9 Best Programs to Study Dance Abroad

5-6-7-8 Find the beat: international dance programs

Studying dance abroad might be one of the best ways for a creative artist interested in dance and movement to experience the world. What could be better than learning the powerful footwork of flamenco in Spanish Andalusia? Or, where better to throw yourself into the flamboyance of bhangra than while living in the Punjab region of India? If you’re looking to witness some of the best ballet, you can study in Russia, or if you want to master the movements of the famous dancers of Carnival you can immerse yourself in studying samba in Brazil. Dance study abroad programs exist in so many places, it could be hard to choose which one might suit you best!

Perhaps you’re most interested in Argentinian tango, Japanese kabuki, the Ethiopian eskista… Each of these dances offer something special when it comes to experiencing and understanding the culture of the places they were originated. Studying these dance forms in the countries known for developing them will provide you with the added advantage of learning amidst the people and places who celebrate them most. So when you think about the best places to study dance abroad for your interests, you’ll want to think about all the other things these locations might offer you, whether that’s opportunities to relax on the beach in between dance sessions; somewhere you can get fresh fruit on your way to class; or, a location with a language you’re looking forward to learning to speak. So many choices!

Another important factor in deciding on the best places to study dance abroad? Who’s providing those programs! So before your mind starts whirling like a Turkish dervish, let us help you figure out who to travel with by pointing you to the top ten providers for dance study abroad programs.

Here’s a short-list of the best programs to launch your international dance career:

The best programs for dance study abroad programs this year

Editor’s note: This information was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Performing Arts Abroad—9.11 rating

“My time in London was absolutely incredible. I learned so much that I wouldn't have been able to learn back home or anywhere else. Besides doing what I love and working with professionals I also got to share my passion with the wonderful people I met through the program….Being able to have experienced so much in three short weeks was amazing and I encourage anyone interested to do it.” —Read more PAA reviews here.

Where? London, England
When? Year-round
Why? PAA provides diverse study abroad opportunities at dance schools in Europe for those working in theater, music, film, and movement. Dancers get to interact not only with other dancers, but also with actors, directors, choreographers, stagecraft experts, and all kinds of professional theater workers. Their globally-attended programs include an incredible mix of exciting extra perks, and their program in England makes London one of the best places to study dance abroad. You can even utilize Performing Arts Abroad to combine study abroad + ballet!
More info on Performing Arts Abroad

2. Accademia Delle’Arte—9.85 rating

“Being here has helped me realize what kind of artist I want to be and what I want to do with my life. This program has really solidified the fact that I don't really want to do anything with my life other than dance and be involved in the arts. This program has also helped me develop more creative skills in my artistry with dance, my musicality, and in choreography.” –– Read more Accademia Delle’Arte reviews here.

Where? Arezzo, Italy
When? Year-round; Fall, Spring, Summer
Why? Want to live in a beautiful villa while living in Tuscany? The focus on experimentation while working with other artists, musicians, and theater scholars rounds out an exceptional education that provides not just fundamental skills but also opportunities to stretch and grow. This dance study abroad program through Accademia Delle’Arte will help you make the most of your time in Italy.
More info on Accademia Delle’Arte

3. IES Abroad—9.37 rating

“IES Abroad Amsterdam was the best program I could've asked for. The staff was incredibly helpful and encouraging before, during, and after the program. They made my transition as smooth as it could be, were present during the highest of highs and lowest of lows, and honestly just took care of me….All of the basics like course registration, housing, residence permits, etc. were made easy so that I could have the fullest experience possible. I truly could not have asked for anything better.”––Read more IES Abroad reviews here

Where? Argentina, Australia, Austria, England, France, Ireland, Japan, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, United States, United Kingdom, and more
When? Year-round
Why? IES Abroad is committed to providing study abroad opportunities to as many people as they can. There are over $3M in scholarships available and more than 140 programs available in over 35 different countries. If you pick this option, you can engage in dance study programs abroad at the same time that you take courses in music, art, and media production.
More info on IES Abroad

4. Corazon Cuba—8.67 rating

“All in all I can recommend Cuba to everybody who likes to experience something totally different than the European or American way of life….You'll get to know Cuban people who will impress you with their talents of improvisation in every aspect of life and especially with their everyday happiness….You will come home positive and with a lot of new aspects that will change your mind, just like I did! Nos vemos pronto Habana!”––Read more Corazon Cuba reviews here.

Where? Havana, Cuba
When? Year-round
Why? If you want your dance study to include a total immersion experience with language, culture, and dance, then Corazon Cuba is the provider for you! Each morning in their Havana program starts with a delicious Spanish breakfast and language practice with your classmates before a full day of study, followed by explorations in the community. And, if you’re interested, you can even add an extra two weeks in Trinidad to extend your study abroad even further.
More info on Corazon Cuba

5. Centro MundoLengua—9.5 rating

“With the help of Centro Mundolengua, I was able to have the adventure of a lifetime and the most memorable semester of my college career. From the moment I landed, I knew I chose the right program. They were always more than helpful and welcoming to all of their students. Not only did CML find me the perfect host mom and plan multiple excursions, but they also were available at all times to answer any questions….If you are thinking about studying abroad, I would 100% recommend CML.”––Read more Centro MundoLengua reviews here.

