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In July 2025, a new Indiana law set minimum graduation numbers for degree programs at public universities. IU responded by combining its ballet and contemporary dance programs into a single Department of Dance within the Jacobs School of Music, which launched this fall. Sarah Wroth and Liz Shea join us to explain how the new department is structured and what it means for students applying.
Students can now earn a BFA with either a ballet or contemporary dance track, or a Bachelor of Science in music with an outside field. Sarah and Liz share admissions numbers for both programs, what faculty look for at auditions, and how about half of IU’s dance majors pursue a double degree.
They also discuss how high school dancers can prepare for college applications, from attending university summer intensives, which can double as a prescreen, to visiting campuses and taking class at college dance fairs.
The conversation ends with career outcomes. Liz explains why a BFA is the typical path into contemporary dance and where IU graduates are working, and Sarah talks about the current ballet job market and how certifications and second degrees help dancers find work.
Links:
- Summer Intensive Boot Camp
- Submit Ballet Competition Reviews
- Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews
- Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
- Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
- TikTok: @BalletHelpDesk
Chapters:
00:00 How IU merged ballet and contemporary into one Department of Dance 02:55 The history of IU’s contemporary dance program 05:37 Crossover between the ballet and contemporary programs 10:16 Incoming class sizes and admissions numbers 14:37 Can students switch between ballet and contemporary? 19:19 Where contemporary students train before college 21:51 Admission trends in ballet and contemporary 26:11 How high school dancers can prepare for college applications 34:03 How to get into IU’s summer intensives 37:36 Are college dance fairs worth it? 42:45 Student life skills and communication after COVID 48:42 How to talk to a director about casting 55:39 Career preparation for dance majors 57:37 Where IU contemporary graduates work 1:01:18 Is college the standard route into contemporary dance? 1:03:00 The current job market for ballet dancers 1:05:51 Certifications and skills that help dancers get hired 1:08:18 Double degrees with a BFA in dance 1:13:07 College vs. the postgrad route 1:18:00 Advice for dancers considering a college program
Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI