Professional Semester
About
Our Professional Semester is an exciting program designed for the aspiring professional dancer.
This 4-month course is the ideal option for well-trained dancers ages 18-27 looking to launch their professional careers. Whether you're a graduate of a university dance program, a current student looking to spend a semester dancing in the field, a recent high school graduate hoping to break into the dance industry, or a current professional looking for an intensive course to hone your skills, the Professional Semester offers the pragmatic coursework you need to establish yourself as a working dancer.
Our comprehensive syllabus includes multi-disciplinary technique classes, practical seminars to educate you on the industry, mock auditions to provide real-world experience, and numerous networking opportunities to secure your footing as a working artist.
We encourage you to apply for this elite program that will transform you from dance student to dance professional!
Eliza Ohman
Eliza is currently the universal swing in Hamilton on Broadway.
Phil Colgan
Phil is co-dance caption on the Hamilton national tour.
Spencer Clark
Spencer is currently on Broadway in Disney's Frozen.
Sabina Lundgren
Sabina danced in the 2016 Super Bowl with Lady Gaga and was on the Beyonce Formation World Tour.
Program Details
BDC has sought the input of countless industry professionals in crafting this powerful program designed to maximize your time with us and offer you every tool and skill you’ll need to succeed.
Here are some of the elements that make up this comprehensive full-time program:
- Fall and spring terms
- Concentrated week of orientation activities, including placement class with faculty panel, injury prevention seminar, and more
- 12 classes weekly from our incomparable schedule of over 350 drop-in classes
- Weekly seminars addressing every aspect of professionalism
- Master classes and mock auditions, including singing, acting, commercial and video training and more
- Networking opportunities with dance agencies, casting agents, and BDC faculty and guests
- Performance opportunities
- Free rehearsal space
- Faculty mentoring
- Full-time Student Advisor for scheduling guidance
- End-of-program showcase at local Manhattan theater for an audience including NYC dance industry professionals
In some cases the BDC Professional Semester may be accepted for college credit. Please contact us for a list of universities that grant credit for the program, or speak to the Dance Department representative at your school.
Though schedules do vary, accepted dancers should be available weekday mornings from 8-11am regularly for mandatory program events.
How to Apply
BDC offers rolling admissions. You will be notified of acceptance within 3 weeks after receipt of your completed application via email. You must have a valid email address.
Please contact [email protected] for more information on how to apply. Applications are considered based on dance training, marketability, and professionalism.
Tuition & Payment
$3,850 for 4-month semester
- Includes all drop-in classes, seminars, master classes, performance opportunities, and counseling sessions
- If you choose to take additional classes beyond your mandatory 12 per week, you may do so at a reduced class rate.
In order to succeed in the program, students must arrive with the necessary funds to support their living expenses during the semester. Part-time work is acceptable, but we strongly advise against trying to work full-time while participating in the program. Please defer your application to the following semester if you need more time to amass these funds.
Once you are accepted into the program, a deposit of $1,925 (half tuition) is due within 30 days of acceptance to secure your spot. The balance is due upon starting the program.
Upon acceptance, you will be sent a link to pay online or you may mail checks/payment information to:
Broadway Dance Center
Attn: Professional Semester
322 West 45th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10036
Checks/money order made payable to Broadway Dance Center.
There are no refunds once you have begun the program.
THE RICHARD ELLNER SCHOLARSHIPS honor the beloved, late founder of Broadway Dance Center, Richard Ellner. Scholarship application is available upon acceptance into the Professional Semester program. The following Richard Ellner Scholarships will be offered for every Professional Semester session:
(1) FULL-TUITION Richard Ellner Scholarship
(1) HALF-TUITION Richard Ellner Scholarship
To be eligible for these scholarships, students must apply to the Professional Semester by the following deadlines:
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Spring 2019 Semester: October 19, 2018
Fall 2019 Semester: June 7, 2019
PLEASE NOTE: the Richard Ellner Scholarships cover either the full- or half-tuition cost of the Professional Semester program. Students are responsible for covering their housing and living costs for the duration of the program. In addition, these scholarships do not cover any voluntary aspects of this program, including additional headshots, costume fees, etc.
Sessions
| Start | End | App Due | Breaks | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-Jan-2019 | 05-May-2019 | 21-Dec-2018 | Mar 11-15, 2019 | $3,850 |
| Start | End | App Due | Breaks | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19-Aug-2019 | 08-Dec-2019 | 02-Aug-2019 | Oct 14-18, 2019 | $3,850 |
Our Sponsors
Testimonials
Eliza Ohman
The Professional Semester really helped further my career by giving me the opportunity to grow and develop under the direction of some of the best teachers in the city. I was able to connect with casting directors and agents which was a huge stepping stone in my career. This program inspired and encouraged me to pursue my dreams and I would not be where I am today without it.
Corey Rives
As a newcomer to the city, the Professional Semester not only offered unparalleled dance training, but the perfect segue to living in the city. Broadway Dance Center provided me the invaluable opportunity to sign with an agent, which made being a professional less of an aspiration and more of a reality.
