CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
2-Years | Ages 17-25
Train in the Certificate Program and prepare for a professional dance career while experiencing Peridance's vibrant dance community in the heart of New York City!
The Certificate Program offers post secondary students a two year training program for high-level intermediate and advanced students who plan on a professional career in dance. The program includes 72 weeks of study, divided into four semesters with spring, winter, and summer breaks integrated into the teaching year. Enrollment is by audition only and limited to applicants between the ages of 17 to 25 years old. The program emphasizes personal attention and nurtures each student's full potential as an individual and as a performing artist. The faculty is made of established as well as innovative teachers and choreographers.
Peridance's unique approach to post-secondary studies in dance is relevant to educating and shaping today's Ballet, Contemporary, and Commercial dancer. Since its inception, Peridance's post-secondary educational program, the Certificate Program, has achieved major success in producing graduates who are equipped to successfully secure work in today's dance world or alternatively to further their education by continuing their studies towards obtaining a degree in dance in universities around the world.
​Mission
The purpose of the program is to:
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Help students achieve an advanced level of technique in a variety of dance disciplines and foster students' extensive knowledge of the selected dance track
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Help students advance their understanding of dance as an art form while nurturing their artistic sensibility and developing performance skills
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Provide a platform for students to work with established artists who are currently shaping the local and international dance arenas
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Prepare students to work with major dance companies on the concert stage
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Develop students' professional attitudes and the discipline necessary to succeed in the field
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Nurture each student's full potential as a performer and an individual
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Curriculum Overview
MAJOR AREAS
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Classical Ballet
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Floor Barre
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Contemporary
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Modern (Graham, Taylor)
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Improvisation
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Street Styles (Hip Hop, Vogue, House, Heels, Popping, Locking, Waacking)
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Jazz
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Theatre Dance​​​​​​​​​​​​​
OTHER STUDIES IN DANCE
PERFORMANCE SKILLS
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Repertory
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Solo Performance Studies
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Independent Study Project
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Voice
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Acting for Dancers
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THEORY STUDIES
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Anatomy
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Dance Composition
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Dance Criticism
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Dance History
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Music for Dancers
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Stage Craft​​​​​​​​
ELECTIVES
FOR BOTH TRACKS
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African Diaspora
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Gyrokinesis
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Pilates
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Salsa
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Stretch
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Yoga
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Acting for Dancers
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FOR BALLET/CONTEMPORARY TRACK ONLY​​
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Theatre Dance
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FOR COMMERCIAL TRACK ONLY
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Contemporary
The Certificate Program offers students two distinct tracks of study, each with the goal of providing essential technical and artistic skills that will enable them to fulfill their professional career goals. The Ballet/Contemporary Track focuses on a range of classical and Contemporary classes with high-caliber teachers, which pave the way for future engagements in international, national, and regional ballet and contemporary dance companies. The Commercial Dance Track focuses on dance classes with high-caliber teachers, which pave the way for a student's engagement in the commercial entertainment industry. This includes musicals on Broadway and off-Broadway, TV and film, fashion shows, music videos, artist tours, and cruise liner engagements.
Ballet/Contemporary Track
For students who want more of a conservative approach to their training, the Ballet/Contemporary Track offers not only customized training but also dance academics, choreography opportunities, repertory, and performances. Students will train with master teachers in classical Ballet, Modern, and Contemporary to pave a path for company and concert stage work. In addition, the curriculum includes specialized closed classes such as Composition, Improvisation, Voice, and more.
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Certificate Program Ballet/Contemporary Track graduates have gone on to dance with companies such as Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Parsons Dance, Balletto Teatro di Torino, Ballet Hispanico, Les Ballets Trockadero de Montecarlo, and Bat-Sheva Ensemble in Israel.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Commercial Track
Commercial Dance Track students have immediate access to the dynamic professional faculty that makes New York a fulcrum of the commercial dance scene and entertainment industry. A strong foundation in ballet or modern has to be demonstrated by Commercial Dance Track students starting at the audition for the Certificate Program. Classes in Ballet and Modern continue to be an integral part of the student's program of studies. Commercial dancers are expected to master the skills necessary to meet the demands of the entertainment industry, where different styles of movement are combined in a fast-paced and often unusual ways. Commercial Dance Track students must be agile in body and mind and able to shift from one dance style to another. They also have to practice the skills that are associated with the extraversion and exuberance that are part of the entertainment industry. Voice, acting, and improvisational work add other layers of competency.
