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BFA Program
In that the BFA is a professional degree, the primary focus is to offer technical training and performance experience that optimally prepares dancers for future professional careers in dance upon graduation. In meeting these demands, the unique triple-track design, affords students the opportunity to study ballet, modern and jazz with equal emphasis. Students also have the ability in their junior year, to taper their programs of study should they desire to specialize or concentrate more heavily on a particular discipline to meet specific future career goals, while still maintaining breadth in their technical foundation. Even though the BFA degree in dance places an emphasis on technique and performing, students are also assured of receiving a well-rounded education. To study dance at The University of Arizona is to have the best of both worlds–a nationally reputed dance program with a conservatory environment (in terms of the rigor and concentration), housed within an institution nationally lauded for scientific discoveries and research!
See where BFA Alumni have gone professionally
Applying is a two step process:
- Step One: Complete an application for admission to the University of Arizona. This application should be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
- Step Two: Complete the College of Fine Arts supplemental application in your UA Future online portal. In-person auditions are scheduled through the online application.
Online Application includes:
- Outline of training in Ballet, Modern & Jazz
- Resume of dance experience
- Full body photo in first arabesque
- Headshot
- Reference contact information
- Video containing required content (Required for ALL applicants)
- Audition Fee
Audition Fees:
- $45.00 – paid at the time UA Dance application submitted
DATES AND DEADLINES
National Auditions
Please select one of the following auditions:
Fall – Saturday, September 21, 2019
10:30 AM check-in, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre Lobby
Application Closing Date: Must be submitted on or before Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Spring – Saturday, January 25, 2020
10:30 AM check-in, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre Lobby
Application Closing Date: Must be submitted on or before Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase*
Application Closing Date: Must be submitted on or before Wednesday, October 2, 2019
* This audition is open to those participating in the Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase.
Video Auditions*
Application & Video Deadlines:
Video Deadline July 15th 2020
* Please note, those who audition by way of video in lieu of attending an in-person audition are not able to be considered for a dance merit scholarship.
VIDEO CONTENT GUIDELINES
The video submission is an integral and required piece of the dance application for all auditioners.
Primarily, the video should contain classroom/studio footage. It is most helpful if the applicant is the only one filmed. If filmed in a class setting, the camera should be focused exclusively on the auditioner. In addition to the requirements listed below, a performance clip/clips may be included at the end of the footage, making sure if in a group, the applicant can be easily identified.
*For dancers applying by video prior to the deadline of July 15, 2020: If you are having difficulty creating the required video content while access to studios may be unavailable due to COVID 19 please contact UA Dance Administrative Assistant Michelle Francisco for assistance at mfrancisco@email.arizona.edu.
Videos are most successfully reviewed when they follow the guidelines. Typically, this results in a video of approximately ten minutes in length that includes a diverse sampling of your technical/studio work across all three styles.
Suggested Dress Code for video content
- Leotard and tights for ballet, jazz pants for jazz (optional), footless tights for modern
- Ballet shoes and jazz shoes, (modern will be executed barefoot)
- Hair confined up off the neck and back from the face
- Females: solid leotard or a unitard (no loose fitting clothing)
- Males: solid color top/tights or a unitard (no loose fitting clothing)
Personal Introduction Segment
Please introduce yourself and briefly state the reasons you are interested in applying to the University of Arizona School of Dance.
Ballet Segment*
- 2 Ballet Barrework Combinations (side view)
- 3 Ballet Centerwork Combinations to include:
- An Adagio demonstrating control, line, extension, placement
- Pirouettes en dehors and en dedans
- A Petit Allegro Combination
- A Grand Allegro Combination
* Optional for female dancers: 1 or 2 pointe work exercises in the center
* Optional for male and female dancers: 1 or 2 brief partnering excerpts
Modern Segment*
- 2 Modern Combinations of approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute each which should demonstrate the following:
- Articulation of the spine
- Descending and ascending (floorwork)
* You may wish to do just one combination which is twice as long (64 counts or one full minute). Include slow, sustained movement as well as quicker footwork/changes of direction.
Jazz Segment*
- A Lyrical Combination (approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute)
- An Upbeat Combination (approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute)
- Demonstrate your turning ability
- Demonstrate your jumping ability
* Optional: musical theatre or tap combination
VIDEO SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Video is uploaded directly into the “Fine Arts Application – BFA – Dance” in the “Upload” section
- You must upload your video in order to submit your application
PRIOR TO THE AUDITION
Suggested Dress Code for Dance Auditions
- Leotard and tights for ballet, jazz pants for jazz (optional), footless tights for modern
- Ballet shoes and jazz shoes, (modern will be executed barefoot)
- Hair confined up off the neck and back from the face
- Females: solid leotard or a unitard (no loose fitting clothing)
- Males: solid color top/tights or a unitard (no loose fitting clothing)
Hotel
The Aloft Tucson University Hotel is a 5 minute walk from the dance facilities, and is the nearest hotel to the School of Dance. Click here, to make a reservation.
For additional assistance contact the Sales Manager at (520) 908-6800 ex 5523. Reservations are subject to availability.
Campus Tours
Campus tours can be booked through the Ambassador Tour webpage or call 520-621-3641. Tours are offered at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on weekdays and therefore travel arrangements may need to accommodate an extra day in advance of the Saturday audition date to book a tour. We recommend booking your tour the Friday prior to the audition.
School of Dance Tour
A tour of the School of Dance is offered from 12:00-1:00 pm the Friday prior to Saturday national auditions. If interested in this tour, please meet in the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre Lobby. No prior sign up required.
Current Tours Scheduled – Friday, September 20th, 12:00-1:00, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre
For a all other tour inquires please contact: tours-uadance@cfa.arizona.edu
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE AUDITION
Audition Format
National auditions are conducted in a class format beginning with a ballet barre followed by center combinations in ballet, jazz, and modern. All auditioners must complete the entire audition. In the unlikely event a dancer is unable to complete the audition, they should notify a faculty member. Dancers who do not complete the audition will need to find an alternative method for completing the audition process.
Audition Day Schedule
10:30 am – Audition check-in, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre Lobby
12:00 pm – Audition begins and runs approximately 3 ½ hours
3:30 pm (approximate time) – At the end of the audition parents and dancers are invited to attend an optional Q & A with Faculty
*End time of audition subject to change depending on the number of dancers attending. When making travel plans it’s recommended to plan around a 5pm end time for the audition.
AFTER THE AUDITION
Notification letters will be sent by mail. Fall auditioners will be notified during the month of December. Spring auditioners will be notified during the month of March. Please note, due to the large number of auditioners we are unable to provide individual feedback.
MULTIPLE AUDITION POLICY
Dancers who have received a non-accept outcome and wish to audition again may do so. However, after two auditions, dancers will not be given further consideration for the BFA program.