Programs Available
Application & Auditions
All application materials and auditions need to be completed at least six weeks before the student’s first term as a dance major. All dance major students will be required to audition, which includes ballet and modern group classes, and a solo presentation of the student’s own choice of dance style.
To major in dance at Palm Beach Atlantic University, you’ll need to (1) apply to the University and (2) audition for the desired major.
NOTE: Some students audition before applying to PBA; while this is permissible to find out if you are qualified to be a dance major, it is not advisable. You should simultaneously apply for University admission and acceptance as a dance major.
Do you live too far from campus?
If you live too far from campus or an audition site where a PBA dance faculty member is holding auditions, you may submit a video for provisional consideration, to be followed up with a live audition and interview when you do come to campus.
Questions?
If you have questions about the audition process, please contact us.
Fall 2024 Audition Dates
- Friday, Oct 11 – 11 a.m. *Theatre Only
- Saturday, Nov 23 – 9 a.m. *Dance, Music and Theatre
- Friday, Dec 6 – 11 a.m. *Theatre Only
Spring 2025 Audition Dates
- Friday, January 31 – 3 p.m. *Dance, Music and Theatre
- Saturday, February 22 – 9 a.m. *Dance, Music and Theatre
- Friday, March 7 – 11 a.m. *Dance, Music and Theatre
- Saturday, April 5 – 9 a.m. *Dance, Music and Theatre
If you want to be a dance major, you will need to file an application with the College of Arts in order to set up an audition. You will need to submit three documents:
A completed Prospective Dance Major Form
A letter of recommendation from a high school dance teacher or other dance professional familiar with your dancing
An essay describing your interest in dance
This application process is separate from applying for University admission. You will need to complete a live audition and interview with the dance faculty prior to your semester of initial enrollment. If you live too far from an audition site for a live audition to be practical, a videotape may be submitted for provisional consideration, to be followed up by a live audition and interview when you arrive on campus.
Application materials should be received and auditions completed at least six weeks before the beginning of your first term as a dance major in order to ensure a place in required courses. Approval for study in the program is based on several factors, including an audition, interview, written essay and review of previous work.
Opportunities
We present at least two dance concerts and several student showcases each academic year. We hold one major production with live music annually. Productions range from classical to contemporary, in order to give you an opportunity to work in various dance genres. Participation in our dance productions is open to all PBA students, regardless of your major. Dance majors and minors are required to participate in all productions.
You can use your dance audition to be considered for dance scholarships. These scholarships are available to a select number of highly talented and promising students each year. Your letter of acceptance as a dance major will tell you if your audition qualified you to be considered for dance scholarship.
Students who accept these grants-in-aid must declare and remain a major in the Department of Dance during the period of the grant, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average in all dance courses attempted at PBA. PBA dance grade point averages below 3.0 will result in a reduction in dance scholarships. Scholarship recipients also are required to audition for Dance Ensemble every semester and participate fully if selected.
PBA and the dance department have extensive relationships with many professional organizations. The most recent internship opportunities include:
- Palm Beach County:
- Ballet Palm Beach
- Ballet Florida
- Dancing Waters
- The Kravis Center
- The Dancers Space
- Many local dance studios
- Other Opportunities:
Miami City Ballet
Every year you’ll have the opportunity to do additional study and observation at Miami City Ballet and other local companies.
The Kravis Center
The Kravis Center also provides opportunities for you to observe rehearsals and attend performances of traveling national and international dance companies.
Hospital for Special Surgery
Dance medicine/science, injury prevention and recovery are very important for our dance students. PBA Dance has an extensive partnership with Hospital for Special Surgery, where our students are annually screened by DARI high-tech motion capture. Watch the YouTube video about the dance screenings at HSS. Hospital for Special Surgery
Noteworthy Faculty
PBA dance department is proud to have an internationally renowned faculty whose foundation is not only diverse but also rooted in Biblical truth. Eileen Hebron, former American Ballet Theatre (ABT) company member and ABT certified, was hand-picked by Mikhail Baryshnikov during her study at the School of American Ballet. Stella Almblade, certified in Horton Pedagogy, Limon Dance Technique, and Graham Technique, performed with Alvin Aliey American Dance Theatre, and Ad deum Dance Company. Jin Lee Hanley, the former principal dancer with Park Premier Ballet in South Korea, is a second-generation Master of Joseph Pilates, certified by Lolita San Miguel. Amy Hamel, a PBA alumni and current adjunct, danced on Broadway in Cats.
Randall Flinn:
The artistic director of Ad Deum Dance Company and Scholar in Residence with the PBA dance department who often sets choreography for the PBA Dance Ensemble.
Eileen Hebron:
Artist in Residence at PBA, a former dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT) who is our full-time faculty.