Admission to the University is granted only by the Office of Admissions and Orientation. Applications are available by calling the Office of Admissions at (269) 387-2000 or via WMU’s website, www.wmich.edu.
For dual enrollment at Western Michigan University, click onDUAL ENROLLMENT POLICY
Click here to go to the Admissions page
Auditions
Auditions for acceptance into the dance major are normally held in October, November, and February. The audition consists of taking class in ballet, jazz and modern, including sections designed to showcase quick-study and improvisation skills. Most accepted students enter the dance major program in the fall semesters. The Department of Dance accepts a limited number of new majors for January depending on the number majors who graduate in December. Spaces in the dance major are filled on a first come, first served basis from those accepted to the program; once all available spaces are claimed, accepted students who still wish to attend will be placed on a waiting list in the order is which we have been notified of desire to major. We will notify all accepted students when all the dance major spots have been filled, and will then notify students on the waiting list in the event of a cancellation that enables them to major in dance at WMU. Preference is given to transfer and current WMU students who meet the admission criteria. Dance minors are not required to audition.
Further information on auditions is available by calling Jane Baas, Department Chair, at 269-387-5845 or emailing her at jane.baas@wmich.edu.
Please leave your valid email address with your message or the individual you speak with. Email is our most effective way to communicate with you.
For further information about auditions click WMU Dance Audition Information.
For specific auditions dates for the current year, click on Calendar.
Scholarships
Prospective dance majors may also elect to apply for scholarships via the October or November auditions. Some scholarship funding may be available for those auditioning in February. In addition to the three classes, scholarship candidates also write an essay on-site and have an interview with a member of the faculty. Candidates must submit two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a dance teacher. Awards range from $400 to $5,000 per academic school year, some of which may be renewable. Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated skill and potential, click on Detailed Scholarship Information for additional information.
Opportunities for new students include:
- The Dalton New Dance Major Scholarship
- Jean Warner Labelle Endowed Dance Scholarship
- Partners in Dance Scholarship for Dance Majors
- Partners in Dance Endowed Scholarship
- Cleland and Ellen Weber Dance Scholarship
Opportunities for continuing students include:
- Wendy L. Cornish Endowed Dance Scholarship
- The Dalton Exceptional Dance Major Scholarship
- The Dalton Dancers with Musicians Scholarship
- Ethel Perry Eaton Endowed Dance Scholarship
- Arthur E. and Martha S. Hearron Student-Faculty Enrichment and Student Scholarship Endowment for Dance
- Jean Warner Labelle Endowed Dance Scholarship
- Robert d. Maverick Theatre and Dance Endowed Scholarship
- Edwin E. Meader Theatre and Performing Arts Endowed Scholarship
- The G. Eugene Mills Scholarship for Excellence in Ballet
- Partners in Dance Scholarship for Dance Majors
- Partners in Dance Endowed Scholarship
- Cleland and Ellen Weber Dance Scholarship
For additional financial aid opportunities at WMU please click here to go to Financial Aid
