B.S. in Kinesiology, concentration in Dance Science
The Dance Science program is a 120-hour degree focusing on dance research, anatomy, nutrition, injury prevention and psychological aspects of the dancer and proper biomechanical principles within dance technique. Additional coursework includes Dance Production, Dance Composition, Pilates, Dance History, Partnering, Improvisation and Dance Pedagogy.
Dance professionals, researchers, and kinesiologists offer students a cohesive view of dance health and wellness. Dance Scientists are professionals who are employed by dance companies and dance training facilities throughout the world to devise effective training programs as well as advise dancers regarding nutrition and injury prevention/care. Dance Scientists also become researchers, dance therapists and better-informed dancers and teachers. Students in the Dance program are eligible to receive dance scholarships.
ADMISSIONS
Freshman, change of major and transfer students should follow all Texas A&M University and department admissions policies. View the Undergraduate Admissions page for full information.
In addition, applicants to the Dance Program must participate in an audition process. Submit your application to the University as soon as possible. Both acceptance by the University AND acceptance by the Dance Program through the audition process are required.
Auditions allow the Dance faculty to evaluate a student’s technical level in ballet and modern dance. Applicants will receive an email verifying their application is complete before their audition. Notification of audition results will be emailed within approximately two weeks after the audition.
Note: Applicants are reviewed by a committee and admitted on a competitive basis. Meeting the minimum requirements listed does not guarantee admission.
How to ApplyAUDITIONS FOR 2021 ADMISSIONS
- Live Audition: Friday, November 12, 2021
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- Register (prior to accessing the application) here
- Audition application
- Day of Dance & Audition: Spring 2022 (Date TBD)
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- Registration will take place through CircuiTree. Visit Texas A&M Dance to register.
- Online Auditions: Open August 20, 2021 through June 30, 2022*
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- Digital Auditions are available through GetAcceptd. Click here for more information.
- *Freshmen must complete online audition process by April 15, 2022. Transfer/change of major students must complete online audition process by June 30, 2022.
Submit Digital Audition
AUDITION PROCESS
Preparing for the Audition
Live Auditions:
- If you’re registering for the November audition, make sure you submit your application by November 7th at midnight.
- The November audition will consist of a ballet and modern class. Dancers do not need to prepare dance combination to present to the adjudication committee.
- Dancers auditioning during Day of Dance will be assessed during the classes throughout the day.
- Dancers may be asked to meet with Faculty following the audition if there are questions about their application.
Online Audition:
- Audition online through GetAcceptd starting August 20th. The online audition has a built-in application, and will ensure you upload all required materials.
Required Materials:
- A full-length photograph in proper dance attire, demonstrating proper alignment in dance position or shape (e.g. 1st arabesque)
- The photo can either be black and white or color. It is not used as a criterion for admission but functions as a memory tool for the adjudication committee.
- Follow the dress code (see other relevant information below) for photos.
- Dance resume focusing on training and performance
- Letter of intent – statement about future goals in dance and why you are pursuing a degree in our program
Proper Dance Wear
BALLET
- The body must be clearly visible in order for the instructor to make evaluations and give feedback.
- Female Identified – leotard, pink or skin-tone footed tights which must be worn under your leotard and inside your ballet shoes; pink/skin-tone ballet shoes with sewn elastic and drawstrings cut and tucked inside the shoe.
- Male Identified – black footed tights worn inside your ballet shoes, solid-colored tight-fitting t-shirt or leotard, dance belt; black ballet shoes
- Non-binary Identified – choice of either selection above or a combination of any of the above
- Long hair must be pulled back and attached to your head securely so you do not need to adjust it during class. Short hair should be pulled back with a headband and/or clips to clear the neck and face.
- No ballet skirts or other clothing to be worn over leotards without approval. Warm-up clothing must be fitted to the body.
- No undergarments (except sports bras) should be showing through your leotard and/or tights
- No dangling jewelry, hats, or chewing gum
MODERN
- The body must be clearly visible in order for the instructor to make evaluations and give feedback.
- Bare feet – no lyrical or other dance shoes, black footless tights, leotard or solid colored tight-fitting t-shirt/tank top, hair secured back
- No undergarments (except sports bras) should be showing through your leotard and/or tights
- No dangling jewelry, hats, or chewing gum
Dance Wellness
Students receive education in dance wellness and science through several aspects of the program at Texas A&M University. Students enrolled in the B.S. in Kinesiology: Dance Science track receive training through several Ballet and Modern Movement labs, Pilates mat and apparatus training, and classes in Health Practices for Dancers, Dance Wellness and a Writing Seminar that takes a look at dance science research. Students also take classes in Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Psychology, Motor Learning and Exercise Physiology. Students also participate in dance science research and conduct research of their own through a capstone project.
