Dance

Ballerina leaps in a ballroom full of elaborately dressed spectators in a production of Swan Lake

CCM Dance focuses on ballet and contemporary styles for the dancer seeking top-level training and rigorous artistic, academic and studio curriculum.

The Dance Department at CCM is a professionally oriented dance program offering a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) degree with an emphasis in ballet training. Through a rigorous academic and studio curriculum dancers receive advanced training while cultivating their artistry and stimulating creativity. The BFA candidates graduate with a thorough knowledge of the dance world and how to function in it, going on to perform and teach in professional dance companies and dance education organizations.

(CCM is one of the) top programs to consider.

Dance Magazine

Key Program Elements

  • Dance and audition with professional companies while earning your BFA
  • Highly-recognized faculty, guest choreographers and artists-in-residence
  • One of the few programs in the country to require a year of somatic studies (Alexander Technique, Pilates, Yoga)
  • Seasonal and internship opportunities with professional dance companies while enrolled as a full-time student
  • Onsite physical therapists and athletic trainers
  • Three large dance studios with observation booth, therapy and dressing rooms
CCM Dance's combination of academics and professional training — including excellent live accompaniment for dance classes — is so exceptional that Dance Magazine cited it as one of just a few programs in the country that 'offer the specialization and experience you’d receive as a company trainee.'

Janet Light Dance writer and critic

The CCM Dance Department boasts a distinguished, dynamic faculty, state of the art facilities, multiple performance opportunities, and a diversity of new and challenging experiences for its students. A team of dedicated full-time faculty: Shauna Steele (department chair), Deirdre Carberry and Michael Tevlin; along with dedicated adjunct faculty members, frequent guest artists, company directors and professionals from the field are committed to nurturing highly technical, passionate and artistic dancers.

Online applications are due December 1 for fall admission in the BFA program.


Ballerinas perform on the Corbett Auditorium stage in a production of Giselle

Performance Opportunities

CCM Dance students have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year in full-length ballets, one-act ballets or in new works by faculty, students and guest artists. 

CCM's production season is integrated with our curriculum, so all students have the opportunity to perform regularly.

Ticketed Performances

Visit our CCMONSTAGE e-box office for more information on the ticketed performances that CCM Dance will present this year.

Professional Performance Opportunities

Qualified students may have the opportunity to perform with professional regional dance companies including Cincinnati Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Louisville Ballet and BalletMet while enrolled in CCM's BFA program.

Faculty

Headshot of John T. Bell

John T. Bell

Adjunct Instructor of Ballet, CCM Prep Ballet Instructor

513-871-6246

Headshot of Deirdre Carberry

Deirdre Carberry

Associate Professor of Dance

513-556-5128

Headshot of Brian Cashwell

Brian Cashwell

Adjunct Instructor of Dance and Jazz; Dance Accompanist

513-556-2700

Headshot of Isabele Melo Elefson

Isabele Melo Elefson

Adjunct Instructor of Dance, CCM Prep Ballet Instructor

Headshot of Jeri Deckard Gatch

Jeri Deckard Gatch

Asst Professor - Adj

513-658-5374

Headshot of Jonnie Lynn L. Jacobs-Percer

Jonnie Lynn L. Jacobs-Percer

Adjunct Instructor of Ballet, CCM Prep Ballet Director

513-556-2595

Headshot of Julius Jenkins

Julius Jenkins

Adjunct Instructor of Dance and General Studies

513-556-2700

Headshot of Gema Diaz Lommer

Gema Diaz Lommer

Adjunct Instructor of Dance

513-556-2700

Headshot of Ihaiah Miller

Ihaiah Miller

Adjunct Instructor of General Studies

513-556-2700

Headshot of Shane Ohmer

Shane Ohmer

Adjunct Instructor of Dance

513-556-2700

Headshot of Molly Schneider Perez

Molly Schneider Perez

Adjunct Instructor of Dance

513-556-5803

Headshot of Shauna L. Steele

Shauna L. Steele

Chair and Associate Professor of Dance

513-556-9594

Headshot of Tricia Ann Sundbeck

Tricia Ann Sundbeck

CCM Prep Performing Arts Specialist; CCM Prep Ballet Director; Adjunct Professor of Dance

513-556-2595

Headshot of Michael J. Tevlin

Michael J. Tevlin

Associate Professor of Dance

513-556-9455


Dance Department Chair

Headshot of Shauna L. Steele

Shauna L. Steele

Chair and Associate Professor of Dance

513-556-9594

Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration Division Head and Staff

Headshot of Rebecca Bromels

Rebecca Bromels

Division Head of Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA); Chair and Associate Professor of Arts Administration

513-556-5803

Headshot of Jen Lampson

Jen Lampson

TAPAA Production Manager

513-556-9439

Headshot of Deborah Neiheisel-DeZarn

Deborah Neiheisel-DeZarn

TAPAA Program Manager

513-556-5803

Headshot of Angelika Bonyhati-Kovacs

Angelika Bonyhati-Kovacs

Accompanist

513-556-2700

Headshot of Brian Cashwell

Brian Cashwell

Adjunct Instructor of Dance and Jazz; Dance Accompanist

513-556-2700

Headshot of Matthew McAllister

Matthew McAllister

Accompanist

513-556-6638

CCM's undergraduate admissions process begins on August 1 for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 1 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.

