Top Dance Colleges in India: Courses Fees, Duration, Scope & Average Income
If dance is your passion and you aspire to make a successful career in this field, there are various dance colleges available in India. They offer courses in dance and choreography. There are both government and private dance colleges in our country. Students will get multiple options to choose from. Read here about various dance colleges in India:
In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10 dance colleges in India. Notably, these colleges are not based on any ranking but on Shiksha's popularity.
- Eligibility Criteria Required to Pursue a Dance Course
 - Skills Required to Pursue a Dance Course
 - Career Scope in Dance
 
Eligibility Criteria Required to Pursue a Dance Course
Dancing is a form of performing art that candidates need to practice. To pursue a dance course, candidates must have passed their Class 12th Board examination with a minimum aggregate of 45% marks (40% marks for candidates from reserved categories). Meanwhile, candidates pursuing their Class 12 Board examination are also considered eligible for the course. Still, they must submit their final mark sheet from the Board examination at the time of admission.
To pursue a postgraduate course in Dance, candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree in Dance. Additionally, candidates can also pursue a six-month certificate course or a one- to two-year diploma course.
Skills Required to Pursue a Dance Course
To pursue a dance course, candidates must possess specific skills and abilities. Listed below are the skills that can help you become a professional dancer:
| Category | Skill | Description | 
|---|---|---|
| Technical Dance Skills | Mastery of Dance Techniques | Ability to perform styles like ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary fluently. | 
| Choreography Skills | Create, plan, and structure dance sequences with a focus on story or spatial awareness. | |
| Musicality & Rhythm | Sync movement with tempo, beats, and musical expression. | |
| Physical Conditioning | Flexibility | Ability to stretch and move freely for high-range and graceful movements. | 
| Strength & Endurance | Maintain stamina and muscle control during long or intense performances. | |
| Performance/Acting Skills | Stage Presence | Command the stage with confidence, energy, and audience engagement. | 
| Emotional Expression | Convey emotions through body language and facial expressions. | |
| Audience Engagement | Respond to audience cues and adapt performance to maintain impact. | |
| Soft Skills | Teamwork & Collaboration | Work well with dance partners, groups, and choreographers. | 
| Communication Skills | Express ideas clearly and give or receive feedback constructively. | |
| Adaptability & Versatility | Learn new styles and adjust to creative direction or role changes. | |
| Time Management | Balance schedules for classes, rehearsals, and performances effectively. | 
We have listed the top 10 dance colleges below. Candidates can select the course that suits their preference.
1. Parul University, Vadodara
Ownership- Private
Parul University is a private university that offers a variety of Dance courses. Candidates can refer to the table below to learn about the dance courses offered at Parul University. Additionally, consider the fees and duration of these courses.
|   Course  |  
       Fees in INR  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|---|
|   2.7 L  |  
       3 year  |  
    |
|   25 K  |  
       3 months  |  
    |
|   80 K  |  
       1 year  |  
    |
|   50 K  |  
       6 month  |  
    |
|   3.6 L  |  
       4 years  |  
    
2. Rabindra Bharati University, B.T. Road, Kolkata
Aspirants need to check the table below to know about the dance courses offered at the Rabindra Bharati University, B.T. Road, Kolkata. Additionally, candidates can review the fees and duration of these courses.
|   Course  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|
| B.A. (Hons.) in Dance |   3 years  |  
    
| M.A. in Dance |   2 years  |  
    
| M. Phil. in Dance |   2 years  |  
    
3. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Ownership- Government
Aspirants need to check the table below to know about the dance courses offered at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. Candidates can also find additional details, such as fees and duration, for these dance courses in the table below.
|   Course  |  
       Fees in INR  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|---|
| BPA in Indian Classical Dance (Kathak) |   6.25 K  |  
       3 years  |  
    
| M.P.A. in Dance (Kathak) |   9.53 K  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| BPA in Indian Classical Dance (Bharat Natyam) |   6.25 K  |  
       3 years  |  
    
| M.P.A. in Dance (Bharat Natyam) |   9.53 K  |  
       2 years  |  
    
4. MSU - The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara
Ownership- Government
MSU - The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda offers a number of dance courses as mentioned below -
|   Course  |  
       Fees in INR  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Performing Arts Dance (Bharatnatyam) |   2 K  |  
       4 years  |  
    
| Bachelor of Performing Arts in Dance (Kathak) |   27.18 K  |  
       3 years  |  
    
| Diploma in Performing Arts Dance (Kathak) |   2 K  |  
       4 years  |  
    
| Bachelor of Performing in Dance (Bharatanatyam) |   27.18 K  |  
       3 years  |  
    
| Masters of Performing Arts (Bharatnatyam) |   19.44 K  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| Master of Performing Arts (Kathak) |   19.44 K  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| Post Graduate Diploma in Nattuvangam |   6.5 K  |  
       1 year  |  
    
