The Univesity of Utah Department of Ballet offers three emphases for a ballet majors to train in. They are
Performing, Teaching, and Character Dance. The minimum requirement for graduation is 122 credit hours, of
which 36 to 39 hours must be fulfilled in General Education courses. For specific course requirements for
each emphasis, please refer to the University General Catalog or contact Barbara Hamblin, Undergraduate
Advisor at (801) 581-8231.
Undergraduate Admissions: The ballet major is a restricted major. Prospective students must first apply to the
University of Utah through the Admissions Office and be accepted to the University. They must then apply to
the Ballet Department and audition in person or by videotape.
As part of the Ballet Department application process, prospective students are required to send two
photographs in classical dance poses in practice clothes (any color leotard and pink tights for women;
white t-shirt and black tights for men). Female applicants should be photographed on pointe in first
arabesque and in attitude croisée devant. Male applicants should be photographed in first arabesque and
in attitude croisée derrière. A non-refundable application fee in the amount of $45.00 made payable to the
Ballet Department must accompany the application materials. Female students usually enter the program with
six to nine years of ballet technique and pointe work. Women are strongly advised, to have had at least
four years of pointe work. Male students traditionally have studied for less time.
High School Concurrent Program
The Ballet Department's High School Concurrent Program provides the opportunity for gifted high school
students desiring an accelerated ballet training environment to study with ballet majors at the University.
Interested students must first apply and be admitted to the University of Utah High School Program. They
must also complete an application packet for the Ballet Department and successfully complete an in-person
audition. Prospective students must contact High School Services and the Student Recruitment office at
(801) 581-8761 to request an application packet, or may access information on the university web site at www.utah.edu.
Prospective students planning to enter fall semester 2008 are encouraged to audition in person on November
10, 2007 or February 23, 2008 at the Marriott Center for Dance. If coming to campus is not possible, please refer
to the videotape audition criteria. The Deadline for videotape auditions is February 16, 2008. In-state
applicants are required to attend an in-person audition.
Ballet Department Honors Track
The Honors Track in Ballet provides exciting ways for students to challenge themselves academically as well as in
their dancing. Students benefit from more one-on-one time with professors and professionals who serve as mentors
as they complete the course work. There are opportunities for connecting with Ballet West and participating
in outreach activities with community schools as well as strengthening their teaching, leadership, and creative
skills. Students who are accepted into the Honors Track in Ballet must first declare the teaching emphasis
as part of their studies and show promise in this area.