Ballet - BFA

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before December 3 in order to be considered for admissions and invited for an audition.

Pre-screening Requirements
  • A full-length photo. Female Identifying: en pointe, black leotard, pink or skin-tone tights – first position arabesque. Male Identifying: White fitted dance shirt/tank with footed black men's tights – attitude derriere en relevé. Non-Binary Identifying: Unitard or attire and footwear listed above for which you want to be primarily but not solely considered for roles.
  • Video #1 should include:
    •  Clearly state your name, which classical variation, act and ballet, and the studio/academy/training program currently attending.
    • Why do you need to dance
    • Some of your long and/or short-term goals you feel can only be accomplished at UC/CCM.
    • ‘Wildcard’ A bit of information unique to you, dance related or not, that you feel comfortable sharing.
    • A solo variation from the standard, classical repertoire. Variations may be performed in practice clothes or costume either in the studio or on stage. Performance videos are acceptable but should clearly show the applicant only and be a clear, moderately close video. The video should not be at a distance, fuzzy, or grainy.
      • Female Identifying: En pointe,
      • Male Identifying: Attire listed above with either black or white ballet slippers.
      • Non-Binary Identifying: Submit a classical variation that best suits your current career goals. Gender-based variation choice(s) does not adversely affect admission consideration.
  • Video #2 should include:
    • At barre your camera should be placed so that the evaluator has a clear side view of you and frames at medium distance while still keeping full body in frame at all times.
    • Dancers (male, female, non-binary) wanting to be evaluated for pointe roles must wear pointe shoes for center work. It is strongly encouraged for barre work.
    • Perform one side of each exercise at the barre. Keep the exercises and combinations short with clear execution and artistry.
    • Ballet Technique
      • At Barre:
        • Short plié w/tondu and degage
        • Short développé w/fondu 
        • Petit battement
        • Grand battement
      • At Center:
        • Adagio (female identifying in pointe shoes)
        • Petite Allegro (female identifying in pointe shoes)
      • A waltz/turning combination that demonstrates en dehors and en de dedans from fourth position
        • Female identifying students, fouetté turns. Male identifying students, please show a final combination that demonstrates at minimum, double tour en l’air, and entre chat six.
    • Contemporary/Modern Technique
      • Submit 1 modern/contemporary class technique exercise
        • No longer than 32 counts (4 sets of 8)
        • Do once on both sides
        • Combination should contain: contraction & release, Spiral to the ground/recover to standing, turn(s) traveling or stationary
      • Submit 1 modern/contemporary solo
        • 45 seconds to 1 minute that highlights the dancer's technique and artistry
        • No gymnastics, or drops to the ground
  • Optional ‘Wildcard’ video submission. Short demonstration of any unique or additional skills related to dance or performance. This is not required. It will NOT harm your pre-screen if you do not submit a wildcard video submission.

Audition

Audition Requirements
  • All dancers wear convertible tights or be prepared to change attire.
  • Female Identifying: Black or solid colored leotard, pink/skin tone convertible tights worn under the leotard and over the feet. Pink/skin tone ballet slippers. A short thigh-length wrap or pull-on skirt may be worn if desired. *May change into black leggings and add fitted solid colored t-shirt or fitted tank for modern/contemporary section if desired.
  • Non-Binary Identifying: Black or solid colored unitard. Pink/skin tone, black or white, ballet slippers. *May change into black leggings with a leotard or fitted solid colored t-shirt or fitted tank for modern/contemporary section if desired. Preference is a capri or ankle length unitard.
  • Male Identifying: Men's black convertible tights with dance belt, White or Black fitted dance t-shirt, Black, white, or skin tone ballet slippers. *May change into black leggings, fitted solid colored t-shirt or fitted tank for modern/contemporary section if desired.
Audition Preparation

The audition will consist of a traditional classical ballet barre and center followed by several combinations of pointe work (for women only). Dancers will then take the modern dance component, which consists of two-three movement sequences demonstrating the ability to perform floor work and various rhythmic and spatially-oriented structures.

