Department of Dance

Auditions are generally held the last Friday in October.  Applications are due the week before.  You can get the application in 294 RB.

FORMAT

Auditionees should be prepared to learn a sequence from each of the four genres, Ballet, Ballroom, Contemporary and World. You will choose which of these styles you want to perform for the audition.  You will be observed during class portion of audition.  Strong foundational technique is required for approval. They should also be prepared to perform a one minute solo if called back.

The following will be the class format:

• Barre warm-up and alignment
• Center floor adagio – balance and dynamic contrast
• Core-distal and weight shift
• Rhythmic footwork and jumps
• Locomotor – travel through space
• Audition class sequence review
• Showings of one self-selected sequence in small groups
• Break for preliminary decisions

CLOTHING

• BYU standard leotard or form-fitting dance attire
• Dance pants or tights (footless convertible)
• Hair off forehead and face –women - low bun
• Appropriate shoes for solo
• For audition class shoes with hard heel required, bare feet or soft-soled dance shoes optional (i.e. ballet shoes, jazz shoes)

CRITERIA AND DETERMINING FACTORS

• Alignment –torso, legs, feet, rotation etc.
• Strength – core/distal, power, control, endurance, weight shift
• Flexibility – full kinesphere access including: spine/torso, legs, feet etc.
• Articulation – reproduce movement with accuracy and precision
• Musicality – rhythmic clarity, accuracy and phrasing
• Dynamic Range - sensitivity to energy, dynamics and force
• Kinesthetic Awareness – coordination, balance, total body connectivity, spatial awareness
• Ability to assimilate and reproduce given material
• Performance Quality - appropriate expressiveness
• Creativity – spontaneous and apt movement invention on a given idea

AUDITION RESULTS

Students are admitted based on demonstrated proficiency of the criteria and determining factors.  The audition will be conducted and judged by full time dance faculty.

After the audition class/es, deliberations by the faculty will determine which students will be asked to come back to perform their solos and possibly repeat a sequence from the audition class.

Three lists will be posted outside the dance office, 294 RB and room 185 RB one hour after the second audition class ends.

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Welcome to the Dance Major

         Please place your audition number on the designated table.  You have been selected and will not need to do a solo.  Dance Education Major applicants will all do a solo

Call Back

         Plan to return at the designated time ready to present your solo. 

         Should you be on this list,  be prepared with a one minute solo in a style that shows your strength

                 (Bring music on I-pod or CD – track one. No costumes.)

Thank you for Auditioning

          Numbers only will be posted on this list. Your number on this list means you did not make the first cut at this audition. Please place your audition number on the designated table. You will not return to show your solo.

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• It is the student’s responsibility to check the “Call Back” list and know when to return to the audition room.
• Only those whose names/numbers appear on the “Call Back” list will need to perform their one minute solos in the order listed.
• If you do not return to show your solo you will forfeit your audition.
• If your name does not appear on the call back list you will not show your solo.
• Check to see that your name or audition number appears on one of the three posted lists.
• Final results will be emailed to all applicants within two weeks of the audition and posted on the Dance Office Door.

AUDITION TIPS FOR APPLICANTS

When you audition, we like to make it as relaxed as possible for you. Facing a group of faculty can be very intimidating, but please remember WE WANT YOU TO DO YOUR BEST! We like to see talent! If you are called back to show your solo, please come prepared with your music ready (I-pod or CD’s only – if CD please put your music on track 1). The floor on which you will be auditioning is a surface well suited for all types of dancing, so you need not worry about slipping if you decide to perform on pointe for your audition. But no costumes please.

Students often worry about how to get audition material together and whose choreography they can use. It is appropriate to choreograph your own audition material, or you might look to your dance teacher for help in this area. Plan to introduce yourself immediately prior to your solo and tell us who choreographed your piece. After you perform your solo – take off your audition number and leave it on the designated table.