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:
Judge's Worksheet
- Coordination- opposition, direction changes, balance/control, upper/lower body moving as one, use of weight/transfer, elevation
- Alignment- hip placement, neck/spine placement, shoulder tension, turn out
- Flexibility- extension height, hip mobility, range of motion, jump height
- Retention- applying corrections, picking up choreography, adapting to quick changes
- Performance Quality- facial expressions, elongation, finishing movements, levels, textures, dynamics, musicality
- Professionalism- appropriate attire, listening to instructor, obeying dance room rules, presentation/posture
- Accountability- asking questions, focusing on details, being prepared for instruction, engaged
Solo Video Submission
Showcase your best abilities and performance qualities! The submission can be no longer than 1 minute, 30 seconds. It can be the style of your choosing. No costume is required but make sure you are wearing clothing that allows movement. Click here to submit your solo audition video.
Dance Audition Evaluation Components
Ballet Barre 25 pts
Jazz Across the Floor 25 pts
Modern Combination 25 pts
Solo Video Submission 15 pts
Etiquette 10pts
Dance Audition Rubric
Day of the Audition
- Arrival: Applicants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
- Attire:
- Applicants should arrive wearing all black dance attire that is conductive to movement. (leotard, leggings, tights, jazz pants, etc.)
- Students are required to wear ballet slippers for the barre section of the audition. Bare feet will be required for the modern section of the audition. Hair must be secured away from the neck and face. No loose jewelry.
- Accompanying Adult: Adults can drop students off and return for pick up, or they can wait in the auditorium during auditions. No adults will be permitted to enter auditions or interviews.
- Audition Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Unforeseen Illness or Emergency: Please call 301-934-2944 as soon as you can. Leave a detailed voicemail if the call is not answered 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.
