Top 20 Dance Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a dynamic and diverse landscape for dance education, with collegiate programs ranging from prestigious research universities to acclaimed private conservatories that produce professional dancers and choreographers.

The state’s institutions provide a wide array of opportunities, from bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to intensive pre-professional training for younger students . Dance graduates in Texas earn an average of $31,186 within two years, which is 35% above the national average of $23,031 . Whether you are seeking a university degree, a professional conservatory, or a nurturing studio environment, Texas dance schools offer something for every aspiring dancer.

Top 20 Dance Schools In Texas

1. Texas Woman’s University (Denton)

Texas Woman’s University’s Division of Dance is one of the most comprehensive dance programs in the nation, offering BA, MFA, MA, and PhD degrees in dance . TWU is one of only five universities in the country to offer a PhD in dance and one of only four in Texas to offer an MFA, making it a top choice for advanced dance scholarship.

The program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) and prepares students for careers in performance, choreography, education, and arts administration. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, TWU believes that every body can dance and everybody can pursue a college degree.

2. Texas State University (San Marcos)

Texas State University ranks #1 for dance in Texas with median graduate earnings of $42,682 within two years of graduation, the highest among all dance programs in the state. The university offers comprehensive dance programs with a strong emphasis on performance and choreography. Texas State prepares students for successful careers in the dance industry, combining rigorous training with valuable career preparation and industry connections.

3. The University of Texas at Austin

UT Austin is the most selective dance program in Texas with an acceptance rate of 29.1%, making it one of the most competitive programs in the state. The university offers excellent dance programs evaluated with top ratings for curriculum and teaching quality. As the flagship public university of Texas, UT Austin provides students with extensive resources and performance opportunities in the vibrant Austin arts scene.

4. Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

SMU is a prestigious private university in Dallas with a strong dance program as part of its Meadows School of the Arts. The university offers two dance programs and has produced alumni who have gone on to professional careers at major ballet companies, including New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Houston Ballet. SMU’s location in Dallas provides students with access to one of the state’s most vibrant arts communities.

5. Texas Tech University (Lubbock)

Texas Tech’s School of Theatre & Dance champions contemporary and innovative dance training in an inclusive and equitable environment. Students can participate in programs like the WildWind Performance Lab and The Marfa Intensive, which encourage artistic transformation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The school produces events like the Fall Dance Festival and DanceTech, showcasing student choreography and performances that contribute to a pluralistic society.

6. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)

TCU offers dance programs through its School of Theatre and Dance, providing students with a strong foundation in performance and choreography. The university is located in Fort Worth, home to a thriving cultural district with world-class museums and performance venues. TCU’s dance program prepares students for careers in performance, education, and arts leadership.

7. University of North Texas (Denton)

UNT offers two dance programs, providing students with a comprehensive education in dance performance, choreography, and pedagogy. The university is located in Denton, a vibrant arts community with numerous performance opportunities. UNT’s dance program prepares graduates for careers in dance education, performance, and arts administration.

8. University of Houston

UH offers dance programs through its College of the Arts, providing students with training in ballet, modern, and jazz techniques. The university’s location in Houston, the nation’s fourth-largest city, offers students access to a thriving arts scene and professional performance opportunities. UH’s dance program prepares students for careers in performance and arts education.

9. Texas A&M International University (Laredo)

TAMIU offers a minor in dance or a dance concentration through the Multidisciplinary Studies major, with courses in modern, ballet, jazz, and ballet folklorico. The dance program produces fall and spring concerts featuring student choreography, and students have opportunities to perform at the American College Dance Association conference. The TAMIU Folklorico Ensemble performs locally, nationally, and internationally, providing unique cultural performance experiences.

10. Sam Houston State University (Huntsville)

SHSU offers two dance programs that provide students with comprehensive training in dance performance and choreography. The university prepares students for careers in dance education, performance, and arts leadership. Located in Huntsville, SHSU offers a supportive college-town environment with strong community engagement.

11. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Edinburg)

UTRGV offers dance programs that serve the Rio Grande Valley region, providing students with training in various dance styles. The university’s location on the Texas-Mexico border offers unique cultural influences that inform its dance curriculum. UTRGV prepares students for careers in dance education, performance, and arts administration.

