Admission to the Dance BA and Dance BFA programs is by audition.
Auditions are offered at multiple times and locations throughout the year. Students are strongly encouraged to audition in person whenever possible.
To be considered for admission into the dance program, students must have DANCE listed as their major in their UC application (either as first choice or alternate major), and intend to fully participate for at least one year on campus.
If you have already applied and need to change your major to dance in your UC application, please email the Office of Admissions at admissions@ucsb.edu.
Audition Dates
Dance auditions are typically offered in January, February, and September.
September Auditions
September 22, 2026 | 12:00 pm
UCSB Theater and Dance
Humanities and Social Sciences Building
Santa Barbara, CA 90016
Audition registration will begin at 12 pm. The audition will begin promptly at 12:30 pm.
How to Audition
- Apply to UCSB
Receiving Applications Nov. 1st-30th - Register for a Dance Audition
All students must register in advance for an audition. - Attend your audition
Arrive prepared to participate in technique classes and guided improvisation
What to Expect at an In-Person Audition
The audition should be viewed as a challenging but positive experience, and students should regard it as an opportunity to learn. The format of the audition is similar to that of a class, and will accommodate:
- Technique class in contemporary dance
- Technique class in ballet
- Improvisation
FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS ONLY
- Transfer Students - Please prepare a 1-2 minute solo of your own choreography to share at the audition
Because the audition takes place shortly before classes begin, students attending in September should be prepared to adjust their fall schedules.
Please wear appropriate dance clothing. No loose clothing. Please wear leotards, tights (easily convertible to bare feet) and ballet slippers or trim fitting t-shirt and tights.