<p>I second the Claremont suggestion (<a href=“http://www.claremont.edu)%5B/url%5D”>www.claremont.edu)</a>, particularly Scripps and Pomona. The on-campus dance programs are quite strong (from what I hear, they’re generally underrated and must be visited to be truly appreciated), as are the science programs at all of the colleges. Both Scripps and Pomona have dance departments, although students at any of the colleges can take the classes or major through the departments (and Scripps students can take class at Pomona, and vice versa). Both programs are modern-based, although Pomona offers more ballet. In general, I’ve heard more positive reviews about the Scripps faculty and program, although (a) I’m biased, (b) There’s enough cooperation between the two departments that differences are minor.</p>
<p>Scripps in particular really values “interdisciplinality,” so the dance/science combination–whether just a combination of interests or an actual combination of degrees–would be welcome. I knew of one Dance/Kinesiology, one Dance/Biochem (formerly a student from a performing arts HS), one Dance/Bio, and one Dance/Engineering student (plus a number of Dance students with other non-science degrees). </p>
<p>I can think of at least 3-4 Claremont dancers with professional ballet experience who’ve been happy with the Claremont dance programs. The Inland Pacific Ballet’s main theatre is on Pomona’s campus, so Claremont students can buy discounted tickets to performances. The company also takes student apprentices.</p>
<p>As a slight aside, and as an above poster suggested, ballroom dance is also pretty popular in Claremont. There are a lot of ballroom classes offered through the PE department, plus two audition-only teams. The touring team is…I’ve lost track…5-6 time national champion of its division, at least. </p>
<p>Claremont is in an urban-y suburban environment. That is, if you’re used to stereotypical suburbia, the surrounding area has a rather urban feel to it. But if you’re used to SoCal, then it feels quiet and suburban. Regardless, LA is quite accessible (not somewhere you’d want to travel on a nightly basis, but easy to get to once in awhile). I do know of at least one Scripps student who goes into LA regularly for dance. The schools also sponsor pretty regular trips into the city for various events (one year, I went with them to see Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker at the Pantages ;)).</p>
<p>Anyway, I focused on talking up the dance programs because info on the science departments is easier to come by. But the point is that if your niece is willing to look at the west coast, Claremont represents 1/10 of the country’s top 50 LAC’s and might be worth a glance :)</p>
<p>ETA: I believe that all 5 of the colleges meet 100% of demonstrated financial need. I don’t think that Pomona offers need-blind merit money. Scripps does, mostly through the James E. Scripps (JES) half-tuition Scholarship (quite competitive, but there are a fair number awarded each year).</p>