Audition Application Requirements

Audition Requirements for the SCCDance

Thank you for your interest in the TCU School for Classical & Contemporary Dance!

We are offering both in person and virtual audition opportunities during the 2023-2024 audition season. The audition application requirements differ depending on the BFA program and type of audition you choose. All of our audition applications are submitted though Get Accept'd.
Click on the appropriate BFA degree program and audition type below to download the requirements for that specific application.

Important rules: There are two application processes for admittance to the School for Classical & Contemporary Dance: one for the university and one for the department. All applicants must apply to the University. You do not have to receive acceptance notification to audition for our program.

If you are unable to provide any of the audition related items due to a COVID-related restriction, please contact e.a.gillaspy@tcu.edu or c.hickman@tcu.edu.

BFA Ballet: In Person Audition Requirements   

(Click here for downloadable PDF)

  • Introductory Video:
    • We want to hear from you. Introduce yourself and tell us things about you: What would you like us to know about you? Why TCU?  What do you hope to gain and/or experience here and what are your current long-term goals as they relate to dance?  Then choose one:  What was the last book you read, movie you saw, or place you visited?  Tell us briefly why it was memorable for you.
  • Solo Video:  A classical variation – standard repertoire – 1- 1.5 minutes in length
  • Headshot: Photos do not need to be professional quality
  • Dance Photos:  SCCDance requests that Ballet applicants submit two photographs. Photographs do not need to be professional quality.
    • Photo #1 should be of applicant in tendu à la seconde.
    • Photo #2 should be in first arabesque facing profile.  If the applicant is currently studying en pointe, please take this photograph sur la pointe.  If the applicant has not been studying en pointe, please take this photograph en relevé in soft ballet slippers.
  • While not required, we welcome the following:
    • Resume
    • Letters of recommendation from your dance instructors or choreographers
    • Additional performing videos
    • Samples of your choreography


Supplemental Requirements for Materials Submission
:

  • Dress Code for Solo Video:
    • Solid color leotard, with pink, black, or flesh-tone tights
    • Tucked-in T-shirt or leotard, with black, gray, or flesh-tone tights
    • Supportive undergarments, as appropriate
    • Well-fitted ballet shoes with elastics sewn
    • Hair secured up and away from face
  • Please upload all media files separately and label them appropriately.  Do not combine video files.  For example, do not combine your introductory video with your solo video.
Dance Application

BFA Ballet: Virtual Audition Requirements 

(Click here for downloadable PDF)

  • Introductory Video
    • We want to hear from you. Introduce yourself and tell us things about you: What would you like us to know about you? Why TCU?  What do you hope to gain and/or experience here and what are your current long-term goals as they relate to dance?  Then choose one:  What was the last book you read, movie you saw, or place you visited?  Tell us briefly why it was memorable for you.
  • Audition Video – Ballet:  Video requirements listed below.  Not to exceed 12 min. in length.
  • Audition Video – Modern Dance: Video requirements listed below.  Not to exceed 12 min. in length.
  • Solo Ballet Video:  A classical variation – standard repertoire – 1- 1.5 minutes in length.
  • Modern Improvisation Video:  A 1-2 minute improvisation dance.
    • Please outline and communicate the parameters of the improvisation in the video.
  • Headshot: Photos do not need to be professional quality.
  • Dance Photos:  SCCDance requests that Ballet applicants submit two photographs. Photographs do not need to be professional quality.
    • Photo #1 should be of applicant in tendu à la seconde.
    • Photo #2 should be in first arabesque facing profile.  If the applicant is currently studying en pointe, please take this photograph sur la pointe.  If the applicant has not been studying en pointe, please take this photograph en relevé in soft ballet slippers.
  • Optional Items:  While not required, we welcome the following:
    • Resume
    • Letters of recommendation from your dance instructors or choreographers
    • Additional performing videos
    • Samples of your choreography

Please upload all media files separately and label them appropriately.  Do not combine video files.  For example, do not combine your introductory video with your solo video.

Audition Video Requirements

Audition Video – Ballet:
To be uploaded in one video.  Video not to exceed 12 minutes in length.

