1
Dean Jutras looks back on year two at CCM
September 23, 2026
CCM Dean Pete Jutras shares a message with the college's community as he enters his third year.
Dance
CCM Dance puts an emphasis on ballet and contemporary styles, making it perfect for dancers seeking top-level training and rigorous artistic, academic, and studio curriculum.
The Dance Department at CCM is a professionally oriented dance experience offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Ballet. Through an intensive academic and studio curriculum, dancers will receive advanced training while cultivating their artistry and inspiring creativity. Students will graduate with a thorough knowledge of the dance world and how to function within it. With the BFA, most students choose to perform or teach in professional dance companies and dance education organizations.
Online applications are due December 8 for fall admission in the BFA program.
Why CCM?
- Highly recognized faculty, guest choreographers and artists-in-residence.
- In depth somatic and wellness studies (Alexander Technique, Pilates, Yoga).
- Onsite physical therapists and athletic trainers.
- Three large dance studios with an observation booth and dressing rooms.
- Gain the opportunity to dance, audition, and collaborate with professional companies, all while earning your BFA.
The CCM Dance Department is comprised of distinguished, dynamic faculty members, state of the art facilities, performance opportunities, and a plethora of new and challenging experiences for our students. Faculty includes Shauna Steele (Department Chair), Deirdre Carberry, and Hee Ra Yoo, along with many dedicated adjunct faculty members, guest artists, company directors, and professionals from the dance field that are committed to nurturing highly technical, passionate, and artistic dancers.
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.
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
John T. Bell,
Adjunct Instructor of Ballet, CCM Prep Ballet Instructor
513-871-6246
Isabele Melo Elefson,
Adjunct Instructor of Dance, CCM Prep Ballet Instructor
Jonnie Lynn L. Jacobs-Percer,
Adjunct Instructor of Ballet, CCM Prep Ballet Director
513-475-2590
Tricia Ann Sundbeck,
CCM Prep Performing Arts Specialist; CCM Prep Ballet Director; Adjunct Professor of Dance
513-518-5810
Dance Department Chair
Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration Division Head and Staff
Rebecca Bromels,
Division Head of Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA); Chair and Associate Professor of Arts Administration
513-556-5803
Matthew McAllister,
Adjunct Instructor of General Studies (Music); Dance 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 3 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 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.
- At Barre:
- 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
- Submit 1 modern/contemporary class technique exercise
- 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 CCM's Get Acceptd website. 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 CCM's Get Acceptd website.
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.
Performances and Public Events
News and Announcements
2
Get to know CCM’s newest faculty and staff members
September 14, 2026
UC’s College-Conservatory of Music will welcome a variety of new faculty and staff members to its roster of distinguished performing and media arts experts, researchers and educators this fall.
3
CCM welcomes Jordan M. Davis as Assistant Dean of Admissions
September 8, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Jordan M. Davis, MA, as the college's new Assistant Dean of Admissions. In this role, Davis will be responsible for the vision, strategy and execution of all undergraduate and graduate recruitment and admissions for CCM. Working in partnership with college and university leadership, Davis will work to ensure that CCM's enrollment goals continue to align with its artistic and academic priorities. His appointment begins on Oct. 1, 2026.
4
CCM shares 2026-27 calendar of ticketed + free performances and events
August 20, 2026
Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). With more than 130 different performances and events, there is something happening nearly every week of the school year!
5
CCM Media Production nominated in NATAS Ohio Emmy Awards
June 15, 2026
Students, faculty and alumni from UC College-Conservatory of Music's BFA Media Production program received 17 nominations in the 2026 Ohio Valley Emmy Awards, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Award winners will be announced at the Ohio Valley Chapter Emmy Awards ceremony on July 25, 2026.
6
CCM announces initial schedule of performances for 2026-27
June 11, 2026
The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) has announced its initial schedule of major performances for 2026-27. These 15 events include beloved titles for the stage like La bohème, RENT and Cabaret, along with concerts showcasing the works of Gustav Mahler, Duke Ellington and John Williams … just to name a few highlights! This schedule of major performances runs Sept. 15, 2026, through April 23, 2027. Tickets for all 15 concerts and shows listed below are on sale now. See individual performance listings for additional information.
7
CCM welcomes new dance faculty member Megan Flynn
June 3, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Megan Flynn as CCM's new Assistant Professor of Dance. Her faculty appointment officially begins on Aug. 15, 2026. Flynn is a versatile dance educator, choreographer and performer. She is passionate about supporting students to discover a more expansive, holistic embodiment of dance technique, performance and art-making, which reflects her own journey as a dance artist.
8
CCM welcomes Rachel Roberts as Associate Dean of Strategy and Operations
May 11, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Pete Jutras has announced the appointment of Rachel Roberts, EdD, as CCM's inaugural Associate Dean of Strategy and Operations. In this newly-created role, Roberts will partner with Dean Jutras and other college leaders to advance strategic, operational and academic priorities. Roberts is nationally recognized for developing leaders and advancing how musicians and arts organizations learn, adapt and lead in an evolving arts landscape. Her appointment officially begins on July 6, 2026.
9
GALLERY: CCM presents Dance Works, March 5-7
March 5, 2026
UC College-Conservatory of Music presents Dance Works, playing March 5-7 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale through the CCM Box Office.