Students who graduate from the Commercial Dance Track have a combined strong foundation in ballet or modern as well as a high level of technical competence in jazz, tap, theater dance, and urban styles (such as Hip-Hop, Street Jazz, Voguing, Popping, and House).
Commercial Dance Track graduates have entered the industry working for the Dr. Oz Show, Beyonce, Kelly Roland (BET), Kanye West, Will Smith, Travie McCoy, Bea Miller, Revlon, Nike, MTV, Google, Youtube, Adidas, Lucille Roberts Fitness, Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, Adidas, Camila Cabello, Porsche Cars, and RuPaul's Drag Race, Mystic India - the World Tour, Capezio Brands, Marriott Hotels, and more. Dancers have also gone on to be signed with talent agencies such as MSA and Bloc.
Both Tracks include:
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3-4 technique classes per day
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Dance and academic classes
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Repertory with rotating choreographers
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Body conditioning classes including Yoga/Pilates/Stretch/GYROKINESIS
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Personal mentoring and guidance to support goals
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Contact and network-building with top choreographers, teachers, directors, and agents
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Agency guidance
Performances
During the program, students will have opportunities to perform and demonstrate their technical proficiency and artistry. These performances offer a medium for students to be evaluated and receive feedback from the Peridance Artistic Director, faculty, and an outside professional jury for studio showings of works-in-progress. During the Spring and Fall semester, students will also participate in professional performances at Peridance's KnJ Theater to give students the exciting opportunity to demonstrate their artistic skills and talents.
Learning Outcomes
The Certificate Program develops a student's knowledge, experience, technical proficiency, and artistic mastery that align with the institution's mission and the program's goals. Students who complete the program are prepared to work in the competitive international dance arena, supported by strong technique, artistic sensibility, and overall a comprehensive education.
Upon completion, graduating students are expected to achieve:
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Strong dance technique in the chosen track
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Strong performance skills, stage presence, and live performance experience
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Knowledge of music composition, dance history, and the principles of creating choreography
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Heightened artistic sensibility
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A dynamic network within the local and international dance communities
Completion Requirements
To meet the academic standards for the Certificate Program, students must fulfill each of the following requirements:
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Students are required to accrue 13 credits per semester for a total of 52 credits for the full program
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Students must achieve a minimum C grade, which is a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 1.76
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Financial account must be paid in full
Audition Fee
As an audition-only program, the Certificate Program requires that all students attend a live or virtual audition, pay a $30 non-refundable audition fee, and be accepted into the program, before proceeding with the application and enrollment process.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
$30
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
$30
Registration Fee
All new domestic students enrolling in the Certificate Program for the first time are subject to a one-time, non-refundable $75 registration fee and non-refundable $300 tuition deposit when submitting the Domestic Student Registration Form.
All new international students enrolling in the Certificate Program for the first time are subject to a one-time*, non-refundable $375 registration fee when submitting the International Student Registration Form (this fee is a fee paid to Peridance only, is separate from the student's tuition, and is not associated in any way with the fees required to apply for an F-1 visa).
*Please note that international students with a gap in study may be subject to paying the registration fee again (please refer to the section on continuing students and the extension fee).
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
REGISTRATION FEE NON-REFUNDABLE
$375
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TUITION DEPOSIT NON-REFUNDABLE
N/A
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TOTAL
$375
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
REGISTRATION FEE NON-REFUNDABLE
$75
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TUITION DEPOSIT NON-REFUNDABLE
$300
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TOTAL
$375
Tuition
All students beginning the Certificate Program in Fall 2024 are subject to the following tuition rates:
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
$18,600
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
$15,200
Please note that tuition rates are locked in for students who complete both years of the Certificate Program consecutively (i.e. an international student paying $18,600 for the first year of their Certificate Program course would also pay $18,600 for the second year of their Certificate Program course, assuming that they complete both years back-to-back). Students with a gap in study between years are not guaranteed the same tuition rate for their second year.