  • Dress Code for Ballet Portion:
    • Solid color leotard, with pink, black, or flesh-tone tights
    • Tucked-in T-shirt or leotard, with black, gray, or flesh-tone tights
    • Supportive undergarments, as appropriate
    • Pointe shoes in working condition with ribbons and elastics sewn to the shoes
    • Well-fitted ballet shoes with elastics sewn
    • Hair secured up and away from face

All Ballet Applicants:

  • Brief barre work: (Please film in profile)
    • Brief barre work including plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe par terre, fondu/développé, petite rond de jambe en l’air and grand rond de jambe, frappé and petite battement, grand battement. Do not repeat each exercise for each side; simply alternate sides for each exercise; may combine exercises. Do not exceed a total of 3-4 minutes of barre demonstration.
  • Center: (please film from front) Do not film in costume and do not film into a mirror. Do not exceed 6-7 minutes total for center
    • Grand adagio-including développé in each direction, promenade, pirouettes en dehors and en dedans, one grand pirouette, and one balance of at least 4 measures in a large pose (arabesque or attitude)
    • Pirouettes from fourth position en dehors and en dedans
    • Petit allegro combination with batterie
    • Medium allegro including sissone and sauté fouetté
    • Grand allegro (choose two):  grand jeté,  grand jeté en tournant, tour en l’air
    • Consecutive Turns (choose one):  fouetté turns or turns a la seconde

Pointe requirements – if proficient in pointe work

  • Eight, slow relevé in first position, sustaining the “top” of the relevé long enough for ankle alignment to be visible.  Hold final relevé for a full 8-count.
  • One center combination that includes pirouette en dehors and successive relevé, at least eight relevé, on one leg

 

Audition Video – Modern DanceTo be uploaded in one video.  This is an audition requirement for the BFA Ballet.  Video is not to exceed 12 min. in length.

  • Dress Code and film requirements for Modern Technique:
    • The applicant should choose dancewear that clarifies the outline of the body including joints, skeletal alignment, and muscular involvement.
    • Filming should be done against a background that offers the strongest contrast between dancer and space and so that movements are clearly visible.
    • Do not film in costume and do not film into a mirror.
  • The audition media should begin with a short technical demonstration in the tradition most familiar to the applicant. Exercises and combinations that comprise the warm-up should be clear and concise, and performed on both sides. Please mount the camera on a tripod and include alternate views (front and side). Include a sampling of warm-up (max 3 minutes), center (max 3 minutes) and traveling combinations (max 3 minutes).
  • The warm-up should include floorwork, articulations of the spine, and weight-bearing in the upper body such as inversions and one arm supports.
  • Center material should include movement that travels in and out of the floor, demonstrates ability to align the body vertically and off center, and shifts weight between one and two legs.
  • Traveling combinations should include movements through a variety of levels, actions leaving the ground, and material that includes a variety of dynamic balances.
  • The demonstration will be evaluated regarding the following: alignment, use of weight, dynamic range, spatial clarity, musicality, focus, connectivity and artistry/quality of presentation.
Dance Application

BFA Modern Dance: In Person Audition Requirements 

(Click here for downloadable PDF)

  • Introductory Video:
    • We want to hear from you. Introduce yourself and tell us things about you: What would you like us to know about you? Why TCU?  What do you hope to gain and/or experience here and what are your current long-term goals as they relate to dance?  Then choose one:  What was the last book you read, movie you saw, or place you visited?  Tell us briefly why it was memorable for you.
  • Solo Contemporary Video:  A one-minute contemporary solo performed by the candidate. May be self-choreographed or created by someone other than candidate. Please include the name of the choreographer in the video.
  • Headshot:  Photos do not need to be professional quality
  • Dance Photo: Photos do not need to be professional quality
    • Modern dance applicants may submit a photo(s) of their choosing.
  • While not required, we welcome the following:
    • Resume
    • Letters of recommendation from your dance instructors or choreographers
    • Additional performing videos
    • Samples of your choreography

Supplemental Requirements for Materials Submission:

The applicant should choose dancewear that clarifies the outline of the body including joints, skeletal alignment, and muscular involvement. Filming should be done against a background that offers the strongest contrast between dancer and space and so that movements are clearly visible. Do not film in costume and do not film into a mirror.

