Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions that are not answered below, please feel free to contact Iyun Ashani Harrison, Director of Undergraduate Studies.

 

When I visit Duke, may I observe Dance Program classes?

The faculty welcomes prospective students to observe or participate in selected classes.

We request that you please schedule your visit:

  • Visit the Courses Webpage specific for the semester you will be visiting and review the list of studio courses available. 
  • Please check the Academic Calendar to be sure we are having classes on the particular day they are visiting.  
  • Once you have chosen a course to visit, please contact Adrienne Brandon, Assistant to the Director of Undergraduate Studies at: adrienne.brandon@duke.edu.
  • Please note, depending on the circumstances, the professor may not be able to accommodate a short conversation after class. It may be difficult for the professor to meet at certain times of the semester, such as the production week before a concert. We appreciate your understanding. 
  • We do not have Dance Program Classes occurring during the summer months. However, if you would like a tour of our facilities and general information about the Program, please email adrienne.brandon@duke.edu.
  • This is not your official Duke tour. Please visit Duke Admissions.
Do you have to audition to enter the Dance Program?

No. Admission to Duke guarantees admission to all programs. Duke Dance faculty do not directly govern admission decisions to Duke University but do evaluate arts supplement applications. Any prospective student with dance experience and interest may submit an Artistic Supplement as part of your Application to Duke to be evaluated by Dance faculty through the online SlideRoom portal. You do not need to plan on a major or minor in your artistic discipline(s) to submit a supplement, but you should have an interest in remaining engaged with the arts in college. For Slideroom and Artistic Supplement questions, please contact Duke AdmissionsDo not mail Artistic Supplements to the Dance Program office or to the Admissions Office, as those materials will not be formally reviewed. 

Does the Dance Program have influence in the admissions process?

We can make recommendations based on the dance expertise of the prospective student. We highly recommend that you submit supplementary artistic material in the form of a dance video through the Duke admissions application process. A high ranking from us may help admissions, but rest assured that a low ranking from us will never hurt admissions.

Can I dance every day? Can I maintain a high level of technique?

Yes. We offer a broad range of studio courses that focus on technique and performance. These classes range from beginner to advanced, and earn a half credit each towards graduation.

Is there a separate track for dance minors?

The requirements for earning a minor in dance are very flexible. All of our dance courses are open to all students--whether they major or minor in dance or not. We also structure our curriculum to be very flexible so that students can create the educational experience that best suits their interests. Dance majors and minors have a lot of options in scheduling their required courses.

Are dance classes open to graduate students of other disciplines?

Yes, depending on availability. Our dance classes are open to all Duke students, and can also be taken by professionals who wish to study with our faculty (see Training for the Community), and students from other universities in North Carolina (see Interinstitutional Registration).

Are there dance scholarships?

No. Although the Dance Program is not able to offer talent-based scholarships, the Financial Aid Office helps all students with their financial needs. Duke practices "need blind" admissions, and we will help all qualified students attend Duke through financial aid packages.