Please be advised that international students will be required to provide financial evidence as part of the application process demonstrating that they have sufficient personal funding and/or funding from a sponsor to cover both the tuition fees outlined above (minus any scholarships awarded by Peridance), as well as the estimated living expenses for their program as listed below:
ESTIMATED COST OF LIVING
$12,000 Per Year
These estimated living expenses are provided for the purposes of issuing students an I-20 only and are not a fee paid to Peridance. All students are required to find their own living accommodations and pay for their own living expenses, which may result in real-world expenses that are higher or lower than what is estimated. Students who are not able to demonstrate financial capabilities to cover their tuition and estimated living expenses will not be eligible to receive an I-20 from Peridance.
Tuition Payment
Students enrolling in the Certificate Program are expected to pay half of their tuition balance when completing the Domestic Student Enrollment Form (for domestic students) or ISP Admissions Package (for international students). Students can make this minimum payment via card directly on the applicable form or, via a non-card payment method (i.e. check, wire transfer, ACH transfer, etc.) by following the appropriate directions noted in the form checkout.
In all cases, students are expected to make their remaining tuition payment for the first year of their program (if applicable) by their program start date, unless they are eligible for, and approved for, a payment plan. If the student is not applying for a payment plan, they will receive an invoice from the Peridance Center Office via Stripe for their remaining tuition balance (along with a payment instructions email for those wishing to pay via a non-card payment method) no later than two weeks prior to their program start date. Students who do not pay their tuition in full by their program start date and have not applied for, and been approved for, a payment plan, will not be allowed to take class until their tuition has been paid in full.
Please note that all Certificate Program students who plan to complete both years of the program consecutively must submit a Second Year Extension Form (including updated financial evidence demonstrating their ability to cover the required expenses for their second year) and make their minimum half tuition payment for their second year,. no later than July 31st of the summer prior to their second year start date.
For payment plans, please contact programs@peridance.com.
Scholarships
All Certificate Program applicants are automatically considered for scholarships as part of the audition process. There are no additional scholarship forms that need to be submitted in order for a Certificate Program applicant to be considered for such aid.
If a student is offered a scholarship for their first year of study, they will be notified along with their audition result. Please note however, that scholarship renewal for the student's second year of study is not guaranteed, and is subject to change pending availability of funding, student performance, and ongoing evaluation by the Certificate Program Director. Students who are not offered a scholarship for their first year of study may be considered for scholarships for their second year of study based on availability of funding, student performance, and ongoing evaluation by the Certificate Program Director.
For more inquiries about scholarships for the Certificate Program, please contact the Certificate Program Director at certificateprogram@peridance.com.
Vacation
Domestic Certificate Program students have four, mandatory weeks of vacation per year that are built-in to the cost of their program. All four of these vacation weeks are predetermined prior to the start of the school year and occur during the Fall-Spring academic calendar (three weeks for Winter Break and one week for Spring Break). Domestic Certificate Program students generally do not study during the summer months, unless enrolled in the optional Summer Semester.
International Certificate Program students have seven, mandatory weeks of vacation per year that are built-in to the cost of their program. Four of these vacation weeks are predetermined and occur during the Fall-Spring academic calendar (three weeks for Winter Break and one week for Spring Break). The three remaining vacation weeks may be utilized anytime during the summer months between the Spring Production and the start of the student's second year, or, in the case of second year Certificate Program students, before the final month of their program.
Please note that, in all cases, both domestic and international students must use the allocated vacation weeks for each year of their program. During these vacation weeks, students are not permitted to use their student passes to take class (unless otherwise approved by their Program Coordinator for the purpose of taking authorized makeup classes) and must pay for any additional classes taken at the drop-in student rate. All vacation weeks, both predetermined and those chosen by the student (if applicable), must be utilized on a Monday to Sunday basis.
To request a vacation week, International Certificate Program students must complete a Vacation Request Form (available to current students only) in advance of their intended or predetermined vacation week(s). International Students wishing to travel internationally during vacation weeks must have all travel approved by the Peridance International Office via submission of an additional, separate, Travel Itinerary Submission Form. Domestic Certificate Program students are not required to submit vacation requests and are automatically assumed to be on vacation during the weeks designated by their program.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
VACATION WEEKS
7
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STUDY WEEKS
45
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TOTAL WEEKS
52
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
VACATION WEEKS
4
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STUDY WEEKS
12
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TOTAL WEEKS
13
Continuing Students & Extension Fee
Students who complete their program of study in good academic standing and have demonstrated technical and artistic growth throughout their program (as adjudicated by the Certificate Program Coordinator), will be eligible to enroll in a new program of study at the next level of proficiency.
