Northern Illinois University
School of Theatre and Dance
College of Visual and Performing Arts

Develop your passion for dance at NIU!

The School of Theatre and Dance at NIU is your gateway to a career in dance. 

Why study dance at NIU? 

• Choose your path: The School of Theatre and Dance at NIU offers two dance degree programs – B.F.A. in dance performance or a minor in Dance Performance. 

• Comprehensive training: Dance in 10-17 technique classes per week that include ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, Afro-Cuban dance, and more. 

• Performance opportunities: Perform in four fully produced mainstage concerts each year featuring original works by our esteemed faculty, masterworks from classical and contemporary dance repertories, and student-choreographed productions.   

• Expert faculty: Learn from industry professionals who bring real-world experience and connections. Our faculty includes award-winning performers, choreographers, and directors from renowned companies. 

• Guest artists: Benefit from workshops and residencies with internationally recognized artists from companies like DanceWorks Chicago, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Malpaso Dance Company, Chicago Dance Crash, and more. 

• Alumni success: Join the ranks of our successful alumni who perform with top companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Cirque Du Soleil, and on Broadway. 
  
  

Ready to take the next step? 

Apply to NIU and audition for the B.F.A. in dance performance program.  

Audition Dates 

October 13 – 16, 2025 - ChiArts Connections Week, Chicago, IL 

October 25, 2025 - Illinois High School Dance Festival, Winnetka, IL 

November 7, 2025 - Chicago National Association of Dance Masters College & Career Fair, Schaumburg, IL 

November 14-16 - Metamorphosis Fearless Evolution, Chicago, IL 

November 22, 2025 - Campus Audition, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 

February 16, 2025 -  Campus Audition, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 

Virtual Auditions 

• Our 2025 NIU Dance Scholarship Requirements video outlines the requirements for your submission
  
  

Scholarships

• Fill out and submit your Scholarship Application

• More NIU Scholarships:
  • The Huskie Pledge
  • NIU Financial Aid
    
    

Questions? 

For more information, contact Professor Marc Macaranas, Dance Program Coordinator, at 815-753-1334 or marcmacaranas@niu.edu. Start your professional dance journey at the School of Theatre and Dance at NIU and turn your passion into a profession!