Choosing dance schools abroad – top institutions in the world

Dance is all about the expression of feelings, emotions, and ideas. Art forms bring social issues to the public eye. To succeed professionally as a dancer, you should have relevant training and certifications from a reputed dance school. A suitable dance school works wonders in training you for the demands of the industry, while also allowing you to address your creativity and express the same via your performance. If you are considering joining dance schools abroad as the next step of your academic career, here are some top universities worth considering!

When choosing a dance school, it is important to go through the curriculum and details of the faculty to gain a better understanding of the training you can expect. A good dance school will also have relevant accreditations. The accreditations of a dance school play an important role in determining what kind of professional opportunities you can expect post-graduation. 

Here are 7 dance schools that are among the best options worth considering-

The Juilliard School (United States)

The Juilliard School (New York) is one of the most reputed dance schools abroad. Training to fluently express ideas and emotions via different dance styles makes this one of the best art schools in the world. 

One of the key courses offered by this university is the BFA course in dance which is a total of four years in duration. This course includes a wide range of topics including- 

• Stagecraft 
• Music studies 
• Ethics
• Hip-hop
• Ballet 
• Dance composition 

One of the key features of this course is that there is a wide range of electives to choose from, including yoga and mindfulness. This allows you to design your curriculum including extensive training on subjects of your interest.

Brenau University (United States)

Brenau University is well-known all over the world for its excellent department of dance. The department prepares you to become a professional scholar, dancer, and artist in a  creative learning environment that is conducive to your skills. 

There are a plethora of subject options for you to choose from, at this dance school. For example, you can acquire your undergraduate degree with a focus on subjects such as musical theater, advanced ballet, and modern dance. 

Another key feature of this institution is its small student-to-faculty ratio. The mentorship program offered by Brenau University will also equip you with a wide range of theoretical and practical skills needed in the industry.

Edith Cowan University (Australia)

The dance courses by Edith Cowan University focus primarily on contemporary dance forms. As a part of this dance school, you will be trained in the relevant skills needed for intensive training, classroom practice, and on-stage performances. 

As is with all dance schools abroad, Edith Cowan University boasts a wide range of facilities that can help you maintain yourself physically and explore your creativity.

The Place (United Kingdom)

The Place is one of the global powerhouses for dance development. The dance school continues to lead the way in dance performance, training, and creation. 

The school offers a wide range of classes and courses along with specific performance development programs. These performance development programs are conducted in association with dance schools like the London Contemporary Dance School and Richard Alston Dance Company. 

The courses offered by this dance school include vocational, undergraduate, postgraduate, and a wide range of research courses.

Academy of Music and Performing Arts (Australia)

This dance school offers some of the best postgraduate courses worth considering in the industry. The course curriculum is focused on teaching students various compositional techniques about different styles. 

A significant portion of the curriculum is also focused on learning dance history and appreciation. This dives into a significantly more theoretical, than applied, approach to the subject. 

Completing your schooling at this university can also grant you several opportunities to work as a dance teacher or choreographer. This is because the course curriculum is extensive and allows you to specialize in a style that most interests you.

Conservatori Superior de Danza (Superior Conservatory of Dance) (Spain)

The Superior Conservatory of Dance is a world-class institution of classical, contemporary styles of dance. This dance school is also the only public institution in Madrid that offers high-quality training in the industry. 

Some of the different subjects you will be trained in include dance pedagogy, the interpretation of dance, and choreography. 
To be eligible for admission to one of the top dance schools abroad, you will need to fulfill the academic requirements and pass the entrance test conducted by the university.

Performing Arts Research and Training Studios (P.A.R.T.S) (Belgium)

P.A.R.T.S is among the dance schools that emphasize providing a wide range of in-depth training skills for the industry. The school follows a specially-designed curriculum that is based on the techniques of artist Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. 

As a dance school, P.A.R.T.S trains its students through two specialized modes – the training cycle and the research studios. The former is 3 years in duration and is open to all students within the age group of 18 to 23 years. 

On the other hand, the research studios, are research-based courses that are aimed at developing your creative skills and artistic vision.

Key takeaways

• Dance is an industry that specializes in a wide range of styles that allow you to creatively express ideas and emotions. 
• Choosing the right dance school is important if you are considering a career as a professional dancer. 
• A good dance school will have all the relevant facilities needed for you to make the most of your learning experience and develop a specialized set of skills. 
• Choose from among the top 7 dance schools listed in this blog to make the most of your training and skill development. 

Was this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Click here to reach out to us for more information on the best dance schools in the world. We would be happy to assist you with your queries!

Liked this blog? Read next: Arts stream jobs | 5 compelling career choices you must know!

FAQs

Q1. Can I join a dance school if I have an educational background in another discipline? 

Answer – You will be considered eligible for admission to a dance school if you can meet the relevant eligibility and entrance exam requirements. These can vary depending on the school you choose to attend. Some schools do accept students who have an educational background in another discipline. 

Q2. Can I enter the field of animation with a degree in dance? 

Answer – With a degree in dance, the world is your oyster! You can become a professional consultant for motion pictures and animation films with a degree in dance from a reputed university. 

Q3. What are the different career options I can consider with a degree in dance? 

Answer – With a degree in dance, you can consider career options such as dance photographer, dance therapist, choreographer, and art administrator.