Dance
Application Requirements
- SUNY Application and Purchase Supplemental, or Common Application
- Application Fee: $50 for either application
- Academic Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation
- Audition Cost: $65, non-refundable fee
Admission Details
Admission to the Conservatory of Dance is highly competitive. Acceptance is based primarily on your audition, which should demonstrate:
- Extensive prior training in modern, contemporary, and/or classical ballet
- A strong commitment to dance training and a professional dance career
- Talent and potential as a performer
- Musicality and expressive ability
Application Overview
To be considered for admission, applicants must:
- Apply to the BFA Dance program at Purchase College.
- Submit a dance résumé, dance photo, and the non-refundable $65 audition fee through the Admissions Portal.
Once these materials are received, you will gain access to register for an on-campus audition.
Audition Materials
Before registering for an in-person audition, upload the following to your Admissions Portal:
- Dance Résumé
- Dance Photo – 8x10 full-body image (professional photography not required)
- One Artistic Letter of Recommendation – must be sent directly by the recommender to admissions@purchase.edu
Please do not email materials directly to the Conservatory of Dance.
In-Person Auditions
After submitting your materials and fee, you may register for one of the following on-campus audition dates:
- Saturday, February 7
- Friday, February 13
- Saturday, February 21
- Friday, February 27
Advanced registration is required. All auditions are scheduled online—please do not call the Conservatory to reserve a spot.
International Applicants: If you are unable to attend in person, please contact dance@purchase.edu to discuss alternate arrangements.
What to Expect on Audition Day
Auditions take place in a campus dance studio alongside fellow applicants.
The class will be led by a Purchase College dance faculty member and observed by a panel of 2–3 faculty. The session includes:
- Ballet class
- Modern/contemporary combinations (center and across the floor)
- Improvisation prompts
Following the class, selected finalists will present their 90-second solo and participate in a brief interview.
Please plan to spend the full day on campus, as schedules may shift depending on the number of applicants or weather conditions.
What to Bring on Audition Day
- Copy of your Dance Résumé
- Copy of your College Essay (submitted with your application)
- Copy of your Letter of Recommendation
- Dance Photo (8x10 full-body in leotard and tights; first arabesque preferred)
**Costumes are not permitted.
An official Audition Day Schedule will be provided closer to your audition date. For travel and transportation information, please visit our website.
90-Second Solo Guidelines
Each dancer should prepare a 90-second solo in classical or contemporary ballet, modern, or contemporary dance.
- Music should be played from your phone.
- Choreography may be your own or another’s.
- Be prepared to introduce your piece (title, choreographer, composer, and any relevant notes).
- Solos exceeding 90 seconds will be stopped.
- Costumes are not permitted; attire should allow clear visibility of movement.
- The audition studio has a marley floor.
Injury Policy
If you are injured before your scheduled audition, you may reschedule for a later date.
If your recovery extends beyond the final audition date, you may request an extension by emailing dance@purchase.edu.
Admission Decisions
Applicants are typically notified of their admission decision three to four weeks after their audition, provided the application is complete and the audition fee has been received.
For additional program details, visit the Conservatory of Dance webpage.
Policies & Reminders
Audition Cancellations/Changes:
Audition times are final and may only be rescheduled in exceptional cases at the Conservatory’s discretion. To cancel, please call (914) 251-6800.
Inclement Weather:
Auditions are only canceled under extreme conditions. Updates will be sent by email. If weather prevents you from attending, every effort will be made to reschedule, though preferred dates are not guaranteed.