Prior to the Audition
- Attend the Spotlight on CTE at McDonough High School Auditorium. (Recommended)
- Practice the audition component to be demonstrated at the audition.
Description of the Audition
Applicants will be given the expectations and procedures for a professional dance class environment and be expected to implement and apply the given expectations as a part of the audition process.
Dance applicants will participate in a movement experience to determine the students’ potential for success in a Dance program. Students will be evaluated on their ability to perform given movements, create movement, and demonstrate the aptitude necessary for success in a rigorous Dance program. Candidates for dance will demonstrate their interest, ability, and talent at the audition through the following activities:
Movement Experience
Applicants will be evaluated for their ability to perform movement sequences as demonstrated by the instructor both in the center floor as a larger group and traveling across the floor in smaller groups. Applicants will also be evaluated on their ability to apply corrections/feedback when given by the instructor. Movement sequences will have one or more of the following concentrations:
- Coordination of upper/lower body
- Rotation/mobility of the hip
- Use of weight, plié, and gravity
- Alignment and mobility of the spine
- Head-tail connection in floorwork
- Ability to propel the center of gravity through space
- Ability to transfer weight
- Ability to demonstrate balance/control
- Ability to elevate/jump
- Line/extension/range of motion
- Musicality and rhythmic organization
- Performance quality/artistic expression
- Ability to sequence movement through a given combination
Composition
Applicants will be given a list of adjectives and action words to use in constructing a composition they create on their own and in constructing a composition that is structured in collaboration with others. Each applicant will be judged on his/her ability to answer the task, to demonstrate creative potential, and to project during the performance.
Structured Response
Applicants will be given a one-on-one opportunity to verbally articulate their interest in the dance program. They will be evaluated on their expression of interest.
Dance Audition Evaluation Components
| Evaluation Component |
Point Values |
| Movement Experience |
60 pts |
| Composition |
25 pts |
| Structured Response |
15 pts |
| TOTAL |
100 pts |
Day of the Audition
- Arrival: Applicants should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late may not be admitted into the audition.
- Attire: Applicants should arrive wearing attire that is conducive to movement (e.g. leotard, footless or convertible tights, fitted white t-shirt, black dance pants).
- Please, no jeans or restrictive clothing.
- Ballet slippers are the preferred footwear for parts of the audition and will enhance the candidate’s ability to perform certain movements. Ballet slippers will be made available for students who need them on the day of the audition.
- Bare feet will also be required for parts of the movement experience.
- Hair must be secured away from the neck and face. No loose jewelry (e.g. necklace, bracelet, hoop earrings) is to be worn for the audition.
- Accompanying Adult: Parents are to drop off applicants and return at the conclusion of the audition.
- Audition Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Unforeseen Illness or Emergency: If the applicant cannot attend or complete the scheduled audition due to an unforeseen illness or emergency, please immediately contact 301-934-2944. Please leave a detailed voicemail if the call is not answered up by a live operator. Please be aware that auditions will not be rescheduled without documentation verifying the illness or emergency.
- Inclement Weather: In the event that school activities are canceled due to inclement weather, dance; auditions will be postponed. Postponed auditions will occur on the designated inclement weather date. All emergency closing and cancellation information will be posted on the CCPS automated information line,301-934-7410 or 301-932-6655. Closings and cancellation announcements may also be made through local media.
- Letters of recommendation and portfolios are not accepted; applicants do not need to come prepared with choreography for the audition.
After the Audition
- Students will be notified if callbacks are required
- Students will be notified of their acceptance in February or March, depending on when they attended the audition.