  • Dress code:
    • Fitted biker shorts
    • Leggings, tights
    • Fitted joggers or dance pants (need to be able to see ankle, knee and hip joints)
    • Leotards, tank tops
    • Fitted (non-flowing) tops
    • Hair should be arranged such that it does not cover the face, nor should it interfere with alignment
  • Please upload all media files separately and label them appropriately.  Do not combine video files.  For example, do not combine your introductory video with your solo video.
Dance Application

BFA Modern Dance: Virtual Audition Requirements 

(Click here for downloadable PDF)

  • Introductory Video
    • We want to hear from you. Introduce yourself and tell us things about you: What would you like us to know about you? Why TCU?  What do you hope to gain and/or experience here and what are your current long-term goals as they relate to dance?  Then choose one:  What was the last book you read, movie you saw, or place you visited?  Tell us briefly why it was memorable for you.
  • Audition Video – Modern Dance: Video requirements listed below.  Not to exceed 12 min in length.
  • Audition Video – Ballet:  Video requirements listed below.  Not to exceed 12 min in length.
  • Solo Contemporary Video:  A 1 minute contemporary solo performed by the candidate. May be self-choreographed or created by someone other than candidate. Please include the name of the choreographer in the video.
  • Modern Improvisation Video:  A 1-2 minute improvisation dance.
    • Please outline and communicate the parameters of the improvisation in the video.
  • Headshot: Photos do not need to be professional quality.
  • Dance Photo(s):  Photos do not need to be professional quality.
    • Modern dance applicants may submit a photo(s) of their choosing.
  • Optional Items:  While not required, we welcome the following:
    • Resume
    • Letters of recommendation from your dance instructors or choreographers
    • Additional performing videos
    • Samples of your choreography

Please upload all media files separately and label them appropriately.  Do not combine video files.  For example, do not combine your introductory video with your solo video.

Audition Video Requirements

Audition Video – Modern Dance
To be uploaded in one video.  Video is not to exceed 12 min. in length.

  • Dress Code and film requirements for Modern Dance:
    • The applicant should choose dancewear that clarifies the outline of the body including joints, skeletal alignment, and muscular involvement.
    • Filming should be done against a background that offers the strongest contrast between dancer and space and so that movements are clearly visible.
    • Do not film in costume and do not film into a mirror.
  • The audition media should begin with a short technical demonstration in the tradition most familiar to the applicant. Exercises and combinations that comprise the warm-up should be clear and concise, and performed on both sides. Please mount the camera on a tripod and include alternate views (front and side). Include a sampling of warm-up (max 3 minutes), center (max 3 minutes) and traveling combinations (max 3 minutes).
  • The warm-up should include floorwork, articulations of the spine, and weight-bearing in the upper body such as inversions and one arm supports.
  • Center material should include movement that travels in and out of the floor, demonstrates ability to align the body vertically and off center, and shifts weight between one and two legs.
  • Traveling combinations should include movements through a variety of levels, actions leaving the ground, and material that includes a variety of dynamic balances.
  • The demonstration will be evaluated regarding the following: alignment, use of weight, dynamic range, spatial clarity, musicality, focus, connectivity and artistry/quality of presentation.


Audition Video – Ballet:
To be uploaded in one video.  Video not to exceed 12 minutes in length.  This is an audition requirement for the BFA Modern.

  • Dress Code for Ballet Portion:
    • Solid color leotard, with pink, black, or flesh-tone tights
    • Tucked-in T-shirt or leotard, with black, gray, or flesh-tone tights
    • Supportive undergarments, as appropriate
    • Pointe shoes in working condition with ribbons and elastics sewn to the shoes
    • Well-fitted ballet shoes with elastics sewn
    • Hair secured up and away from face
  • Brief barre work: (Please film in profile)
    • Brief barre work including plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe par terre, fondu/développé, petite rond de jambe en l’air and grand rond de jambe, frappé and petite battement, grand battement. Do not repeat each exercise for each side; simply alternate sides for each exercise; may combine exercises. Do not exceed a total of 3-4 minutes of barre demonstration.
  • Center: (please film from front) Do not film in costume and do not film into a mirror. Do not exceed 6-7 minutes total for center
    • Grand adagio-including développé in each direction, promenade, pirouettes en dehors and en dedans, one grand pirouette, and one balance of at least 4 measures in a large pose (arabesque or attitude)
    • Pirouettes from fourth position en dehors and en dedans
    • Petit allegro combination with batterie
    • Medium allegro including sissone and sauté fouetté
    • Grand allegro
Dance Application

