Comprehensive information about applying to the School of Dance can be found on our BFA Program page.
Additional video audition guidelines we suggest in light of the Covid-19 pandemic:
We fully acknowledge the current restrictions dancers are facing with respect to not having access to the typical studio environment to create an audition video. Therefore, we suggest following the guidelines to the best of your ability and in the most optimal space you have available in which to move freely. We realize that current space restrictions in a home environment may impose limitations for large, traveling phrases, diagonals, etc. which are customarily included in our video audition guidelines. We acknowledge and will excuse dancers’ inability to fully execute large motor skills which illustrate traveling freely and expansively and with power and stamina. In general, try to perform your movement phrases with as much freedom and full-out intention as possible without risking injury.
In addition to demonstrating your technical skills across all three genres, ballet, modern and jazz, we recommend that your center floor phrases also reflect personal expression, a sense of performance, artistry and whenever possible, accurate musical interpretation.
- For the ballet portion: In absence of a barre, it is perfectly fine to hold onto a stationary object or piece of furniture that provides some stability and similar to the height of the barre you would customarily have. For the ballet center floor phrases, it is optimal to have a space as unobstructed as possible and on a non-carpeted surface that is conducive to rotation and balance. If the surface is not resilient (such as a wood floor), jumping phrases (associated with petite allegro and grande allegro) should be avoided and replaced with steps moving in and out of 5th position swiftly and with clarity. Examples are consecutive relevés, pas de bourrées, glissades, etc. which illustrate complex footwork beyond a foundational level.
- For the modern portion, if the flooring surface can be safely danced upon, the movement should ideally be executed in bare feet. In the event the flooring surface available is rough, inconsistent or has imperfections which can be hazardous for bare feet, then either socks, slip on jazz shoes or ballet shoes should be worn.
- For the jazz portion, the same flooring concerns also apply and so the jazz phrases should be executed in jazz shoes.
You may include additional brief performance excerpts you have (from past performances or classes) which help to illustrate your technical accomplishment and artistry. If you are not a soloist and are in an ensemble piece, always make certain to identify yourself.