
Independent Artist Program
Welcome to the Steps on Broadway Independent Artist Program (IAP). This program allows dancers of all levels, both international and domestic, the ability to create personalized training schedules that explore a diverse range of techniques and styles all while immersing themselves in NYC’s vibrant dance community.
Steps’ dance community is comprised of our world-renowned faculty, guest artists, company artistic directors, industry professionals, and today’s elite and upcoming dancers. The faculty’s professionalism, creativity, and talent combine to provide an exciting and diversified program that fosters artistic growth.
To date, the program has hosted dancers from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and all across the United States.
This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students
ROLLING ENROLLMENT
International and Domestic Students
Ages
18+
Extendable 3, 6, and 12
month programs
Take forty-eight (48) level appropriate classes
per month
Housing affiliates are shared with enrolled
students only
WHY CHOOSE IAP OVER JUST DROP-IN CLASSES?
- Improvement – concentrated, focused training with our renowned faculty will help reach your goals
- Structure – having the requirement of 48 classes per month keeps dancers’ training a priority while balancing their busy NYC life
- Accountability – attendance is monitored and with personalized recommendations from Program Director, each student’s goals can be reached.
- Professional relationships are fostered through regular attendance
- Cost! By enrolling in the Independent Study Program classes reduce to $20 each vs $25. Spotlights/2hr classes reduce to $23.50 vs $27 and more reduced prices for all Steps offerings.
- Physical Therapy sessions are part of tuition. FlySpace understands the rigors of the program and how to properly treat our dancers. They provide individualized exercises for both injury prevention and rehabiliation as well as quick assistance and guidance for additional care, when needed.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION
- Obtain the M-1 student visa.
- 3,6,12-month programs – all extendable for up to three (3) years per Form I-20.
- Programs begin on the first Monday of every month.
- Completed application through Acceptd must be received at least two (2) months prior to desired start date.
- Take forty-eight (48) level appropriate classes per month from our daily class schedule.
- Work with the Program Director to create versatile, individual class schedules. Ballet is required
- Eligible for discounted additional offerings at Steps, including Master Classes, Spotlights, Professional Work Sessions, Professional Performance Workshops, studio rentals.
- Program includes physical therapy sessions.
- Receive a Certificate of Completion.
- Be part of a rich community of dancers from all over the world.
- Audition to join Conservatory student choreography.
- Minimum age for this program is 18.
- Working in the US is prohibited as an M-1 student.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS

All international students applying for the Independent Artist Program (IAP), must submit a completed application at least two (2) months prior to their desired program start date. Programs start the first Monday of every month. This process entails online application, audition, and submission of financial documentation.
Acceptd Application Instructions
- Select Independent Artist Program under programs
- Choose either live/video audition.
- If live through Steps onsite / zoom audition, a completed application must be submitted before the audition date. Use calendar to request audition date and must receive confirmation from Director. Please note: Class fee(s) must be paid in addition to the application fee. No live auditions available on Wednesdays, Fridays or the weekends.
- Requirements for video auditions include:
- Technique section: Demonstrate plies, tendus, adagio, pirouettes, petit, and grand allegro on both sides
- Artistry section: Solo in your preferred style; no more than 3 minutes
- As part of your online Acceptd application, students must submit proof of sufficient funding for tuition and living expenses. This documentation is both for Steps and the embassy where you will obtain your M-1 student visa. Financial proof must be equal to or in excess to $7,500 for 3 months, $13,000 for 6 months, and $26,000 for 12 months.
CLICK HERE opens a new window to submit your application through Acceptd.
The following approved documents must be in English and currency shown in US dollars:
- Official Bank Statement or Letter – on bank letterhead and includes balance equal to or in excess of the tuition and living expenses required.
- If funds are not in applicant’s name, an affidavit of support from the sponsor is required to state their relationship to the applicant and state their ability and intention to provide support.
- Official Proof of Income or Employment of Family Member – letter from a family member proving employment and ability to provide for full tuition and living expenses.
- Affidavit of Support or Official Award Letter – Sponsor or awarding institution must submit a letter naming the individual being sponsored, the amount and duration of support, and specify if the funds are renewable on an annual basis. If the award or sponsor is not covering the total cost of tuition, fees and living expenses, additional financial documentation must be included.
ACCEPTANCE
- Notification of acceptance, via Acceptd messaging portal, will occur within two weeks of receiving your completed application/audition.
- Tuition deposit must be made within time frame in acceptance letter.
- Steps will issue a Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility. This form, along with your letter of acceptance and financial documentation, must be submitted to your local American Embassy or Consulate to process your M-1 Visa. Additional instructions will be provided.
SCHOLARSHIP
There are no scholarships or financial aid available for this program. Classes are already reduced through enrollment.
HEALTH INSURANCE
All students must have health insurance for the duration of study. Enrolling in Steps’ group health plan is available upon request.
SCHOOL POLICIES
Each student is expected to maintain proper etiquette in the classroom and on the premises and uphold their attendance requirements. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program and put their M-1 visa status in jeopardy.

Transfer/Change of Status Students
M-1 Visa students who are in the United States may transfer from other M-1 schools within the first six (6) months of their original school’s start date. A completed application must be submitted and acceptance granted. J-1 and F-1 students must submit a full program application and J-1 and F-1 Visa students will be required to leave the country and return with an M-1 Visa; contact the Program Director for more details.
DOMESTIC STUDENT INFORMATION
- No visa required.
- 3,6,12-month programs – all extendable.
- Programs begin on the first Monday of every month.
- Completed Jotform must be received at least two (2) weeks prior to desired start date.
- Take forty-eight (48) level appropriate classes per month from our daily class schedule.
- Work with the Program Director to create versatile, individual class schedules. Ballet is required.
- Eligible for discounted additional offerings at Steps, including Master Classes, Spotlights, Professional Work Sessions, Professional Performance Workshops, studio rentals.
- Program includes physical therapy sessions.
- Receive a Certificate of Completion.
- Be part of a rich community of dancers from all over the world.
- Audition to join Conservatory student choreography.
- Minimum age for this program is 18.
- Flexible class schedule allows you to have a job, if needed.
DOMESTIC APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS

All domestic students applying for the Independent Artist Program (IAP), must submit a completed jotform at least two (2) weeks prior to their desired program start date. Programs start the first Monday of every month. This process entails online application and audition. The jotform has a $150 application fee.
On the jotform you will enter a link to your video audition, or input a desired date for an in-studio/zoom class observation audition.
CLICK HERE opens a new window to start your application
SCHOLARSHIP
There are no scholarships or financial aid available for this program. Classes are already reduced through enrollment.
ACCEPTANCE
- Notification of acceptance will occur within two weeks of receiving your completed application/audition.
- Tuition deposit must be made within time frame in acceptance letter.
HEALTH INSURANCE
All students must have health insurance for the duration of study.
SCHOOL POLICIES
Each student is expected to maintain proper etiquette in the classroom and on the premises and uphold their attendance requirements. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.
TUITION & PAYMENT
Upon receiving your acceptance, fifty percent (50%) of the tuition must be paid within ten (10) days to guarantee your place in the program. Once Steps has received this payment, a Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility will be emailed to international students. Tuition balance must be paid ten (10) days prior to your program start date. Non-payment will result in delay or loss of position within the program.
Tuition Cost and Schedule*
Program Length | Cost | Financial Proof Minimums (international students only) | Payment | Vacation |
3 Months | $3,300 | $7,500 | 2 payments of $1,650 | No Vacation |
6 Months | $6,100 | $13,000 | 2 payments of $3,050 | 1 Week Vacation |
12 Months | $11,800 | $26,000 | 2 payments of $5,900 | 2 Weeks Vacation |
M-1 student visa holders are prohibited from working in the United States.
* Expediting an international application under the standard two (2) months period, costs an additional $85.
All program fees are subject to change.
METHODS OF PAYMENT
- Wire transfer directly to Steps on Broadway bank account.
- Credit or Debit card
- Money orders in U.S. dollars made out to Steps Studio, Inc.
- NO CASH IS ACCEPTED
REFUNDS
Time | Up to 4 wks prior to program start or Immigration Denied | Less than 4 wks to Start | Program Start Date | Application Fees, Deposits, Missed Classes, Dismissal |
---|---|---|---|---|
Refund | 90% | 40% | 0% | 0% |
With ample notice it is possible to change one’s program start date.
FlySpace Physical Therapy – official physical therapy provider for Steps on Broadway Conservatory and Independent Artist Program (IAP)
Melody Hrubes, MD, FACSM, Physiatry and Sports medicine – HSS, physician for Steps on Broadway Conservatory and International Independent Study Program (IAP)