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Audition
An audition is required for application to the Department of Dance and Choreography. The audition takes place in the Dance Center, 10 N. Brunswick St., Richmond, Va.
2007-08 academic year audition dates
Preparing for the VCU Dance audition
The VCU Dance audition
Audition schedule
2007-08 academic year audition dates
- November 16, 2007*
10:00 sign-in; noon - 4 p.m. audition - January 25, 2008*
10:00 sign-in; noon - 4 p.m. audition - February 22, 2008*
10:00 sign-in; noon - 4 p.m. audition - March 28, 2008*
10:00 sign-in; Noon - 4 p.m. audition
When considering any university dance program, do some research as each audition and program is different. Discover the focus of each dance program and what the faculty is looking for during auditions. Dance Magazine has an excellent college guide and Dance/USA provides information on additional research resources. Here is what we look for at VCU Dance: self-motivation, passion for the art form of dance, openness to new ideas, self-discipline, talent, creativity, Bachelor of Fine Arts level skills in ballet and modern technique.
Preparing for the VCU Dance audition
- Contact the department by phone at (804) 828-1711 or e-mail the department (dance@vcu.edu) to sign-up for an audition. We will need your requested audition date, whether you would like to attend a performance, your address and your current progress on completing the application process.
- Complete and submit the VCU University and School of the Arts applications, including transcripts and recommendations.
- In the months prior to the audition, attending regular modern dance classes is highly recommended. You want to be in your best dancing shape. If you do not have access to modern dance, take ballet and/or jazz technique classes.
- Get plenty of rest prior to the audition.
- Eat breakfast the day of the audition and bring a snack. Low blood sugar can hold you back from your best performance.
- Drink water so you are hydrated during the audition.
- The VCU Dance audition consists of a ballet barre, a modern center and an improvisation.*
- You do not need to present a prepared solo.
- Please wear appropriate attire: Women wear leotard and tights, unitard or dancewear that allows us to see your body. Men wear tights and tee-shirt or dance wear that allows us to see your body.
- Bring ballet shoes to wear during the ballet barre. The modern center is barefoot.
- Approach the audition with a positive, open attitude. Avoid letting mistakes throw you. We are not looking for perfection. We want to see how you deal with the challenges we present to you. We want to see how you move!
- Breathe... and, whatever happens, keep going, stay with the moment and enjoy dancing.
Audition schedule
Sign-in and welcome in the Dance Center Lobby
10:00 a.m.
Auditionees and family members may watch class, studio 203
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Auditionees warm-up on their own, studio 105
11:30 - noon
Audition, studio 203
Noon - 2:30 p.m.
Parents and other family members may attend the financial aid and housing information sessions while dancers are auditioning:
- Financial Aid, Studio 201
1 - 1:30 p.m. - Housing, studio 201
1:30 - 2 p.m.
Orientation for auditionees and family members with department chair, including video, refreshments and Q&A
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Campus tour
3:30 p.m.
Evening performance**
8 p.m.
** Evening performances will occur on the following audition dates:
- Friday, November 16, 2007: Fall Senior Project Concert, Grace Street Theater
- Friday, January 25, 2008: Miguel Gutierrez & The Powerful People, Grace Street Theater
- Friday, February 22, 2008: Student Concert, Grace Street Theater
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of the Arts
Department of Dance and Choreography
dance@vcu.edu
Date Last Modified: 5/17/2008