Conservatory Diploma in Dance
Registration Fee: $25.00 (non-refundable)
Materials Fee: $175.00 (non-refundable)
Tuition: $8,500.00 (per year)
Additional Costs: Course fees do not include travel, housing, or visa costs.
Early Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
Regular Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
Late Application Deadline: Aug 15, 2026
Prospective students submitting an application after Aug 15, 2026 should contact the Admissions Department.
Please note: For the purpose of calculating tuition liability and refunds, a week is considered to begin on Sunday.
Scholarships: Merit-based awards available; limited need-based support may be available with documentation.
The Dance Conservatory (1-Year) is a conservatory-level course of study for dancers preparing to work across concert, musical theatre, and commercial contexts. Training is led by a collaborative faculty of working professionals—choreographers, Broadway artists, and commercial movement specialists. The curriculum emphasizes disciplined practice, rigorous feedback, and ensemble responsibility.
Instruction integrates classical ballet technique, contemporary/modern, jazz & musical theatre dance, and hip-hop/commercial styles, supported by choreography & repertory, dance for camera/self-tape, and anatomy & injury-prevention. A weekly Practicum and 1-on-1 mentorship support goal-setting, rehearsal planning, and professional conduct.
Enrollment is selective and limited to a small cohort to ensure individual coaching and cohesive ensemble training. Assessment is continuous through in-class work, juried showings, and faculty review, with industry outcomes that include a public showcase and professionally produced filmed material.
Classical Ballet Technique: alignment, placement, turns, extensions; conditioning for stamina and longevity
Contemporary & Modern Dance: release/floorwork, phrasing, musicality, improvisation for creation
Jazz & Musical Theatre Dance: theatre jazz vocabulary, style precision, storytelling in choreography
Hip-Hop & Commercial Styles: foundations, groove, freestyle confidence; commercial audition etiquette
Choreography & Repertory: phrase creation, rehearsal leadership, spacing/timing, and performance
Dance for Camera & Self-Tape: framing, angles, continuity; clean capture and edit for reels
Anatomy & Injury Prevention: cross-training, recovery protocols, safe partnering and lift mechanics
Career Preparation & Industry Studies: unions, contracts, auditions, submissions, professional presence
Weekly Faculty Practicum (mid-week): applied practice, notes, rehearsal planning
1-on-1 Mentorship & Goal Tracking: individualized advisement and accountability
Industry Showcase & Filmed Material: public presentation and professionally produced pieces for your reel
Training approaches may draw from classical ballet practice and leading modern/contemporary and jazz/theatre methodologies; tools are selected to suit style, project, and individual training needs.
Applicants must:
Be at least 17 years of age by the time of enrollment.
Demonstrate English language proficiency (since all classes are taught in English).
Successfully complete the admissions process, which includes an application, interview, and audition.
A high school diploma is not required; applicants are evaluated on artistic ability, commitment, and readiness for advanced conservatory training. Candidates may apply directly to the 2-Year track or be considered by advancement from the 1-Year program (placement is based on audition and faculty review). Applicants who are not admitted are welcome to reapply in future cycles.
The Conservatory does not require standardized test scores, GPAs, or prior coursework. What matters most is a student’s artistic promise and ability to benefit from our intensive training model.
Applicants submit:
Completed application form
Two letters of recommendation
Headshot and résumé
Audition (monologue, song, or dance piece)
An artistic résumé must be uploaded as part of your online application. This document helps our faculty and admissions team understand your background and training.
Your résumé should be 1–2 pages in length and include:
Your full name (and any stage/alternate name you use)
Education (schools attended, diplomas/certificates earned, or programs currently in progress)
Performing arts experience relevant to your training—this may include acting, singing, dance, on-camera work, or related creative projects
Any professional, educational, or community experience that demonstrates your dedication to the arts
There is no required format or layout, but résumés must be uploaded in .pdf or .doc format. Please do not submit program bios. The résumé is used as a reference tool for our faculty during auditions and admissions review.
All applicants must submit a recent photograph or headshot with their application. This photo is used for identification purposes and to help faculty remember applicants during the audition process.
A professional headshot is not required. A clear, well-lit photo taken on a phone or personal camera is acceptable.
There are no strict size or style requirements, but the photo should clearly show your face.
Images must be uploaded in .jpg, .png, or .pdf format.
In evaluating applicants to the Advanced Multi-Disciplinary Conservatory (2-Year), faculty look for:
Readiness for advanced, sustained work – the stamina to manage a demanding weekly schedule of classes, rehearsals, and self-practice with consistent preparation and punctuality.
Strong technical foundation – demonstrable command of core techniques in acting, voice/speech, movement and musical theatre/dance; healthy vocal use; clean text work; on-camera literacy; safe physical practice.
Interpretive depth and specificity – choices that are truthful, text-anchored, and adjustable; awareness of style (classical and contemporary theatre, musical theatre styles, screen).
Range and versatility – the ability to move fluently across disciplines and modalities (stage ↔ screen; acting ↔ singing/dance) while maintaining professional standards.
Self-direction and accountability – clear practice habits, preparedness, and the capacity to incorporate notes quickly and sustain progress between classes.
Collaborative leadership – generosity in ensemble work, reliable partnership, and the ability to take initiative and, when appropriate, lead small groups or creative processes.
Professional conduct – mature communication, time management, rehearsal etiquette, and an openness to rigorous feedback.
