Dance Performance at NIU
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Grace and strength. Body and mind. Transcend duality with dance.
Our bodies can express things that can't be put into words. If you're called to the unique art form of dance, we invite you to continue your study with us. Our renowned faculty members will support and guide you as you train in ballet and modern dance. You'll have plentiful performance opportunities on and off campus.
What Can I Do With a Dance Performance Degree From NIU?
Your bachelor's degree will give you a strong foundation for a career as a professional dancer. Our alumni have performed with or are members of numerous organizations, such as the Chicago Ballet Repertoire and the National Ballet of Canada.
Top skills reported by alumni:
- Acting
- Choreography
- Performing arts
- Teaching
Top fields alumni work in:
- Arts and entertainment
- Education
- Health care
- Nonprofit
Other Programs to Consider
Career Potential for NIU Dance Performance Majors
Average mid-career salary:
$68,832
Top employers include:
- A Step Above Dance
- Allegro Dance Boutique
- Believers Center for Performing Arts in Motion
- Chicago Dance Academy
- Disney Parks
Job titles include:
- Artistic director
- Autism movement therapy provider
- Ballet company member
- Ballet professor/teacher
- Dance instructor/teacher
Source: Steppingblocks, 2023
What to Expect as a Dance Performance Major at NIU
You’ll work with talented faculty with expertise in ballet, jazz, modern dance and tap, as well as composition and dance history. Our extensive resources and proximity to Chicago’s thriving arts scene will provide access to performance opportunities, internships and other engaged learning experiences.
How We’ll Help You Succeed
Apply for free and we’ll automatically consider you for a renewable merit scholarship.
Earn your bachelor’s degree fast with our affordable tuition and fees. Any credit hours you take over 12 are free (per semester).
Prepare to thrive after graduation with personalized support from Career Services.
With our truth-in-tuition policy, you’ll get the same fixed tuition rate for four continuous years, whether you live in Illinois or another state.
Apply to NIU
First-year Students
(Freshman)
High School GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ACT/SAT SCORES
Not considered.
We think your high school GPA is a better predictor of your success.
Transfer Students
ALL COLLEGES GPA
2.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed general NIU admission.
ALL COLLEGES GPA
3.0 or higher?
You're guaranteed a
renewable merit scholarship.