Where? Seville, Spain
When? Year-round
Why? If you dream of speaking Spanish like a native, and want to explore dance programs in Europe while earning college credits (up to 15 US or 30 RCTS), then working with this provider could be a perfect fit for you! They offer a full-immersion program in Seville that is suitable for all levels of Spanish language study from beginner to fluency, and the partner university program would allow you to explore other subjects (like service learning, anthropology, or even culinary arts) while you dance and learn.
More info on Centro MundoLengua

6. Academic Studies Abroad—9.23 rating

“All my professors were great and really helpful when talking to them. My housing was the perfect situation for me….It was also super fun to share a house with eight other students my age from around the world. Gaby, the site director was amazing. She was always there if you needed something, planned great excursions in and outside of Buenos Aires, and was so fun to just talk to and hang out with.”––Read more Academic Studies Abroad reviews here.

Where? Buenos Aires, Argentina
When? Year-round
Why? Dance study abroad programs with Academic Studies Abroad include room, board, and an incredible number of cultural excursions. There are independent housing options, homestay options, and a variety of time-lengths to choose from. The addition of both local and international students in your dance performances will provide an added social component and makes this option particularly attractive for those who are seeking a truly immersive experience (and it’s suitable for Spanish language speakers of every level, to boot!).
More info on ASA

7. FUA Florence University of the Arts—9.08 rating

“Studying abroad in Florence was a wonderful experience. The CIS staff were accommodating, resourceful, and very kind. The professors at FUA were understanding to our various education backgrounds. Florence was an amazing city to roam around….By studying abroad, I was immersed into several different cultures. Having the opportunity to travel and create these lasting memories was an experience of a lifetime. I encourage everyone to embrace the journey and make the most of it. You will not regret it!”––Read more FUA Florence University of the Arts reviews here.

Where? Florence, Italy
When? Year-round
Why? If you need a flexible start date, rolling admission, or freedom to participate in a wide variety of programs while studying dance abroad, then this provider could be precisely who you’re looking for. Add to this the opportunity to be in beautiful Florence, Italy while exploring a wide range of other programs, plus the option of independent, family-style, or group living arrangements, and there is something here for every kind of student.
More info on FUA

8. Student Exchange Vietnam—9.0 rating

“The program coordinator and local buddies were the best and they contributed greatly to the amazing experience of studying abroad. I loved how caring the program coordinator was, whenever I have slight health problems, she was always available to make everything okay….The activities within the program were planned and well-coordinated. Activities were fun and informative and they were great opportunities for getting to know the city, Vietnamese culture.”––Read more Student Exchange Vietnam reviews here.

Where? Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City
When? Year-round
Why? This provider offers an incredibly comprehensive experience. From pre-departure support (including everything from visa procurement, to strategy and planning) right up to providing in-country SIM cards or local phones, and on-site buddy pairings. Student Exchange Vietnam aims to provide a warm welcome in partnership with a number of local schools, universities, and organizations. Overall, you will find this to be an extremely organized and affordable option for dance study abroad programs.
More info on Student Exchange Vietnam

9. Mente Argentina—10.0 rating

“...I found Mente Argentina from the internet and it has been four months of studying, living a whole new different experience. After four months I think that I’ve learned a lot not only about Argentina, but also about Latin America in general. The most important thing is that I have been able to think about who I am, about my country, and about what I want to do in the future, so that’s something that I value a lot….I feel like after four months my Spanish really improved, I made a lot of friends from all over the world.”––Read more Mente Argentina reviews here.

Where? Buenos Aires, Argentina
When? Year-round
Why? If you want a super full-service experience for dance study abroad programs, look no further than this provider. Mente Argentina offers programs with fully furnished apartments (including all utilities and maid service!), to free gym memberships, 24/7 support, and fully-covered and professionally-planned excursions to nightclubs, shows, restaurants, and other cultural events. There’s little left out with this comprehensive provider! In addition to your formal dance training, you’ll get professional tango lessons, a free cell phone, and door-to-door support, making Buenos Aires another one of the best places to study dance abroad.
More info on Mente Argentina

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Open your mind and dance abroad!

There are as many places you can study dance as there are dance forms—and each of them offers a different opportunity, feeling, and experience. If you want to explore the traditions of Bollywood dancing when you study dance abroad, you can do so while eating the food of India, living amongst the people of India, and immersing yourself in both history and place. If you’re interested in the traditional waltz, what better place to explore than Austria? Or, if dragon dancing is your passion, where better to learn than in China? Wherever you might want to go, you can be sure there are dance study abroad programs to match your interests.

With as many options as there are, you might be inclined to feel a bit overwhelmed by the possibilities, but settling on the best places to study dance abroad doesn’t need to be a source of stress. Think of it, instead, as a choreographed movement, and feel free to rely on our curated resources to help you put the pieces into a format that works best for you. If you want freedom to create your own dance study abroad program, you’ll find that! And if you want someone else to create the program for you so that you can just show up and experience what awaits you, that is also an option. So, all that remains is to officially get your search for dance study abroad providers started...and we’re here to help!

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