Students who enter the dance science program undergo an extensive screening process known as the Dancer Wellness Project. Through this screening dance science students and faculty work closely with the graduate students and faculty in the Athletic Training Program to assess the dancer’s strengths and weaknesses. This testing enables students to learn about the areas of the body they need to work on as well as give information to the faculty about the overall structure of the student’s body. This gives us information for students and faculty to work within a students structure in a safe way to gain a strong technique in dance.
The information from these assessments is put into a database where students have access to their profiles. This database will allow students to know where their strengths and weaknesses are and give them specific exercises (with video instructions) to help improve their overall technique. Students are assisted through this program with dance faculty and are re-evaluated every year.
Performance
Performance opportunities include: an annual dance concert (Perpetual Motion), Faculty Arts Showcase, Choreographers’ Showcase, Senior Concerts, informal performances, student organization concerts, performances throughout the community and on campus and state, regional, and national/international gala performances. Dance faculty often receive grants for other performances throughout the University in collaboration with faculty from other colleges. Students are also given the opportunity to attend various festivals and conferences.
The Dance Program also offers students the capability to work with guest artists in master classes, watching performances and learning repertory. This not only gives students a unique opportunity to build their resumes but to work with a variety of professionals in the field.
Scholarships
The Dance Program offers scholarship opportunities for its students, in addition to those available for all HLKN students. Scholarships are awarded once a year in the fall and are funded from the profits made through the Teen Summer Dance Intensive Program.
To apply, fill out the application and follow the submission instructions. If a scholarship is awarded, students must submit an acceptance form to receive the funds. Applications for the 2022-2023 academic year are due no later than December 1, 2021. Applicants must attend the November audition to be considered. An audition is required for all incoming freshman and transfer students.
Emma Sue Gibbons Scholarship
- Must be an undergraduate student (current, incoming freshman, or transfer) enrolled in the B.S. in Kinesiology Dance Science program
- Current student: GPR 3.0 overall, 3.5 in dance courses
- Transfer: GPR of 3.0 overall, 3.5 in dance courses
- Incoming freshman: GPR of 3.5 overall, 1100 on SAT or 26 on ACT
- Must be in good standing with the HLKN Dance program
- Qualify and enroll in DCED Ballet I or DCED Modern Dance I or above
- $1,000 – $2000 per academic year
Out of state students who receive this scholarship MAY be eligible for an out of state tuition waiver. Out of state students must receive a minimum of $4000 from university scholarships to receive this waiver.
Additional scholarships for dance program students can be found within the Department of Health and Kinesiology (HLKN) and the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). For information on these scholarships please visit the HLKN or CEHD financial assistance pages.
Additional information for non-resident tuition waivers are also available.
HLKN Dance Program $250, $500, $750 Scholarships
- Must be an Undergraduate student (current, incoming freshman, or transfer) enrolled in the B.S. in Kinesiology Dance Science program
- Current Student: GPR 3.0 overall, 3.2 in dance courses
- Transfer: GPR of 3.0 overall, 3.2 in dance courses
- Incoming Freshman: GPR of 3.0 overall, 1000 on SAT or 24 on ACT
- Must be in good standing with the HLKN Dance program
- Qualify and Enroll in DCED Ballet I and DCED Modern Dance I or above
- $250, $500 and $750 per academic year
Program Details
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Concentration: Dance Science
Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Contact Advisors
Kayla McGee
Academic Advisor III
Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor's
I still have questions. Who can I contact to help me?
Please feel free to contact our front office at 979-845-4530 for further questions.
I am a transfer student and I want to change my major to an HLKN program. What courses will transfer?
For courses not specified in our transfer requirements per major, refer to our Transfer Course Equivalency Guide.
How can these programs help me get into professional school?
Our programs typically have pre-requisites built in, or can be paired with courses offered at Texas A&M. Your advisor will work with you on your academic goals while keeping graduation a top priority. You will be encouraged to get in contact with the Professional School Advising Office; they provide resources and services that can help you get into the professional school of your choice.
What are the typical program costs?
The following website can help you estimate the cost of the program, including current costs of tuition and fees: Estimate your attendance cost.
Please note: you must update the program hours.
I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?
Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.