Bachelor of Fine Arts: Dance
The School of Theatre and Dance at NIU is your gateway to a career in dance.
By starting your professional dance journey at the School of Theatre and Dance, you can turn your passion into a profession! For more information, contact Professor Marc Macaranas, dance program coordinator, at 815-753-1334 or marcmacaranas@niu.edu .
Why study dance at NIU?
- Choose your path: We offer two dance degree programs: B.F.A. in dance performance and a minor in dance performance.
- Comprehensive training: Dance in 10-17 technique classes per week that include ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, Afro-Cuban dance, and more.
- Performance opportunities: Perform in four fully produced mainstage concerts each year featuring original works by our esteemed faculty, masterworks from classical and contemporary dance repertories, and student-choreographed productions.
- Expert faculty: Learn from industry professionals who bring real-world experience and connections. Our faculty includes award-winning performers, choreographers, and directors from renowned companies.
- Guest artists: Benefit from workshops and residencies with internationally recognized artists from companies like DanceWorks Chicago, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Malpaso Dance Company, Chicago Dance Crash, and more.
- Alumni success: Join the ranks of our successful alumni who perform with top companies such as American Ballet Theatre and Cirque Du Soleil, as well as on Broadway.
Apply and Audition
Apply to NIU and audition for the B.F.A. in dance performance program.
Audition Dates
- October 13-16, 2025: ChiArts Connections Week, Chicago, IL
- October 25, 2025: Illinois High School Dance Festival, Winnetka, IL
- November 7, 2025: Chicago National Association of Dance Masters College & Career Fair , Schaumburg, IL
- November 14-16, 2025: Metamorphosis Fearless Evolution, Chicago, IL
- November 22, 2025: Campus Audition, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
- February 16, 2025: Campus Audition, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Virtual Auditions
- You can also submit a virtual audition. Our 2025 NIU dance scholarship requirement video outlines the requirements for your submission.
Scholarships
- Fill out and submit your dance and scholarship application.
You can also explore other NIU funding opportunities:
Questions?
For more information, contact Professor Marc Macaranas, Dance Program Coordinator, at 815-753-1334 or marcmacaranas@niu.edu. Start your professional dance journey at the School of Theatre and Dance at NIU and turn your passion into a profession!