<p>Thanks again, everyone, for the helpful insights and suggestions. alwaysamom, your point about strong arts departments often limiting non-major participation is exactly what I was thinking, too. NYU is a prime example. Others we’ve come across, specific to dance, are U-M, Fordham (fantastic major but extremely limited options for non-majors), IU, etc. Throw music into the mix and it’s even harder to find possible schools.</p>
<p>At first it seemed to me that a LAC might be the perfect place for access to arts and communications classes across the disciplines, but dance, especially ballet, is often not a strong department at a smaller school. And the strongest communications departments seem to be in their own departments at universities.</p>
<p>I’ve spoken to the student in question, who clarified that she is thinking about concentrating on communications (esp. journalism), but wants challenging ballet classes several times a week. She’d prefer a good-sized campus (5K-up), and would love to be in/near a city. And finances are going to be a major factor - as they are for almost everyone, I guess. This girl’s mom thinks she’ll regret not pursuing dance more avidly - and she really is very good - but I don’t think anyone can go full-bore after ballet and her other areas of interest.</p>
<p>I think an academic/financial safety would be SUNY Buffalo, where classes in communication, dance and music seem to be open to non-majors, and there is good off-campus ballet instruction available. I’m putting together a list for her of the other schools that have been mentioned in this thread. And thanks again for taking the time to share!</p>