BFA Ballet & Modern Dance: In Person Audition Requirements 

(Click here for downloadable PDF)

  • Introductory Video
    • We want to hear from you. Introduce yourself and tell us things about you: What would you like us to know about you? Why TCU?  What do you hope to gain and/or experience here and what are your current long-term goals as they relate to dance?  Then choose one:  What was the last book you read, movie you saw, or place you visited?  Tell us briefly why it was memorable for you.
  • Solo Ballet Video: A classical variation – standard repertoire – 1- 1.5 minutes in length.
  • Solo Contemporary Video:  A 1 minute contemporary solo performed by the candidate. May be self-choreographed or created by someone other than candidate.  Please include the name of the choreographer in the video.
  • Headshot:  Photo does not need to be of professional quality.
  • Dance Photo(s): Supply both a ballet and modern dance photos.  Ballet requirements state you must submit two photographs, guidelines listed below.  Modern dance photo is of your choosing.   Photographs do not need to be professional quality.
    • Ballet Photo #1 should be of applicant in tendu à la seconde.
    • Ballet Photo #2 should be in first arabesque facing profile.  If the applicant is currently studying en pointe, please take this photograph sur la pointe.  If the applicant has not been studying en pointe, please take this photograph en relevé in soft ballet slippers.
    • Modern dance photo is of your choosing.
  • While not required, we welcome the following:
    • Resume
    • Letters of recommendation from your dance instructors or choreographers
    • Additional performing videos
    • Samples of your choreography

Supplemental Requirements for Materials Submission

Please upload all media files separately and label them appropriately.  Do not combine video files.  For example, do not combine your introductory video with your solo video.

Ballet Requirements for Solo Video:

  • Dress Code:
    • Solid color leotard, with pink, black, or flesh-tone tights
    • Tucked-in T-shirt or leotard, with black, gray, or flesh-tone tights
    • Supportive undergarments, as appropriate
    • Pointe shoes in working condition with ribbons and elastics sewn to the shoes
    • Well-fitted ballet shoes with elastics sewn
    • Hair secured up and away from face

Modern Dance/Contemporary Dance Requirements for Solo Video:

The applicant should choose dancewear that clarifies the outline of the body including joints, skeletal alignment, and muscular involvement. Filming should be done against a background that offers the strongest contrast between dancer and space and so that movements are clearly visible. Do not film in costume and do not film into a mirror.

  • Dress code:
    • Fitted biker shorts
    • Leggings, tights
    • Fitted joggers or dance pants (need to be able to see ankle, knee and hip joints)
    • Leotards, tank tops
    • Fitted (non-flowing) tops
    • Hair should be arranged such that it does not cover the face, nor should it interfere with alignment.
Dance Application

BFA Ballet & Modern Dance: Virtual Audition Requirements 

(Click here for downloadable PDF)

  • Introductory Video
    • We want to hear from you. Introduce yourself and tell us things about you: What would you like us to know about you? Why TCU?  What do you hope to gain and/or experience here and what are your current long-term goals as they relate to dance?  Then choose one:  What was the last book you read, movie you saw, or place you visited?  Tell us briefly why it was memorable for you.
  • Audition Video – Ballet:  Video requirements listed below.  Not to exceed 12 min. in length.
  • Audition Video – Modern Technique: Video requirements listed below.  Not to exceed 12 min. in length.
  • Solo Ballet Video:  A classical variation – standard repertoire – 1- 1.5 minutes in length.
  • Solo Contemporary Video:  A 1 minute contemporary solo.  May be self-choreographed or created by someone other than the candidate.  Please include the name of the choreographer in the video.
  • Modern Improvisation Video:  A 1-2 minute improvisation dance.
    • Please outline and communicate the parameters of the improvisation in the video.
  • Headshot: Photos do not need to be professional quality.
  • Dance Photo(s):  Supply both a ballet and modern dance photos.  Ballet requirements state you must submit two photographs, guidelines listed below.  Modern dance photo is of your choosing.   Photographs do not need to be professional quality.
    • Ballet Photo #1 should be of applicant in tendu à la seconde.
    • Ballet Photo #2 should be in first arabesque facing profile.  If the applicant is currently studying en pointe, please take this photograph sur la pointe.  If the applicant has not been studying en pointe, please take this photograph en relevé in soft ballet slippers.
    • Modern dance photo is of your choosing.
  • Optional Items:  While not required, we welcome the following:
    • Resume
    • Letters of recommendation from your dance instructors or choreographers
    • Additional performing videos
    • Samples of your choreography

