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 2020 ADMISSIONS
- November 8, 2019 – (Day of Dance participants only) applications due November 4th
- February 28, 2020 – (Day of Dance participants only) applications due February 24th
If you are out of state or cannot attend any of our audition dates, you may submit a digital audition. Click here for digital audition requirements.
This year, live auditions are being offered only during our Day of Dance programs (register on the TAMU Dance website). If you are unable to attend one of the Day of Dance programs, please email Christine Bergeron for alternatives.
Submit Digital Audition
AUDITION PROCESS
Preparing for the Audition
Complete the application form, a resume, and letter of intent. Your letter of intent should discuss your aspirations and goals as well as why the TAMU Dance Program is the program for you. Be sure to list your preference for an audition date. You will receive an email verifying your application is complete. There are no accommodations on campus for visitors; College Station/Bryan offers a wide variety of hotel/motel choices.
- Fill out the Dance Program audition application.
- Send resume and letter of intent along with the application.
- All applicants must submit a full-length photograph of themselves in a dance studio setting.
- Follow the dress code (see other relevant information below) for photos. The photo can either be black and white or color. The photograph is not used as a criterion for admission but functions as a memory tool for the adjudication committee.
Submit all materials to:
Texas A&M Dance Program
TAMU 4245
College Station, TX 77843-4245
Audition Schedule
The first class begins at 9:30 am. For your audition to be complete, expect to stay for the entire meeting.
Meet in the Physical Education Activity Program Building (PEAP) Rm. 207
If you are visiting our building/campus for the first time, please allow enough time to find the room.
NO LATE CHECK-INS ACCEPTED. Please bring snacks and lunch, as you will not have a chance to leave campus.
9:00 – 9:30 am Check-in for Audition/Day of Dance
9:30 – 10:45 am Ballet Class
10:45 – 11:00 am Break
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Modern Class
12:15 pm Interviews** announced in PEAP 207
12:15 – 2:00 pm Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 pm Pilates Class
3:15 pm Program Q&A, Program Overview Talk – Parents Welcome PEAP 207
**It is possible that not all auditioning dancers will interview with dance faculty, but all should prepare to do so.
Observers are not allowed in the audition classes or interviews.
Directions to Check In
The PEAP building is behind Reed Arena next to the tennis courts. When you enter the building through the main sliding glass doors, there will be stairs to the second floor on the left before the information desk. On the second floor, turn left and proceed down the hallway. PEAP 207 will be on your left.
DIRECTIONS TO TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY FROM HWY 6
- From Hwy 6 exit University Drive – go west onto University to Texas Ave.
- Take a left onto Texas Ave and travel down about 1 mile until you come to George Bush
- Take a right onto George Bush Drive.
- Take a right onto Penberthy Rd (you will cross over the railroad tracks).
- The PEAP building will be on your left.
DIRECTIONS TO TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY FROM HWY 21 (TRAVELING FROM AUSTIN)
- From Hwy 21 (going east) take Hwy 47 which turns into Hwy 60/Raymond Stolzer Pkwy
- Turn right onto Discovery Drive.
- Take a left onto John Kimbrough Blvd.
- Take a right onto Penberthy Rd.
- The PEAP building will be on the right.
Proper Dance Wear
BALLET
- Women – solid colored leotard, pink tights, pink (or skin tone) ballet shoes, hair pulled back in a bun. No jewelry allowed. No pointe shoes.
- Men – black tights, solid colored tight fitting t-shirt or leotard, dance belt; ballet shoes
MODERN
- Women – solid colored leotard and black tights, bare feet. Hair pulled back and away from the face. No jewelry allowed.
- Men – black footless tights, solid colored tight fitting t-shirt or leotard, dance belt, bare feet
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 2019-2020 academic year are due no later than December 1, 2019. 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 II
Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor's
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: Click here for the cost of attendance estimator
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.