Domestic students who wish to enroll in the next level of study must submit a Study Extension Form (available to current students only), and pay the minimum half tuition balance, no later than 4 weeks prior to the start date of their new program.In all cases, students are expected to make their remaining tuition payment for their new program (if applicable) by their program start date, unless they are eligible for, and approved for, a payment plan.
International students who wish to enroll in the next level of study must submit a Study Extension Form (available to current students only) and pay the minimum tuition balance, plus a $250 study extension fee, no later than 4 weeks prior to the start date of their new program. In all cases, students are expected to make their remaining tuition payment for their new program (if applicable) by their program start date, unless they are eligible for, and approved for, a payment plan.
Please note that international students who are eligible to, and plan to, continue their study at Peridance must take action to request a continuation of their study by submitting the Study Extension Form before the end of their 60-day grace period. Once a student's request for a Change of Education Level has been processed, the student is expected to start with the first available session start date. If a Change of Education Level is not processed before the end of the student's grace period, the student is no longer considered to be a continuing student by SEVP or by Peridance, and will be subject to paying the $375 registration fee again if they chose to return to study at Peridance at the subsequent level of study at a future date.
Refund Policy
International Student Tuition Refund Policy
Refunds on tuition will only be issued in the event that a student has been denied an F-1 visa at their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate, has been denied entry into the country by U.S. Customs & Border Protection prior to their program start date, or has had their change of status request denied by USCIS. In such instances, Peridance must receive official documentation of the visa application denial, refused entry, or change of status denial before a refund will be issued. Absolutely no refund will be issued for any other reason than the ones listed above once the student has paid their tuition balance.* If a refund is due, it will be issued for the tuition amount paid minus a 10% administrative processing fee and any additional fees depending on the method of refund.** For students who have been admitted with reduced or waived application fees, the amount of the registration fee will be deducted from the amount of the tuition already paid before a refund is issued.
*Students who decide not to attend their program after paying their partial, or full, tuition balance, will not be owed a refund (unless otherwise warranted by the refund policy), however, a Peridance credit equivalent to the tuition amount paid may be kept on file in the student's name in such cases. Similarly, students who wish to change their program length after Peridance has already issued the student an I-20 will not be owed a refund for any surplus tuition paid, however a Peridance credit equivalent to the surplus tuition paid may be kept on file in the student's name. In all cases, any credit issued by the school to the student may either be used towards a future Peridance program, or to take drop-in classes at the studio, for a period of up to two years from the date of issuance.
**Refunds issued by wire transfer will incur a $50 wire transfer fee charge. Refunds issued by card will incur a 5% charge. There is no additional fee for issuing refunds by check. Refunds by check may either be mailed or picked up in-person at the studio.
Domestic Student Tuition Refund Policy
Absolutely no refund will be issued once the student has paid their tuition balance. Rare exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of Peridance Management in cases of extreme personal tragedy, or in the event that the student is suffering from a documented injury or illness that a medical professional (MD or DO) has determined makes them unfit to participate in their intended program. In all such cases, Peridance must receive a full, written explanation and supporting evidence (for medical cases only), before a determination will be made. Absolutely no refund will be issued for any other reason than the ones listed above and no refunds will be issued for any reason once the student has begun their program of study.* If a refund is due, it will be issued for the tuition amount paid minus a 10% administrative processing fee and any additional fees depending on the method of refund.** For students who have been admitted with reduced or waived application fees, the amount of the registration fee will be deducted from the amount of the tuition already paid before a refund is issued.
*Students who decide not to attend their program after paying their partial, or full, tuition balance, will not be owed a refund (unless otherwise warranted by the refund policy), however, a Peridance credit equivalent to the tuition amount paid may be kept on file in the student's name. Similarly, students who wish to change their program length after submitting their Domestic Student Enrollment Form will not be owed a refund for any surplus tuition paid, however a Peridance credit equivalent to the surplus tuition paid may be kept on file in the student's name. In all cases, any credit issued by the school to the student may either be used towards a future Peridance program, or to take drop-in classes at the studio, for a period of up to two years from the date of issuance.
**Refunds issued by wire transfer will incur a $50 wire transfer fee charge. Refunds issued by card will incur a 5% charge. There is no additional fee for issuing refunds by check. Refunds by check may either be mailed or picked up in-person at the studio.