Potential for advancement – evidence that two years of training will materially accelerate the artist’s trajectory, including readiness for juried assessments and a capstone project.
The Conservatory does not expect students to arrive “finished.” We seek artists who are ready for advanced-level work, show clear promise and discipline, and will grow significantly within a two-year conservatory environment.
Applications to The Conservatory at The NYPAA open on July 1st each year for enrollment in the following Fall. Admission is on a rolling basis, but space in the Conservatory is extremely limited. Early submission of applications and audition registration is strongly encouraged, as once we reach cohort capacity, enrollment for that academic year will close.
The Conservatory application fee is $25 USD and is nonrefundable. Applications are not considered complete until the fee has been submitted.
We believe that financial circumstances should never prevent a student from applying. Fee waivers are available for applicants who demonstrate significant financial need.
Accepted documentation for a fee waiver request includes:
Letter confirming one of the following:
Enrollment in or eligibility for Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch (FRPL)
Family income within USDA eligibility guidelines
Enrollment in a government program aiding low-income students (e.g., TRIO, Upward Bound)
Receipt of public assistance
Residence in public housing, foster care, or homeless status
Ward of the state or orphan status
If none of the above are available, applicants may instead provide:
A personal letter explaining their financial situation OR
A letter from a third party (teacher, mentor, community leader) describing the applicant’s financial need
Fee waiver requests must be emailed to admissions@thenypaa.org. If your waiver is denied, you will be notified and must submit the fee in order for your application to be processed.
Application Fee or Approved Fee Waiver – Due at the time of submission
Letters of Recommendation (2 required) – Due at time of audition
Headshot & Résumé – Submitted with the application
Audition Scheduling: Once your completed application and fee (or approved waiver) are received, you will be sent an email with instructions to schedule your audition. Auditions are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and some dates fill quickly.
As part of your application, you must provide the names of two individuals who will submit letters of recommendation on your behalf. Recommenders must email letters directly from their email address to admissions@thenypaa.org by the day of audition.
Recommendation letters are due no later than the day of your audition.
Letters must be sent directly from the recommender’s email address to the Conservatory Admissions Office. We cannot accept letters submitted by the applicant.
At least one recommendation should come from a professional in the entertainment industry who has worked with you in a collaborative or instructional capacity and can speak to your talent, professionalism, and potential for growth.
The second recommendation may come from:
An academic teacher (such as English, history, or another language arts instructor) who can evaluate your communication skills, discipline, and work ethic.
A mentor, coach, or director who has guided your artistic or personal development.
For homeschooled applicants, someone other than a parent who can speak to your maturity, ability to collaborate, and readiness for conservatory-level training.
We look for recommendations that provide insight into your artistic ability, work ethic, and character. Letters should highlight your strengths as an artist and your capacity to succeed in a rigorous conservatory environment.
Auditions for the Fall 2026–27 Conservatory year will be held on select weekends throughout the year and by appointment only.
Applicants will receive notification of their admission status (admitted, waitlisted, or not admitted) no later than 5 days from the date of audition. Students admitted must confirm enrollment within two weeks of notification to secure their space in the Conservatory cohort.
All applicants to The Conservatory at The NYPAA are required to complete an in-person audition in New York City. Once your application is complete, you will be invited to schedule your audition.
After submission of your completed application (including application fee or approved fee waiver), you will receive an email with instructions to select your audition date and time.
Auditions are scheduled through our online system on a first-come, first-served basis.
Because spaces are limited and audition dates can fill quickly, we strongly encourage applicants to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline.
The exact location of your audition will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
On the day of your audition, you will check in at the Conservatory for your scheduled time and room.
All applicants participate in a short orientation and group warm-up session before individual auditions. This helps students prepare physically, vocally, and mentally, while also offering the chance to ask questions about the audition process.
Limited individual warm-up space is available.
You will audition privately before a panel of Conservatory faculty and industry professionals. Applicants should prepare:
Two contrasting monologues (each no longer than two minutes)
One song selection (optional for acting applicants; required for students wishing to be considered for the musical theatre track)
Dance evaluation may be requested as part of the audition day (no prior dance training required—assessment is based on potential, not technique)
Applicants should wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement.
First round callbacks are held on the same day as your scheduled audition. You may be asked to repeat your monologues, present your song, or participate in simple exercises. Please plan to remain available for the full audition session.
If you do not receive a callback, you are no longer under consideration for admission.
Admission decisions are made following the final callback weekend. The incoming class (approximately 18 students) will be chosen from this group.
After completing the audition and application process, applicants will receive one of three possible outcomes:
Faculty and admissions staff recommend you for acceptance based on your artistic potential, commitment, and readiness demonstrated in the audition and application materials.
Final decisions take into account faculty recommendations, available openings in the Conservatory cohort, and overall balance of the ensemble.
Accepted students will receive an official admissions offer via email, along with instructions for confirming enrollment.
If you demonstrate strong potential but space in the Conservatory is limited, you may be placed on the waitlist.
Students on the waitlist are considered admissible but must wait until an opening becomes available.
Should a seat open, the Admissions Committee will extend an offer of admission in order of priority from the waitlist.
Applicants not recommended for admission after the audition and faculty review will receive a denial notice.
While this decision means you will not be joining the Conservatory for this cycle, you are welcome to reapply in a future year once you have gained additional training or experience.
Notifications are sent directly to the email address provided in your application.
Admitted students must confirm their place by submitting their registration fee and enrollment forms within the timeframe indicated in their acceptance letter.
