The Belhaven University dance apprentice program is an opportunity for talented high school students pursuing a highly advanced level of study in dance and desiring instruction and performance experience through Belhaven University courses and faculty.
The program offers apprentices the opportunity to earn college credits while continuing to complete their high school curriculum. Tuition is offered at 50 percent of the current rate per credit hour. Students must be in good scholastic standing and must be available to attend all sessions of the technique and performance courses in which they enroll. Students will participate as apprentice members of the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble. The following are required at the time of application:
1. Minimum age of 15 by September 1
2. Completed application for admission and $25 nonrefundable application fee
3. Achieved and maintaining a 2.8 GPA
4. Academic reference and recommendation
5. Student’s letter of intent
6. Personal interview with the chair of the dance department and the director of admission.
7. Audition in person for the chair of the dance department and dance faculty for admission to the program.
If eventually degree-seeking, the student would follow the standard requirements for admission while earned credit would be transferable.
The number of semester hours an apprentice can attempt is unlimited, but restricted to dance technique courses only. After attempting six semester hours in lecture or laboratory courses, he or she must either apply as a degree-seeking student or make a request to be continued as an apprentice.
Apprentices are accountable to the chair of the dance department and will be graded on the same scale as Belhaven University dance students. Apprentices will be obligated to continue participation for one full semester at a time unless there is cause for discontinuation on the part of the faculty or due to physical injury or other plausible hardship. Under all circumstances, an exit interview with the chair of the dance department is required.