Please upload all media files separately and label them appropriately.  Do not combine video files.  For example, do not combine your introductory video with your solo video.

Audition Video Requirements

Audition Video – Ballet:
  To be uploaded in one video.  Video not to exceed 12 minutes in length.

  • Dress Code for Ballet Portion:
    • Solid color leotard, with pink, black, or flesh-tone tights
    • Tucked-in T-shirt or leotard, with black, gray, or flesh-tone tights
    • Supportive undergarments, as appropriate
    • Pointe shoes in working condition with ribbons and elastics sewn to the shoes
    • Well-fitted ballet shoes with elastics sewn
    • Hair secured up and away from face

All Ballet Applicants:

  • Brief barre work: (Please film in profile)
    • Brief barre work including plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe par terre, fondu/développé, petite rond de jambe en l’air and grand rond de jambe, frappé and petite battement, grand battement. Do not repeat each exercise for each side; simply alternate sides for each exercise; may combine exercises. Do not exceed a total of 3-4 minutes of barre demonstration.
  • Center: (please film from front) Do not film in costume and do not film into a mirror. Do not exceed 6-7 minutes total for center
    • Grand adagio-including développé in each direction, promenade, pirouettes en dehors and en dedans, one grand pirouette, and one balance of at least 4 measures in a large pose (arabesque or attitude)
    • Pirouettes from fourth position en dehors and en dedans
    • Petit allegro combination with batterie
    • Medium allegro including sissone and sauté fouetté
    • Grand allegro (choose two):  grand jeté,  grand jeté en tournant, tour en l’air
    • Consecutive Turns (choose one):  fouetté turns or turns a la seconde
  • Pointe Requirements – if proficient in pointe work
    • Eight, slow relevé in first position, sustaining the “top” of the relevé long enough for ankle alignment to be visible.  Hold final relevé for a full 8-count.
    • One center combination that includes pirouette en dehors and successive relevé, at least eight relevé, on one leg


Audition Video – Modern Dance: 
To be uploaded in one video.  Video is not to exceed 12 min. in length.

  • Dress Code and film requirements for Modern Dance:
    • The applicant should choose dancewear that clarifies the outline of the body including joints, skeletal alignment, and muscular involvement.
    • Filming should be done against a background that offers the strongest contrast between dancer and space and so that movements are clearly visible.
    • Do not film in costume and do not film into a mirror.
  • The audition media should begin with a short technical demonstration in the tradition most familiar to the applicant. Exercises and combinations that comprise the warm-up should be clear and concise, and performed on both sides. Please mount the camera on a tripod and include alternate views (front and side). Include a sampling of warm-up (max 3 minutes), center (max 3 minutes) and traveling combinations (max 3 minutes).
  • The warm-up should include floorwork, articulations of the spine, and weight-bearing in the upper body such as inversions and one arm supports.
  • Center material should include movement that travels in and out of the floor, demonstrates ability to align the body vertically and off center, and shifts weight between one and two legs.
  • Traveling combinations should include movements through a variety of levels, actions leaving the ground, and material that includes a variety of dynamic balances.
  • The demonstration will be evaluated regarding the following: alignment, use of weight, dynamic range, spatial clarity, musicality, focus, connectivity and artistry/quality of presentation.
Dance Application

Be sure to visit our Dance Admission FAQ’s page to find out more about the programs here at TCU’s SCCDance!