Audition Procedures for Dance - Performance Concentration

The Dance Department is very excited about the varied curriculum and many opportunities that it will be able to offer you should you choose Goucher.  Whether a dance major or not, all admitted students may take any dance course appropriate for their level.  Students wishing to major in Dance with a Non-Performance Concentration are not required to audition.  

The Dance Department requires all students wishing to major in Dance with a Performance Concentration to audition prior to declaration of major.  This process can occur as a prospective first-year or transfer student, or as a Goucher first-year or sophomore.  Auditions for the 2010/2011 academic year will take place on November 22, 2009 and in February 14, 2010.  These auditions offer an opportunity for prospective students to observe our program and for our faculty to evaluate student’s potential for success in our program as a Dance major with Performance Concentration.  The audition is in addition to the application requirements for admission to the College.

Audition slots fill quickly; therefore we encourage an early application in order to ensure all paperwork is complete so that your audition date may be scheduled.  Please note the application deadlines for each date listed below.  Prospective students and current students will receive a letter from the Dance Department confirming their audition date.

Please note that students wishing to pursue a Non-Performance concentration need not audition.

Audition Dates and Application Deadlines for Dance -- Performance Concentration

Sample Audition Schedule – Location: Todd Dance Studio, Dance Department

How To Arrange An Audition

There are several steps to becoming a Dance Major with Performance Concentration.

1. You must have your Application for Admission on file before an audition can be scheduled.  You do not need to be academically accepted prior to your audition.
2. You must complete the Dance – Performance Concentration – Audition Application (PDF).  Be sure to list your audition date preferences.  You will receive a confirmation letter along with a schedule for the day by mail.
3. All applicants submit a full length photo in practice attire.  The photo is only used for identification. Please print your name on the reverse side of your photo.
4. Résumé reflecting candidate’s dance training and performance experience.

The audition will consist of a ballet and modern technique class, an interview with the faculty, and the presentation of a one-to-two minute solo. No one is permitted to observe the audition classes. The audition is observed and recorded by the faculty for future reference.

We believe applicants present themselves most effectively in person, but we will consider a video audition.  Candidates may therefore submit a DVD, no longer than 10 minutes. The camera should record barre movement from the side and all center movement from the front.  The dancer’s entire body should be visible at all times.  The audition tape should include the following:

Ballet Technique 
- Barre excerpts including pliés, tendus, rond de jambe par terre and grand battements.
- Center adagio including: développés, promenades, and pirouettes.
- Petit allegro with batterie.
- Grand Allegro.
- Optional pointe work for eligible candidates.

Modern Technique
- Floor Work: a movement sequence designed to descend and ascend to and from the floor, use of the torso, articulation of the spine such as curves, arches, and head to tail connection.
- Adagio:  including controlled extensions in centered and off centered positions, parallel and turned out rotations of the limbs, and shifting of the body axis.
- Spatial work: A traveling combination through space demonstrating command of turns, swings, change of direction, fall and recovery, and large jumps of elevation.

Performance
- A one to two minute solo in the genre of the applicant’s choice. A CD player and iPod jack will be provided.

***Please label your DVD with your name and address.***

Audition Apparel

Women:
Pink or skin toned tights
Footless tights
Black or solid colored leotard
Ballet shoes
Hair securely fastened
Pointe shoes optional

Men:
Footless tights
Tights
White T-shirt
Leotard or unitard
Soft ballet shoes

Results and Notification
Please note that applicants must be artistically accepted into the Performance Concentration as well as academically accepted into the college.  If the applicant is not artistically accepted, but has been academically accepted for admission, the applicant can attend Goucher as a potential Dance Major with Non-Performance Concentration or as a different major.  If the student is artistically denied they may attend Goucher as a freshman or transfer and re-audition during their freshman or sophomore years.  Notifications will be mailed in January for Early Action candidates and in March for Regular Decision candidates.

Please submit all materials to:
Goucher College
Dance Audition Committee
Dance Department
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
410-337-6399