5. University of Mumbai [MU], Mumbai
Ownership- Government
Candidates can refer to the table below to know about the dance courses and their duration offered at the University of Mumbai.
|   Course  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|
| BFA in Dance |   4 years  |  
    
| Ph.D. in Dance |   4 years  |  
    
| MFA in Dance |   2 years  |  
    
6. Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University - PSTU
There are multiple dance courses available at Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University. Aspirants need to refer to the table below to learn about the dance courses offered, their duration, and fees.
|   Course  |  
       Fees  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Kuchipudi Nrityam |   INR 9,000  |  
       4 years  |  
    
| Diploma in Kuchipudi Nrityam |   INR 4800  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| M.A. in Kuchipudi Nrityam |   INR 2000  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| B.A. in Dance |   INR 6000  |  
       3 years  |  
    
| Kalapraveshika in Folk Arts (Distance) |   INR 700  |  
       1 year  |  
    
| Diploma in Padya Natakam |   INR 1300  |  
       2 year  |  
    
| Diploma in Yakshaganam |   INR 1200  |  
       1 year  |  
    
7. UNIPUNE - Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Pune
Ownership- Government
Candidates can refer to the table below to learn about the dance courses offered at UNIPUNE - Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). Candidates can also find more details, such as fees and duration, for these dance courses in the table below.
|   Course  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|
| B.A. in Dance |   3 years  |  
    
| M.A. in Dance |   2 years  |  
    
| BPA in Dance- Offered by K. K. Wagh College of Performing Arts |   4 years  |  
    
| M.A. Dance (5-year Integrated) |   5 years  |  
    
| M.A. Music (5-year Integrated) |   5 years  |  
    
| BPA in Dance by Sau. Smitatai Hiray College of Applied Arts, Performing Arts and Fashion Design |   4 years  |  
    
8. IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi
Ownership- Government
IGNOU - Indira Gandhi National Open University offers Indian classical dance courses suitable for students who are unable to commit to long on-campus dance courses.
|   Course  |  
       Fees  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Performing Arts - Bharatnatyam |   INR 4000  |  
       6 months  |  
    
9. University of Madras, Chennai
Ownership- Government
The University of Madras is renowned for performing arts, particularly among students interested in Bharatanatyam and other Indian classical dance forms.
|   Course  |  
       Fees  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|---|
| M.A. in Bharatnatyam |   INR 30,000  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| B.A. in Natya (Music, Dance and Theatre) |   INR 50,000  |  
       3 years  |  
    
10. Reva University, Yelahanaka, Bangalore
Reva University offers a variety of dance courses, including both classical and contemporary dance forms, that enable interdisciplinary learning and stage exposure.
|   Course  |  
       Fees in INR  |  
       Duration  |  
    
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Bharathanatyam |   INR 25000  |  
       1 year  |  
    
| Diploma in Kuchipudi |   INR 25000  |  
       1 year  |  
    
| MPA in Bharatanatyam |   INR 1,30,000  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| Diploma in Mohiniyattam |   INR 25000  |  
       1 year  |  
    
| Diploma in Kathak |   INR 25000  |  
       1 year  |  
    
| MPA in Kuchipudi |   INR 1,30,000  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| Certificate in Bharatanatyam |   INR 15000  |  
       6 months  |  
    
| MPA in Kathak |   INR 1,30,000  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| MPA in Mohiniyattam |   INR 1,30,000  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| Certificate in Kuchipudi |   INR 15000  |  
       6 months  |  
    
| Certificate in Kathak |   INR 15000  |  
       6 months  |  
    
| Diploma in Odissi |   INR 25000  |  
       1 year  |  
    
| MPA in Odissi |   INR 1,30,000  |  
       2 years  |  
    
| Certificate in Mohiniyattam |   INR 15000  |  
       6 months  |  
    
| Certificate in Odissi |   INR 15000  |  
       6 months  |  
    
Career Scope in Dance
There are various job options available for a person who pursue a dance course. They can join the theatre groups, film studios, dance institutes, and dance training centres. Such students can also start a dance academy or work as a freelancer.
Initially, as a dance trainer or choreographer, you do not get much salary but after few years of experience they can earn in lakhs. See below the table for an average income of dance trainers or choreographers:
|   Job Role  |  
       Salary  |  
    
|   Dance instructor  |  
       INR 1.0 - 8.0 LPA  |  
    
|   Production designer  |  
       INR 1.8 - 26.0 LPA  |  
    
|   Choreographer  |  
       INR 1.0 - 8.0 LPA  |  
    
|   Professional Dancer  |  
       INR 1.0 - 4.7 LPA  |  
    
|   Theatre manager  |  
       INR 1.2 - 10.0 LPA  |  
    
|   Recreation therapist  |  
       INR 3.0 - 6.0 LPA  |  
    
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