Financial Aid, Scholarships and Awards

colorfully costumed dancers on stage.

A college education is an investment in your future. When you compare the cost of a UB education to national averages, the value is clear: our tuition and fees are among the lowest and most competitive in the nation. The UB Department of Theatre and Dance is committed to producing graduates hampered by as little debt as possible. Your success is our success.

College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Awards and Scholarships

Every year, several awards are made available to undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences, including awards specifically designated for graduates of Buffalo Public High Schools.

UB Office of Fellowships and Scholarships

Fellowships and scholarships are among the most valuable forms of aid you can receive and are designed to support students who have exceptional academic records and potential, or demonstrate need.

UB Office of Financial Aid

Experience shows that students and families who take the time to understand their options benefit by receiving the maximum amount of eligible aid. The UB Financial Aid team is ready and willing to provide assistance as you navigate this process. 

UB Office of Student Accounts

The Office of Student Accounts provides up-to-date information on tuition and fees by semester. You can also receive walk-in assistance Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, at the Student Response Center, 1 Capen, North Campus.

UB Theatre and Dance - Dance Scholarships and Awards

The UB Dance programs (BA/BFA/MFA) offer numerous scholarships and awards to eligible students through an application process each Spring semester. In the past 5 years, over $100,000 in scholarships has been distributed. Dance Program scholarships and awards are non-renewable and most range from $500-1000 per student.

Jean Taylor Beard Award (Dance BA/BFA; Dance/Music Theatre double major)
This award, made in honor of Jean Taylor Beard, encourages the interests of students majoring in the area of dance performance, preparation for teaching, and musical theatre dance.
Criteria:
·         Applicants must be currently enrolled as a Dance Major (BA or BFA) or Dance/Music Theatre Major in good standing in the UB Department of Theatre & Dance;
·         Students must be currently enrolled in or have successfully completed DAC 381 Social Dance and meet dance proficiency standards.

The Marilyn Bonfiglio-Ciancio Zodiaque Award (BA/BFA)
This award, made in honor of Tom Ralabate by Marilyn Ciancio, is awarded only to member(s) of Zodiaque Dance Co. who meet the following criteria:
·         Demonstrates technical and artistic proficiency in dance practice and performance and meets the department’s academic standards;
·         Has completed four semesters of Zodiaque dance performance DAC 337/338;
·         The recipient(s) intends to pursue a professional career in dance, media, or arts advocacy or plans to continue education in dance at the graduate level.

“Dream Big, Dance Often” in Honor of Tom Ralabate Award (BA/BFA)
Criteria:
·         UB Dance majors who are proficient in tap, jazz or social dance through choreography and performance;
·         Students must have served as a TA to reflect Tom’s excellence in teaching.

The Cathleen Wendel Lista Scholarship (BA/BFA)
In honor or Cathleen Wendel Lista, the scholarship is specific for an undergraduate who meets the following criteria:
·         Sophomore, Junior, or Senior majoring in Dance within the Department of Theatre & Dance;
·         Illustrates financial need;
·         A positive and supportive attitude with fellow dancers, faculty, etc;
·         Preference given to students in the Western New York area.

Amanda Occhino Award (BA/BFA)
This award, made in honor of Amanda Occhino and established by Dr. Frederick Occhino, recognizes Sophomore and Junior Dance majors that have shown the most enthusiasm in academic learning, commitment to UB Dance, and/or most significant improvement in course work and/or performance throughout the year.

Tom Ralabate (Mr. Tom) UB Dance Jazz Award (BA/BFA/MFA)
This award is made in honor of Linda Swiniuch, founding director of ZDC and UB Dance. It supports professional development for graduating student members, the development of original jazz choreography for ZDC, and research interests in jazz dance for MFA dance students.
Criteria:
·         Has completed three semesters of Zodiaque dance performance and are enrolled in their fourth semester - DAC 337/338;
·         MFA students can apply if research interests are jazz related.

Tom Ralabate UB Dance Organization Award (BA/BFA)
Awarded to a first-year dance major who has completed at least one semester in the dance program at UB. Criteria: Student must have studied with a teacher who is in good standing with Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM), Dance Masters of America (DMA), or Dance Teachers Club of Boston (DTCB).

The Uprooted Jazz Dance Intensive Award (BA/BFA/MFA)
This award, gifted by Professor Emeritus Tom Ralabate, provides financial support for undergraduate/graduate UB Dance Majors attending UPROOTED Jazz Dance Intensives, which are curated to physically explore the historical roots of jazz dance to include African dance, Dunham-based jazz, Lindy Hop/vernacular jazz, commercial jazz, codified schools of thought, theatre dance, tap, and more with some of the industry's finest educators. www.uprootededucation.com
Criteria:
·         Students must be currently enrolled in DAC jazz dance courses at either the 300, 400, or 500 levels;
·         Demonstrate an interest in the practice and study of jazz dance;
·         Submit a copy and proof of UPROOTED Jazz Dance Intensive registration;

Elizabeth Webb Dance Award (BA/BFA/MFA)
This award, made in honor of Elizabeth P. Webb, recognizes students majoring in dance for the Department of Theatre and Dance within the College of Arts and Sciences at UB who meet the following criteria:
·         Special preference when possible for students studying ballet;
·         May support current or future study;
·         May include awards for professional development in dance;
·         Consideration given to financial need and a Western New York recipient.

Renée Conners-Wilkins and Brian Wilkins Dance Education Award (BA/BFA/MFA)
Supports current undergraduate and graduate level dance majors at UB who are pursuing their dream of teaching others the art of dance.

Jack and Lucille Yellen Award (BA/BFA)
To provide awards for the Department of Theatre & Dance.
Criteria:
·         Undergraduate student majoring in Dance at UB who has shown a strong commitment to the program; Has financial need.

MFA Inclusive Excellence Award (MFA – no application)
Awarded annually to one or more MFA Dance students at UB to promote inclusive excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. 
·         Preference is given to students whose creative research practice diversifies dance styles, genres, global perspectives, and/or cultural aesthetics in the field.