Audition Information
BFA and MFA Auditions 2008-2009 for acceptance Fall 2009
Each year, the School of Dance holds two national auditions, fall and spring, for acceptance the following academic year. In addition, high school seniors registered for and attending the Arizona Jazz Dance Showcase have the opportunity to attend an audition class.
The first audition date for acceptance fall 2009 will take place Saturday, September 20, 2008 - 12:00 pm. The second national audition will be held Saturday, January 17, 2009 - 12:00 pm. Ballet, Modern and Jazz will be given in that order. MFA auditioners (only) should be prepared to show a short solo afterward.
To secure a place at the national audition, your first step is to complete the audition application and send it, and the necessary materials, (see below), to The University of Arizona School of Dance.
While we can allow you to audition for the School of Dance prior to completing your application to the University, we ask and encourage you to apply as soon as possible, regardless of the audition date you select. You will not be notified of the results of your audition until your application has been submitted to the University. The on-line site for application to the University of Arizona can be found at: https://admissions.arizona.edu/apply/index.aspx. The application for fall 2009 will not be available until early August.
BFA: The University awards sizable academic scholarships to high school seniors based on a number of factors, including high school gpa, SAT or ACT scores, and placement relative to other seniors in your graduating class. These are separate from any talent scholarships available from the School of Dance.
If you are applying for acceptance into the dance program for fall 2009, you must audition at one of our scheduled auditions or send a video audition during the 12 months prior to the first day of classes. Audition slots tend to fill up fast, so you are urged to attend one of our national auditions as early as possible. Due to the large number of students auditioning for our program, we will not be able to accept applications after the deadline dates. Materials for the September audition must arrive at the School by September 15, 2008; mateials for the January audition must arrive at the School by January 12, 2009.
Audition Fees: $30 for group audition; $40 for individual audition; $50 for video audition (make check payable to UA Dance)
Audition Requirements:
- Audition Application
- Audition Fee (See above)
- Photo which can be a snap shot or Polaroid, in first arabesque (Print name on back of photo)
- A brief resumé of your dance training and experience
- Two letters of recommendation from a current dance source such as a teacher
The submission of a video or DVD is strongly recommended and will be used for scholarship considerations. Early submission of these materials will enhance your scholarship opportunities.
Mail the above to:
UA School of Dance
PO Box 210093
Tucson AZ 85721
If you are sending via Express Mail, FedX, UPS, etc.:
UA School of Dance
1713 E University
Ina Gittings Bldg., Room 121
Tucson AZ 85721
Additional Requirements:
Dress Code/Attire for National Auditions and DVD/Video Submission:
- 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)
Audition:
Check in one half hour prior to the 12:00 audition time at the Ina E Gittings Bldg., Dance Office, Room 121, located on the UA campus. The audition class begins promptly at 12:00 pm. Taught by UA Faculty, the class includes a brief ballet barre, several ballet center-floor combinations, a modern combination and a jazz combination. Following the audition session, faculty members will be available for a group Q&A with audtioners and parents. Fall semester auditioners should receive notification of acceptance or non-acceptance by the second week of December 2008, provided you have initiated your application to the University of Arizona. Spring semester auditioners should receive notification of acceptance or non-acceptance by the first week of April 2009, but again, only if an application to the University has been made.
In the event a student with a valid reason absolutely cannot attend one of our three National Auditions, individual auditions which require a two day visit on pre-determined dates are available. They are limited to no more than six students. You must call before sending your paperwork for the audition to verify there are spaces available. Individual auditions consist of students participating in daily classes (ballet and modern and jazz.) The student is evaluated by the person teaching the class.
School of Dance Location:
The Dance office and studios are located in the Ina E. Gittings Bldg. at the east entrance of the UA Campus. The building address is 1713 E University, just off Campbell Ave., the second building on the right hand side.
[ Google Map ]
Phone: 520.621.4698.
Guidelines for Auditioning by video:
These guidelines are to be used for all video submissions.
When submitting a video, make sure to include the following information clearly printed on the form on the reverse side of this page. The faculty will be judging your technical ability, musicality and how you perform the movement in each discipline. Our 200/300/400 level technique classes are advanced dance classes for students who have had several years of dance training. Your body and overall physical presence and proportions are also considered; it is important that your body can be clearly seen. We ask that females wear leotard and tights or unitard and males wear close fitting shirt and tights or unitard.
Please use only 1/2 inch VHS format or a DVD. We have no way to view tapes that are high 8, super 8, or other format. A home video is certainly sufficient as long as it is a studio setting where there is ample light for you to be well seen on the recording.
The video tape should include:
BALLET
- 2 ballet barrework combinations (side view)
- 3 ballet centerwork exercises (minimum) which include:
- an adagio demonstrating control, line, extension, placement and multiple pirouettes en dors and en dedans
- petite allegro
- grand allegro
- Optional for females: 1 or 2 pointe work exercises in center
MODERN
- 2 modern combinations of approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute each
- 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
- A lyrical combination (approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute)
- An upbeat jazz combination (approximately 32 counts or 1/2 minute)
- Demonstrate your turning ability
- Demonstrate your jumping ability
- Optional: musical theatre or tap combination
**Optional addition: video clip in performance (make sure you identify yourself if it is a group)