Each applicant must submit a video/DVD of himself or herself performing a solo variation from the standard classical repertoire to getacceptd.com/ccm. The applicants must also upload a photo with the applicant dressed in regular classroom attire posed in Arabesque en'lair (women on pointe). The video should include a short introduction of the dancer stating his or her name, name of the variation and name of the studio where the dancer trains. Only the introduction and selected variation should be on the video/DVD.

An audition by DVD should be no more than 10 minutes and should reflect the dancer's strengths. Applicants should show an example of their typical level of training including: exercises at the barre, center work, jumps, and point work (women, all center work en pointe). The DVD must reflect the dancer's current training, made within three months of the application submission. This should also be submitted to getacceptd.com/ccm.

The student must include: pliés, tendues, dégagés (from fifth position, both straight and with pliè) ronde de jambe, a terre and en l’air, passé developpe en croix, frappes, grand battements and balances on one leg. The exercises can be short, but with enough repetition that the dancer can be seen clearly.

Please show all ballet combinations on one side only. Center work to include: adage, pirouettes en dehors and en dedans, petit allegro and grand allegro. Women finish with fouettes and men finish with turns in à la second. A classical variation (on pointe for women) one to two minutes in length.

Variations may be performed in practice clothes or costume either in the studio or on stage. Performance tapes are acceptable but should show only the applying dancer.

Female dancers should bring ballet slippers, pointe shoes and have footed tights that can be rolled up to ankle or calf-length for the modern component of the audition. Traditional attire (black leotard and pink tights) is recommended.

Male dancers should bring socks and ballet slippers as well as tights that can be rolled up to accommodate the modern dance component of the audition. Traditional attire (black tights and white T-shirt) is also recommended.

Off-site audition formats may vary slightly. Applicants must submit a full length photo with the applicant dressed in regular ballet classroom attire, posed in arabesque enl'air (women en pointe).

There are two ways to receive scholarship aid to study in CCM Dance at the University of Cincinnati. The first is through an academic scholarship called the Cincinnatus Scholarship. For details, please visit the Cincinnatus Scholarship Program website to learn more.

Every applicant is automatically considered for the CCM Talent Scholarship, which is awarded based on the audition and interview. No further applications or actions by applicants are required, other than applying and auditioning, to be considered for our modest talent scholarships.


News and Events

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CCM winter apparel available for purchase online

November 27, 2024

Show your school spirit this spring with official CCM apparel! New UC College-Conservatory of Music apparel is available for purchase online. CCM's latest quarter zip and crewneck sweatshirt designs can be ordered online now through Dec. 8, 2024. You can preview both items below.

2

Giving Tuesday: Support CCM health and wellness

November 26, 2024

For the UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) community, Giving Tuesday offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by supporting Student Health and Wellness. As our students dedicate themselves to the arts – pursuing rigorous schedules filled with practice, performance, and academic study – their mental and physical well-being is crucial.

3

CCM hosts Moveable Feast gala fundraiser on Jan. 24, 2025

Event: January 24, 2025 12:00 AM

UC College-Conservatory of Music hosts its Moveable Feast fundraising gala live and in-person on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. Presented by CCMpower, a dedicated volunteer group of friends, advocates and alumni, Moveable Feast 2025: A Tempo generates essential support for the next generation of performing and media artists at CCM.

4

Attend a concert or show at CCM: Spring schedule of major events...

November 18, 2024

Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)! The college’s spring 2025 schedule of major events is now available; tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

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Take a virtual tour of CCM’s world-class facilities

October 21, 2024

Tomorrow's performing and media arts professionals get their start at CCM. Enjoy this inside look at our campus! There’s no place like the UC College-Conservatory of Music's award-winning campus, but don’t just take our word for it. Enjoy our new video tour of CCM's world-class facilities from the comfort of your own home! Current CCM students Annalee Crosser, Yasmine Bougacha and Trey Durr act as your virtual tour guides, providing an inside look at the state-of-the-art classrooms, studios and performance facilities of the "CCM Village."

7

Study Abroad: CCM's summer in England, Italy Scotland and Poland

August 27, 2024

As students and faculty return to campus for the start of fall semester, conversation usually starts with a recap of summer stories and adventures. Many use the time for rest or work, some use the time to plan for the next school year. At CCM, a group of theatre arts students and faculty spent their summer exploring Europe. CCM Acting and Musical Theatre students traveled to London and Scotland on a three-week study abroad trip to participate in a performance-driven intensive at Rose Bruford College. Meanwhile, two CCM Acting professors traveled to Poland to lead a week of workshops at Stary Theatre. View photos and learn more about their summer adventures below.

8

Attend a concert or show at CCM: Fall schedule of major events...

August 26, 2024

Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)! The college’s fall 2024 schedule of major events is now available; tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

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