Dance

Diploma: Diploma

Location: Arts Umbrella, Arts Umbrella

International students admissibility: Accepts International Students

In this page

Overview

Start your career as a professional dancer by learning a full repertoire including ballet, modern, jazz, and flamenco in addition to arts entrepreneurship and administration.

Tuition	N/A
Credential	Diploma
Length	Two years.
Hours
Delivery	Class-based, Class-based
Campus	Arts Umbrella, Arts Umbrella
Start Dates	Sep

Tuition	N/A
Credential	Diploma
Length	Two years.
Hours
Delivery	Class-based, Class-based
Campus	Arts Umbrella, Arts Umbrella
Start Dates	Sep
PGWP	Not listed as eligible

My time at Vancouver Community College’s Music and Dance Program has been nothing short of transformative. What began as a pursuit of artistic excellence evolved into a journey that not only refined my skills but also shaped me into a more confident and expressive individual.
John Dow, Music & Dance

What to expect

Studio classes
Lectures and presentations
Group work
Performances
Guest choreographers
Arts management sessions
Performance technology workshops
Instructional media
Skills demonstrations
Practical and theoretical assignments
Written examinations

What you will learn

demonstrate highest standard of professional dance technique and training which will encompass ballet, modern, jazz and flamenco dance to professional entry level.
apply a comprehensive artistic dance movement language and repertoire.
apply basic knowledge of the dance industry in chosen practice role to include performance, administration, entrepreneurship and pedagogy.
apply pedagogical skills and concepts to educate students in the areas of traditional, ballet and modern dance training.
articulate professional dance goals and objectives.
utilize information literacy, research skills to maintain currency.
exercise critical thinking skills to self and peer evaluate performance and instruction mentor creativity and innovation to inspire projects, peers and students.

Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion

Two years.

Job prospectives

STATIC CONTENT

Dental Technologist / Dental Technician
Dental Lab Quality Control Specialist
Dental Materials Sales Representative
Dental Equipment Technician or Specialist
CAD / CAM Designer for Dental Restorations
Dental Laboratory Manager
Dental Technology Instructor

Admission Requirement

Admission to the Dance Diploma is a competitive selection process. Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

Grade 12 graduation or equivalent.
English 10 or equivalent, or English Language proficiency at a grade 10 level.
Be 18 years of age. In special circumstances, a department head may allow an applicant that is 17 years of age to be admitted to the program provided that the applicant has graduated from Grade 12.
Pass an audition performed in front of the Admissions Committee chaired by the Artistic Director, Dance at Arts Umbrella.
Complete a successful interview with the Artistic Director, Dance at Arts Umbrella.

All requests for transfer credits or course exemptions for all courses in the Dance Diploma program must be submitted with the application.

VCC and Arts Umbrella will hold a selected number of seats in the Dance Diploma program for graduating Arts Umbrella students of the preparatory program who will have the opportunity to qualify to directly access the Dance Diploma program.

Deadline for application April 15. All applications must be complete online. Auditions will take place in the first two weeks of May. Audition results will be available before the end of May.

Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended Characteristics

The typical student in the Diploma in Dance will aspire to a career in professional dance in ballet and/or modern dance. Ideal students will seek to develop an advanced level of technical and choreographic skill leading to more advanced professional training. Other students will wish to develop a comprehensive knowledge base in ballet and/or modern dance and arts management skills with an intent to launch private studios or join established training organizations.

Program Availability

Not currently available.

Courses

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

Full-time

Course list is not available at the moment.

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and Costs

Application fee	$36
Tuition	$21,165
Student union	$290
College initiative	$181
Materials	$1,097	not including textbooks
Campus resource	$182
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental	$570	Provided by Student Union
U-Pass	$376	Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation	$45
Total	$23,939

Books & Supplies

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
Additional costs:
- Textbooks – Approx. $500
- Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

Open Educational Resources(OER) at VCC

No-cost textbooks are available for this program.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Tuition deposit	$10,950	$10,000 non-refundable Tuition deposits are payable usually within two (2) weeks after a Letter of Offer is issued.
Application fee	$145
Tuition	$31,645
Student union	$290
College initiative	$190
Materials		not including textbooks
Campus resource	$182
Laundry
Uniform (Deposit)
Medical & Dental	$570	Provided by Student Union
Temporary medical insurance	$149	Medical Insurance for International Students
U-Pass	$376	Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation	$45
Total	$34,627

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
Additional costs:
- Textbooks – Approx. $500
- Student kits – Approx. $5,100 + tax

* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.

Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.

Application Process

Audition and Application Deadlines for Fall 2026

Step 1: Register for an audition with Arts Umbrella before applying to VCC

Live auditions:
- October 12, 2025 - Amsterdam
- January 4, 2026 - Toronto
- January 11, 2026 - New York City
- January 25, 2026 - Vancouver
Audition by video:
- Deadline January 31, 2026

Step 2: Upon acceptance to Arts Umbrella, apply to VCC

Apply on EducationPlanner BC
Upload your Arts Umbrella letter of acceptance with your application
Deadline May 15, 2026 (applications must be complete and requirements met)

Visit Arts Umbrella for more information. For details on the admissions process, contact danceadmissioins@artsumbrella.com.

International students must contact International Education advisors to confirm their study eligibility and the Continuing Studies (CS) department to verify their program eligibility.