Admissions and Aid

Applicants to the MFA in Dance Program are expected to have substantial professional experience in choreography and performance or related disciplines, well beyond undergraduate studies. We encourage applications from artists who wish to pursue their creative research.

The program is designed as a two-year, four-term program; however, those who cannot commit to four consecutive terms are encouraged to propose an alternative schedule. Such proposals should be made when applying.

As part of the application process, applicants to the MFA in Dance Program should write a detailed letter describing their experience in the arts, their specific goals, and their proposals for using Bennington’s resources to accomplish those goals.

A limited number of assistantships may be awarded through the Dean’s Office to MFA students in Dance. See below for more information on assistantships.

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Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid

Application Checklist

In addition to the biographical information requested on the application, please send us the following materials:

  • Your résumé which includes a brief list and description of any creative projects, performances and teaching experiences beyond your undergraduate education.
  • The $75 (U.S.$) non-refundable application fee or a fee waiver*.
  • A portfolio of your work. You may include DVD’s, flash drives and/or links.
  • A brief list and description of performing and teaching experiences and/or any creative projects completed outside of the academic arena.
  • An essay that discusses how you propose to pursue the research and development of new work during your time at Bennington College.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.
  • A list of three references who can discuss your professional accomplishments, i.e. your creative projects, performances and teaching.

*To request a fee waiver, write a brief description of the reason for your request and send to mfadance@bennington.edu.

Optional: If you would like to apply for a graduate assistantship, please submit a statement that discusses your experience in the field (including teaching, design, technical support, archival research, etc.)  and how your skills might serve as an asset to the teachers and/or students at the College. Students receiving graduate assistantships are expected to work 15 hours per week during the fall and spring terms in exchange for a 50-percent reduction in the total cost of tuition.

Deadlines

  • March 15: MFA in Dance applications due (priority deadline)
  • April 1: Financial aid applications due

Interviews are offered by faculty invitation only. Selected applicants will be contacted after completed applications have been reviewed.

Thank you for your interest in Bennington College's MFA in Dance Program. The next available application cycle for the MFA Teaching Fellowship, which funds students in this program, will admit students for the fall 2026 semester. We recommend you submit your application no earlier than August 1, 2025. If you are interested in applying for the fall 2025 semester, understanding there is no funding available, please contact us at mfadance@bennington.edu.

Contact

If you would like to schedule a campus visit or if you have any questions about the graduate program in dance or the admissions process, please contact:

mfadance@bennington.edu
802-440-4312