12. The University of Texas at El Paso

UTEP offers dance programs that reflect the unique borderland culture of the El Paso region. Students receive training in ballet, modern, and folkloric dance styles, with opportunities to perform in the community. UTEP’s dance program prepares graduates for careers in dance education and performance.

13. Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches)

SFA offers dance programs that provide students with comprehensive training in dance performance and choreography. The university’s location in East Texas offers a supportive, college-town environment for aspiring dancers. SFA prepares students for careers in dance education, performance, and arts leadership.

14. West Texas A&M University (Canyon)

WTAMU offers dance programs that serve the Texas Panhandle region, providing students with training in ballet, modern, and jazz techniques. The university’s location near the Palo Duro Canyon offers unique performance opportunities. WTAMU prepares graduates for careers in dance education and performance.

15. University of St. Thomas Houston

UST Houston offers dance programs through its performing arts department, providing students with training in various dance styles. The university’s location in Houston offers students access to the city’s vibrant arts scene and professional performance opportunities. UST prepares students for careers in dance and arts education.

16. Prodigy Dance Centre (North Texas)

Prodigy Dance Centre is the only studio in Texas that has been named The Dance Awards Studio of the Year twice, earning international recognition for excellence in dance training.

Founded in 2007, Prodigy offers the highest level of training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, pointe, modern, contemporary, ballroom, flexibility, and drill for ages 2 through adult . Alumni have gone on to scholarships at top universities including Juilliard, USC, NYU, SMU, and Chapman, and have become working professional dancers.

17. The Dallas Conservatory

The Dallas Conservatory provides personalized training tailored to dance aspirations with a daily schedule of 3 to 6 hours of training. Tuition ranges from $8,000 to $12,000 per school year, with alumni performing at major companies including New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Houston Ballet, and the Radio City Rockettes. Students can participate in an International Summer Dance Intensive with 1 to 6 weeks of study available.

18. International Conservatory of Performing Arts (Plano)

ICPA is an advanced performing arts conservatory in North Texas founded in 2014, dedicated to the holistic development of young artists in a pre-university environment. The conservatory provides the highest standards of instruction through individualized academic curricula and conservatory training in dance, music, and theatre. Located in Plano, ICPA prepares students for professional careers in the performing arts.

19. Margo Dean School of Ballet (Fort Worth)

Margo Dean School of Ballet has been a vital part of Fort Worth’s cultural life for over 60 years and was founded by the woman who would eventually establish Texas Ballet Theater. The school offers ballet lessons beginning at age 3 through professional levels, including adult ballet, as well as flamenco and jazz dance for ballet dancers beginning at age 8.

The school provides excellent ballet training in a congenial atmosphere where students can enjoy dance without the pressure of striving for a professional career, though it also develops students for professional careers .

20. Denton Dance Conservatory

Denton Dance Conservatory is in its 31st year of operation, founded in 1988, and has become a premier dance education destination in Denton.

The conservatory subscribes to teaching through positive reinforcement and nurturing, based on a classical ballet curriculum using Vaganova and Cecchetti techniques, along with a highly respected modern dance program. Dancers have gone on to major college dance programs and professional careers, and the studio performs annually in the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, among other community events.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing a Dance School

Start by identifying your career goals and preferred learning environment, from university degree programs with academic rigor to private conservatories and studios offering intensive pre-professional training.

For university programs, research each school’s accreditation and faculty credentials; Texas Woman’s University and Texas State University are nationally recognized for their comprehensive programs.

Consider the cost difference between public and private institutions; public universities generally offer lower tuition, while private programs may provide more individualized instruction .

Evaluate each program’s performance opportunities, alumni success, and industry connections to ensure a smooth transition from training to employment.

Visit campuses and studios to observe classes and speak with current students about their experiences.

Closing

Texas provides a comprehensive and diverse dance education landscape, from nationally recognized university programs like Texas Woman’s University, Texas State University, and UT Austin to acclaimed private conservatories and studios like Prodigy Dance Centre, The Dallas Conservatory, and Margo Dean School of Ballet. With strong career earnings for graduates, a variety of degree levels, and a rich array of training styles, Texas dance schools prepare students for successful careers in performance, choreography, education, and arts leadership.

Note that all information, including tuition and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution.