Dance Audition Instructions

How must I prepare for the Dance audition?

Applicants must prepare and rehearse a solo dance of 1.5 to 2 minutes in any style. It’s crucial to practice your routine thoroughly. Please bring your music on a CD or as a music file on an MP3 player or phone, as there is no internet access in the studios and music from the internet is unavailable. DVDs are not accepted. Ensure your CD works on all CD players and, to be safe, bring a backup recording of your music on another CD or as a downloaded file.

What will I do during the dance audition?

  • Dance audition registration: When called, applicants will register and each student will change into their audition class attire and be given an identifying audition number.
  • A brief dance movement class: Applicants will be directed by a School for the Arts’ instructor in a brief dance movement class. Previous dance training is not necessary to follow the instructor’s directions.
  • Applicant solo: After the class, each applicant will perform a solo dance between 1-½ and 2 minutes long in any style they feel will present them at their best. Solos will be presented one at a time in front of the audition panel, but not in front of other applicants. The music for the solo dance must be instrumental music only, no vocals or lyrics. The music must be provided by the applicant.
  • Brief interview: After their solo presentation, applicants will be asked several questions.

Possibilities include:

  • Why do you love to dance?
  • Why do you want to dance at BSA?
  • What is your favorite subject in school?
  • What do you like to do for fun?

NOTE: The whole audition process may take up to three hours.

What must I wear for the dance audition?

THREE OPTIONS to choose from:

  • Leotard and dance tights or leggings (traditional for female-identifying dancers)
  • Leotard or tight fitting tee shirt and opaque dance tights or leggings (traditional for male-identifying dancers)
  • Tight-fitting, mid-thigh shorts (spandex or lycra) and a close-fitting t-shirt.

Ballet slippers or socks should be worn. Feet should be able to come out of tights (transitional footing). No pointe shoes are needed for class. Loose fitting clothing such as sweatpants should not be worn. Legs must be clearly visible. Long hair should be securely pinned back off the face and neck. No jewelry is to be worn.

What factors are considered by the dance panel?

The dance panel will evaluate all applicants during their class, solo presentation, and interview on the following:

  • Physicality/movement: coordination, strength, and flexibility
  • Musicality and presentation: potential for artistic achievement
  • Potential for trainable growth: ability to follow directions and demonstrations during the class
  • Serious commitment to dance training: willingness to fully participate in the curriculum offered with optimum focus Physical structure: capability for the body to handle the stress of rigorous athletic training

Should the panel decide that it is not necessary to see the entire solo, they will stop the applicant. This means they have observed enough to make a judgment, and is not an indication of acceptance or non-acceptance. If the panel feels they need to see the applicant in a different context, they may be asked to return for further evaluation at a “call back” audition. Call Back auditions take place on another day, soon after the initial audition, and consist of both a Ballet and Modern class. Some applicants may be asked to come for the entire day. If an applicant is asked to come for the entire day, they should bring something healthy to eat in between the auditions.

What happens if you are late for the audition?

Latecomers will likely not be admitted for the dance audition. The dance panel and department head will determine if a latecomer will be seen.