Overview

The Dance Performance B.F.A. at Northern Illinois University provides students with a comprehensive foundation in technical training and artistic expression. This programme is designed to prepare dedicated performers for adaptable and successful careers within the global professional dance industry.

Why Dance Performance at Northern Illinois University?

Students at Northern Illinois University benefit from an intimate learning environment with class sizes limited to between 10 and 14 participants. Instruction is delivered exclusively by faculty members who maintain active professional careers, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry standards. The university also hosts annual residencies with internationally recognised dance companies, allowing students to work directly with world-class artists.

Performance is a central pillar of the experience, with four fully produced concerts staged each year. These productions include original faculty works, classical masterworks, and contemporary repertory. Facilities and student services are comprehensive, supporting the physical and creative demands of a high-level performing arts degree.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 10742 per semester
National fee: USD 5371 per semester
Local fee: USD 5371 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on intensive physical practice, with students typically participating in 10 to 17 technique classes every week. Modules may include:

Ballet
Modern Dance
Jazz Dance
Afro-Cuban Dance
Choreography
Contemporary Dance
Musical Theatre
Performing Arts

Careers with Dance Performance

Graduates from Northern Illinois University are prepared for diverse roles across the performing arts sector. Alumni have secured positions with prestigious organisations such as The Joffrey Ballet, Lyric Opera, and Aerial Dance Chicago. The programme develops transferable skills that allow graduates to excel in various professional environments, from commercial industry work to artistic leadership.

Beyond performance, many alumni pursue further academic study at the graduate level or transition into roles in dance education and arts administration. Employers of recent graduates include the Ruth Page Centre for the Arts, Black Ensemble Theatre, and various regional contemporary dance companies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Stage Makeup

Theatre and Dance Production Practicum

Dance Improvisation

Analysis of Dance Movement

Dance Performance

The Business of Dance

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

DeKalb, United States

Disciplines

Dance View 406 other Bachelors in Dance in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

High school diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted

Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores

A completed NIU application

Official transcripts from all high schools attended

ACT/SAT score (if applicable)

Proof of English ability

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

21484 USD / year

≈ 21484 USD / year
Out-of-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10742 USD / year

≈ 10742 USD / year

Additional Details

Local: $5,115.34 per semester National and International: $10,230.68 per semester

Living costs

DeKalb

United States

1100 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Dance Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

DeKalb

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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