FULL-TIME FACULTY
Igal Perry
Artistic Director & Founder
Assaf Salhov
Contemporary
Catherine Correa
Dramaturgy & Performance Tools
Kai Davis
Ballet
Ryan Yamauchi
Contemporary
Nikki Holck
Certificate Program Director
Beth Graczyk
Improvisation
Cebo Carr
Street & Club Dance
Kate Croasdale
Stagecraft
Terry Berliner
Composition
Alix Tucou
Music Theory
Bo Kyung Lee
Contemporary
Emmanuelle Zagoria
Voice
Preston Mui
Broadway Jazz
Anabella Lenzu
Dance History, Anatomy, Barre a Terre, Dance Criticism
Caterina Rago
Graham Technique
Guanglei Hui
Contemporary
Richard Chen See
Taylor Technique
PART-TIME FACULTY
Omari Wiles
Bam Bam
Dr.Ew
Loretta Morrison
Kendrick Samuel
Ray Davis
Diego Funes
Billy Blanken
Kenichi Kasamatsu
Sun Kim
Tomoe Carr
TweetBoogie
Kate Loh
Michelle Thompson
Martha Chapman
Leiomy Maldonado
Tomoko Ishikawa
RECENT CHOREOGRAPHERS
Igal Perry
Larry Keigwin
Doug Varone
Bo Park
Kenichi Kasamatsu
Caleb Teicher
Assaf Salhov
Roya Carreras
Tushrik Fredericks
Cebo
Lauren Cox
Eric Delgado
Gregory Dolbashian
Julie Magneville
Mike Esperanza
Keenan Cooks
Preston Mui
Mizuho Kappa
Ali Pfleger
Shernita Anderson
Tweetboogie
Thea Bautista
How to join Certificate Program:
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STEP 1: Register HERE for an in-person audition or to submit a video audition.
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STEP 2: Audition results will be emailed to you.
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STEP 3: If accepted, a program coordinator will follow up with enrollment information.
Audition Process
Students must be between the ages of 17-25 and have a High School diploma or equivalent on the date they wish to start the program.
Deadlines for Fall 2025 Enrollment:
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May 31st, 2025 for international students
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June 30th, 2025 for domestic students
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Live Audition Information
Video Audition Requirements
Ballet/Contemporary Track
You must submit ALL of the following:
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Application fee - $30
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Headshot
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CV/Resume
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Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a professional in the field of dance
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Personal essay (up to 1 page, single-spaced) about who you are and what you hope to achieve in your training and dance career
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Proof of completion of High School or High School equivalent
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Any additional dance certificates, awards, etc. as a subsection in your resume
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Video Audition Requirements:
1. Your choice of 3 complete Barre Exercises (one side only).
2. Demonstration of Adagio, Pirouette, and Grande Allegro center work.
3. A 2-3 minute contemporary solo demonstrating your technical ability, quality of movement, and musicality in the style of your choice.
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Commercial Dance Track
You must submit ALL of the following:
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Application fee - $30
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Headshot
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CV/Resume
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Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a professional in the field of dance
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Personal essay (up to 1 page, single-spaced) about who you are and what you hope to achieve in your training and dance career
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Proof of completion of High School or High School equivalent
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Any additional dance certificates, awards, etc. as a subsection in your resume
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Video Audition Requirements:
1. Your choice of 2 Contemporary, Jazz, Modern, or Theatre Dance exercises (64 counts each).
2. Demonstration of 2 solos in a style of your choice: Theatre Dance, Hip Hop, Popping, Waacking, Voguing, House, Jazz, Tap, or any other Street Dance style.
3. Solos should demonstrate your technical ability, quality of movement, and musicality in the style of your choice.
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Audition Result
Audition results will be distributed on a rolling basis beginning January 1st through August 4th.
For Domestic students, if you do not receive an email containing your audition results by August 4, please send an email with the applicant's name and email address to certificateprogram@peridance.com.
For International students, if you do not receive an email containing your audition results by July 15, please send an email with the applicant's name and email address to certificateprogram@peridance.com.
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International Students
Once accepted into the Certificate Program, International must apply to receive an F-1 Visa from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
To learn more about the application process required for all International Students, please see the International Students Program Information page.
Applications should be submitted no less than 3 months prior to the desired start date. All application materials must be submitted in English.