Katherine Roarty
The Professional Semester at BDC was my link from academic student to working professional. My passion for dance was immersed in opportunities with casting directors and agents that have led to valuable connections. The support and encouragement from this program helped launch my career!
Siobhan Campbell
The program gave me a boost in being a well-rounded performer, knocked out any sense of doubt I had about myself and opened many doors in my career. To say the least, the program helped me be better prepared and more confident in myself.
Alumni News
Stephanie Bissonnette
Stephanie is currently in the Broadway production of Mean Girls!
Matt Wiercinski
Matt is making his Broadway debut in Anastasia.
Aurelia Michael
Aurelia is making her Broadway debut in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
Jenny Laroche
Jenny is making her Broadway debut in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
Nadine Olmo
Nadine is a backup dancer on Taylor Swift's Reputation Tour.
Alyssa Lemons
Alyssa is now a Radio City Rockette.
Julia Udine
Julia recently starred as Christine Daaé inThe Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and Nat'l Tour.
Natalie "McFancy" Wise
Natalie is a featured dancer in The Greatest Showman; starring Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Zac Efron, and Michelle Williams.
Chelsea Caso
Chelsea is a featured dancer in The Greatest Showman; starring Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Zac Efron, and Michelle Williams.
Katherine Roarty
Katherine danced for Katy Perry on the VMAs.
Tina Jackson
Tina danced with Beyoncé on MTV's Video Music Awards.
Rob Coglitore
Rob danced in The Illusionists on Broadway.
Emily Grace Kersey
Emily Grace Kersey made her Broadway Debut playing Cassandra in CATS!
Emily Stillings
Emily made her Broadway debut in The King and I at the Lincoln Center Theater
Taylor Jane Thompson
Taylor can be seen dancing in the Bang Bang music video.
Chris Grant
Chris starred in an Apple commercial and dance with Pilobolus.
Erica Hughes
Erica is playing Christine in the national tour of A Chorus Line.
Josh Zacher
Josh is playing Larry n the national tour of A Chorus Line.
Melissa Cabey
Melissa is playing Val in the national tour of A Chorus Line.
Michal Kolaczkowski
Michal is a swing in the Dirty Dancing national tour.
Kayla Moniz
Kayla danced in the European tour of West Side Story.
Nikki Croker
Nikki danced in the European tour of West Side Story.
Mary Callahan
Mary danced in the Bullets Over Broadway national tour.
Carissa Midkiff
Carissa danced in the Bullets Over Broadway national tour.
Stephanie Brooks
Stephanie was a Swing on the national tour of Mamma Mia.
Elyssa Jo Brown
Elyssa Jo danced in The Bodyguard national tour.
Nick Silva
Nick was frequently on Glee as a member of Vocal Adrenaline.
Kayla Sameski
Kayla was seen dancing in Aéropostale's 2015 national ad campaign.
James Koroni
James is on the international tour of Rules of the Game a collaboration by Pharrell Williams, Daniel Arsham, and Jonah Bokaer.
Danielle Burdick
Danielle just completed touring the country in Mamma Mia.
Samantha Sweed
Samantha earned her SAG/AFTRA card working on Orange Is The New Black.
Nicole Butler
Nicole was a Rockette for the regional Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Cat Cogliandro
Cat has her own dance company, CATASTROPHE!
Zanza Steinberg
Zanza has her own dance company, ALMA NYC.
Greer Gisy
Greer was the dance captain for the In the Heights national tour.
Kayla Janssen
Kayla won the Adidas Dancers Wanted Competition and got to dance with Katy Perry's choreographers!
Lizz Picini
Lizz played Cassie in A Chorus Line at Mill Mountain Theatre.
Allie Dietz
Allie danced for AT&T in a flash mob to promote Jason Derulo and was in Le Grande Cirque at Niagara Falls, and Spirit of Christmas with Dublin Worldwide Productions.
Jessica Seavor
Jessica is performing in Guys & Dolls at TUTS in Houston, TX.
Rachael Wexelberg
Rachael is performing in Cirque Paris at the El Dorado Resort
Savannah Cobb
Savannah danced in Pure Motion by choreographer Ray Mercer.
Kelsey Stenta
Kelsey was cast in Philadanco's apprentice company, D2.
Corey O'Brien
Corey toured internationally with The Aluminum Show after finishing a contract with Royal Caribbean International as a dancer and acrobat.
Melissa Becraft
Melissa is a Brooklynette for the 2017-2018 season.
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BROADWAY DANCE CENTER
BDC offers more than 350 drop-in classes a week!
Walk-ins welcome. All levels and styles.
DANCE TODAY!
CONTACT INFO
- Broadway Dance Center
- 322 W 45th St • NYC, NY 10036
- [email protected]
- 212-582-9304 (phone)
- 212-977-2202 (fax)
- Children & Teens • Lincoln Center
- 37 W65th St • NYC, NY 10023
- [email protected]
- 212-457-0035 (phone)