Dance is a way of expressing our emotions, feelings, and ideas. Dance is carried out by creating visuals performed in a series of thematic movements with the aid of audio.
As a result of the technicality of dancing, you need to intentionally put effort into learning to be exceptional.
To be successful, you would need relevant training as well as certificates from advanced school.
As a dance aspirant, I’m sure names like Rudolf Nureyev, Sylvie Guillem or Anna Pavlova are not foreign to you. The just above-mentioned names are professional dancers who have made their mark in the world.
Below is a list of dance schools that have made a mark in society and have trained other notable and professional dancers. These schools will play pivotal roles in ensuring that you become a thoroughly baked dancer. Dance schools will give you the right knowledge and skills you need to be exceptional.
12 Top Dance Schools
Below is a list of the top dance schools in the world:
1. The Juilliard School
Founded in 1905, the Juilliard School is a world leader in performing arts education.
The dancers from Juilliard speak the language of the moment fluently. With a base in classical ballet and modern techniques of dancing, they imbibe a structure and have discipline in their bodies.
Located in the city of New York, Juilliard is one of the most highly regarded dance schools in the country. It offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance, which runs for four years and fuses technical training and choreography techniques.
The course curriculum imparts knowledge on topics like the composition of dance, ballet, and its techniques, hip hop, ethics, music studies, stagecraft, kinesiology, acting for dancers, etc
The school’s mission is to provide the highest caliber of artistic education for gifted musicians, dancers, and actors from around the world so that they may achieve their fullest potential as artists, leaders, and global citizens.
2. P.A.R.T.S.
Being a part of some of the top dance schools for contemporary dance, the Performing Arts Research and Training Studios (P.A.R.T.S.) emphasizes providing in-depth technical training that brushes upon the skills of its students in the field of dance.
It was founded in the year 1985 in Belgium. The school follows a curriculum based on the artistic techniques of Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, a choreographer. It encompasses the elements of both theater and music.
P.A.R.T.S. trains its students through two modes: the training cycle and research STUDIOS.
The former runs for a period of 3 years and is open to students in the 18-23 age group who aspire to become choreographers.
With a focus on developing release-based techniques, it imparts knowledge of the concepts of ballet, physical awareness, musical abilities, etc.
A follow-up of the research cycle, the STUDIOS program runs for 2 years. Being a research-based program, it aims at developing the artistic vision and creative skills of the students.
3. Folkwang University of the Arts
Folkwang’s Institute of Contemporary Dance and Dance Studio offers artistically and organizationally integrated courses that are closely interlinked with its master’s study programs. Since the university was founded in the year 1927, “Folkwang Dance” has become a representation of the brand name of the modern forms of dance. Counted among the leading dance schools of the world, the university also provides training programs in the fields of Music, theater, Design, and Academic Studies. Its Institute of Contemporary Dance offers a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Master of Arts in Dance Composition with the opportunity to opt for Interpretation, Choreography, and Movement Analysis or Movement Notation as majors.
4. Vaganova School, Russia
Russia is globally renowned for its dance schools. One of the well-known dance forms, Ballet, is taught very efficiently at the Vaganova School in Russia. It was founded in 1738 as the Imperial Theatrical School. At its establishment, it had 12 boys and 12 girls, and it was in 1957 that it received its current identity. The school has been named after Agrippina Vaganova, who was an influential name in the development of contemporary Russian Ballet.
5. The Place
Being a powerhouse for dance development, The Place is leading the way in dance creation, training, and performance with the most exhilarating dance spaces in the world. Situated in London, The Place offers an extensive range of classes and courses along with performance development programs. It does this through its different dance schools, like Richard Alston Dance Company and London Contemporary Dance Schools, along with a 288-seat theatre that has world-class participatory opportunities available for its artists. Its programs are available in the form of vocational, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses. In its initiative to strengthen the developing talent, The Place has started Choreodrome, Work Place, Pivot Dance programs, etc.
6. Conservatori Superior de Danza (Superior Conservatory of Dance)
Being a world-class institution for performing arts and contemporary and classical dance, the institute is made up of various dance schools, each specializing in a particular field. It boasts of being the only public institute in Madrid where high-quality teaching in dancing is delivered. Situated in Madrid, CSD offers degree programs in Dance Pedagogy and one in Choreography and Interpretation of Dance. Its curriculum hinges upon the importance of research, leading to a better understanding of the performing arts in the students. To enroll in the programs offered by one of the popular dance schools, the applicants need to pass an entrance test conducted by the institute and fulfill the academic requirements.
7. Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, St. Petersburg
The Vaganova Ballet Academy is home to the three most influential ballet dancers of all time: Anna Pavlova, Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail Baryshnikov.
Established in 1738, the school has been running for over 275 years, producing some of the best ballet dancers in the world.
Known as one of the best dance schools in Russia, the academy draws many to its doors. Many begin applying to enter the program by the age of 10.
8. NYU Tisch School of the Arts, New York City
The Tisch School of Arts‘s Bachelor of Fine Arts is a training program that starts with learning how to dance in “the most efficient and healthy way.”
In the second year of this dance school, courses in dance history, acting, improvisation, music literature, and advanced dance composition follow.
These two years come together into staged performance and choreography in the third year, where students become ensemble members of Tisch’s Second Avenue Dance Company.
At Tisch, students can combine their dance training with new ways of working with technology.
Opportunities to Perform: Tisch students have the opportunity to work with both faculty and guest choreographers. Each year, students present their work in studio theatre concerts and repertory performances, with seniors also performing new works created by professional choreographers.
Career Development: In their final year, students join the Second Avenue Dance Company, gaining professional performance experience while networking with industry professionals.
Notable alumni: Kyle Abraham, Denis Jones
9. Millennium Dance Complex, United States
Commonly referred to as ‘the place where it all happens,” the complex is located in the heart of Los Angeles. The studio complex is a premier studio that leads Hollywood’s contemporary dance style, which sets trends for the rest of the world to follow. This dance studio has seen a lot of stars on its wooden floors, including Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Kary Perry, Selena Gomez, Justin Timberlake, and more.
The Millennium Dance Complex also offers dance classes for all adults aged 14 and above. It also offers a dedicated Certificate Program for intermediate to advanced dancers, which lasts for 2–12 months. The dance school Workstudy Program allows aspiring dancers of all abilities to train with a year-long commitment.
The dance studio complex has branches all over the United States, such as in Orange County, California; Las Vegas, Denver, Nashville, Salt Lake City, and even Miami.
10. Académie des Arts Chorégraphiques, France
Located in Paris, the city of love, the Academy Of Choreographic Arts is a top dance studio that also offers dance classes for the curious. The dance studio is famous for having world-class instructors who focus on modern contemporary dance.
You can join Académie des Arts Chorégraphiques for dance classes in their studio for as little as €18. The dance studio also offers a 10-class package for €160. Since it’s contemporary dance, you don’t have to adhere to attire requirements. The dance studio also doesn’t set any specific preliminary requirements for its applicants. All you have to do is pay a one-time registration fee of €20 and then pay for any subsequent classes that you take
11. Pineapple Dance Studios, United Kingdom
Founded by the famous Debbie Moore, a model and businesswoman, the Pineapple Dance School has a single London location, which is known for its excellent choreography and shows.
It has hosted celebrities from both the United Kingdom and the United States, which include David Bowie, Mick Jagger, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, One Direction, and many more.
It offers classes for all adults. You can easily book them in advance using their Pineapple LIVE app. Participants of this dance studio’s classes learn yoga, stretching, dance techniques, ballet, and contemporary dance techniques
12. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan’s Department of Dance offers a BFA that blends rigorous training in modern dance, ballet, and jazz. Students can also explore movement analysis, dance technology, kinesiology, and pedagogy. The program is known for its focus on creative development through composition and choreography.
Opportunities to Perform: Students perform in multiple productions throughout the year, including faculty and guest artist works. The university has a close relationship with dance companies in Detroit and Ann Arbor, giving students opportunities to perform in professional environments.
Career Development: The program integrates career preparation with courses in arts management and production, equipping students with the tools to succeed as performers, choreographers, or educators.
Notable alumni: Amy Chavasse, Robin Wilson
Conclusion
A dance degree provides students with more than simply technical skills; it develops creativity, discipline, and physical strength.
Dance majors learn a wide range of dance forms, choreography, and performance skills, allowing them to adapt to varied styles.
The program in dance schools also promotes critical thinking and teamwork by teaching students how to examine movements, music, and artistic expression while working with peers and choreographers.
