
32065 $
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Dance & Choreography BA
Falmouth University, Falmouth, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
September 2026
Gross Tuition
18000 £
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Dance and Drama
Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
September 2026
Gross Tuition
19200 £
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Dance: Urban Practice BA
University of East London, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
September 2026
Gross Tuition
16020 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant




