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Where the world comes to dance. All ages, all levels, all styles.

Steps Conservatory dancers int he studio - growling!

International Independent Study Program

Welcome to Steps on Broadway and the International Independent Study Program (IISP), where each participant gets to create their own training schedule and experience New York City’s dance community in motion. This M-1 visa program is designed for dancers and dance educators, ages 18 and older at the beginner to professional level, who want to explore the diversity of techniques and styles Steps has to offer.

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, Columbia, France, Germany, Hungry, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Uzbekistan.

The Program

Students may enroll for an initial period of three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) months, all renewable for up to three (3) years. Programs begin on the first Monday of every month. Completed applications must be received at least two (2) months prior to enrollment date.

IISP students have the freedom to take all level appropriate classes Steps offers:

  • Over 40 daily classes with everything from Bollywood to Broadway, ballet to stretch and strengthening, contemporary, commercial jazz, zumba and more
  • Specialty workshops and master classes
  • Community-building activities such as Artists Talks, Professsional Performance Workshops, Pro Work Sessions, and more

This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students

COURSE OF STUDY

Each student takes forty-eight (48) classes per month from our daily class schedule.
We recommend that for the first month, students take a variety of classes to gain an understanding of the faculty, teaching styles, and skill level to ensure the best possible growth experience. The Program Director will provide guidance in developing your independent study.

Master Classes/Spotlights
Students have the option to purchase these classes on an à la carte basis at their IISP discounted rate or can request an exchange of some regular classes. These classes offered throughout the year are listed on the Guest Teachers & Master Classes and the Workshop pages.

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.

If you have questions, please Contact the Director of Professional Training Programs

APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS

Female dancer head bowed to the site and arms eleganly crossed in front, the background with a dancer is softly blurred.
Photo: Paul B. Goode, Steps with Contemporary Masters – Nathan Trice

All international students applying for the program, 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.

Auditions
Whether you are auditioning onsite or through a video, a completed application must be submitted through the website, Acceptd.

Acceptd Application Instructions

  1. Select International Independent Study under programs
  2. Choose either live/video audition.
  3. If live audition through class observation, use calendar to request audition date. Please note: Class fee(s) must be paid in addition to the application fee.
  4. If live through Steps onsite / zoom audition, a completed application must be submitted before the audition date.
  5. Requirements for video audition 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

CLICK HERE opens a new window to submit the application form through Acceptddecorative check mark.

SCHOLARSHIP
There are no scholarships or financial aid available for this program. Classes are already reduced through enrollment.

In addition to 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 of the following amounts:

3 Month Program6 Month Program12 Month Program
$7,500$13,000$26,000
International Students performing in Steps' Studio Theater
Photo: E. Patino, Faculty in Performance, choreography Korhan Basaran

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 stating 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.

HEALTH INSURANCE
All students must have health insurance for the duration of study. Enrolling in Steps’ group health plan is available upon request.

ACCEPTANCE

  • Notification of acceptance, via Acceptd, 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.

Transfer/Change of Status Students
M-1 Visa students who are in the United States may transfer from other schools within the first six (6) months of their original school’s start date. A completed IISP application must be submitted and acceptance granted. An I-539 transfer application must be submitted to USCIS. J-1 or F-1 Visa students should contact the Program Director. Full application procedure and fees are required.

TUITION & PAYMENT

Upon receiving your acceptance email, 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 issued and mailed to you. Tuition balance must be paid ten (10) days prior to your program start date. Payment plans are based upon financial need on an individual basis. Non-payment will result in delay or loss of position within the program.

Tuition Cost and Schedule*

Program LengthCostPaymentVacation
3 Months$3,2002 payments of $1,600No Vacation
6 Months$6,0002 payments of $3,0001 Week Vacation
12 Months$11,7002 payments of $5,8502 Weeks Vacation

* Expediting an 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 card
  • Money orders in U.S. dollars made out to Steps Studio, Inc.
  • NO CASH IS ACCEPTED

REFUNDS

TimeUp to 4 wks prior to program start or Immigration DeniedLess than 4 wks to StartWithin 30 Days of Start DateAfter First 30 DaysApplication Fees, Deposits, Missed Classes, Dismissal
Refund90%40%40%0%0%

FLYSPACE Physical Therapy texted based logo

FlySpace Physical Therapy – official physical therapy provider for Steps on Broadway Conservatory and International Independent Study Program
Melody Hrubes, MD, FACSM, Physiatry and Sports medicine – HSS, physician for Steps on Broadway Conservatory and International Independent Study Program