Dance Auditions
Dance Major and Minor Audition Guidelines
Ball State University - College of Fine Arts - Department of Theatre and Dance
Office Phone: 765-285-8740 - Web Site: www.bsu.edu/theatre
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GENERAL INFORMATION
An audition is required for admission to both the dance major and the dance minor programs. Prospective students participate in a technique class (approximately two hours long), executing work in each of the following disciplines – ballet, modern, and jazz. Students who wish to be considered for advanced placement in tap may also complete a tap combination, but please note that this portion of the audition is optional and for placement purposes only.
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WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
This multi discipline approach enables the dance faculty panel to observe each student’s technique, performance quality, and artistry, as well as their adaptability in a range of dance styles and the ability to learn new and unfamiliar material quickly. Ultimately, this allows prospective students to display their individual strengths in each discipline while allowing the faculty to assess the student’s potential to thrive and succeed in the dance curriculum.
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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT ON AUDITION DAY
A typical audition day begins with registration in the morning where students and parents have an opportunity to mingle with current Theatre and Dance faculty and students. This is followed by an informal introduction of the departmental faculty and an opportunity for prospective parents and students to see our current students perform. Following this, parents attend a question and answer session with department chair Bill Jenkins, Dance Advisor Sarah Manglesdorf, and current Theatre and Dance students, while the auditioning prospective students prepare for technique class. The class consists of ballet barre and centre work in addition to progressions and/or combinations in modern and jazz, and may last anywhere from ninety minutes to three hours (two hours is typical), depending on the number of students auditioning. To conclude the day, students wishing to take the optional tap portion of the audition will complete tap phrase work and/or a combination. Please note that the technique class portion of the audition is closed to observers.
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WHAT YOU SHOULD WEAR
In order for the dance faculty to properly assess each student’s placement, alignment, and movement skills, it is essential that students adhere to the dress code below for the audition.
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Women – Solid colored leotard with tights that can make the transition from footed to bare feet.
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Men – Unitard or black tights/fitted Capri length dance pants, a fitted solid colored T-shirt or tank.
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Shoes – Ballet slippers, bare feet for modern, jazz shoes or sneakers, and tap shoes (optional).
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All – Supportive undergarments should be worn – dance belts for men and supportive bras for women. All should have hair neat and pulled away from the face. Also, please note that there should be no loose or dangling jewelry of any kind.
*Please contact Andrea Sadler at 765-285-8740 for information regarding DVD/VHS auditions.
Related Links
Dance Application
Auditions 2012
Admissions