Auditions & Admission : Department of Theatre Arts and Dance : University of Minnesota

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Auditions & Admission 2009 - 2010

Acceptance into the BFA and BA programs in dance, as well as placement into modern, African diasporic movement, jazz and ballet technique classes above level 1 is by audition only. Major acceptance rate is approximately one in four. Auditions consist of a technique class in modern, African diasporic movement, jazz and ballet, a short student solo and an interview. Students auditioning for the dance major must submit a paper copy of a writing sample the day of the audition in response to three essay questions (see instructions below). Prospective dance majors should submit an application to the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts by the Office of Admissions priority deadline, but need not have received notification from the University before participating in an audition.

2009-2010 Audition Dates

Major and Technique Placement Audition
For modern, African diasporic movement, jazz and ballet placement and BA and BFA Dance candidates for fall 2009
Wednesday September 2, 2009, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(first cut and lunch break at approximately 12:30 p.m.)

Major Audition
For BA and BFA Dance candidates for spring 2010 or fall 2010 and modern, African diasporic movement, jazz and ballet placement for spring 2010
Saturday December 12, 2009, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(first cut and lunch break at approximately 12:30 p.m.)

Major Audition
For BA and BFA Dance candidates for fall 2010
Saturday February 6, 2010, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(first cut and lunch break at approximately 12:30 p.m.)

Technique Placement Audition
For modern, African diasporic movement, jazz and ballet placement for fall 2010
Tuesday April 27, 2010, 3:45 – 6:30 p.m.

Major Audition Schedule

(September 2, December 12, February 6)

8:00 a.m.	The Barbara Barker Center for Dance opens. Note: the building will be locked before 8 a.m.
8:15 a.m.	Registration begins in the Barker Center lobby.
9:00 a.m.	Welcome and Modern warm up.
9:30 a.m.	African diasporic movement technique class.
10:15 a.m.	Jazz technique class.
11:00 a.m.	Ballet technique class.
11:45 a.m.	Modern technique class.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.	Lunch break for dancers.
1:00 p.m.	Posting of first cut. Only those considered for the major will be asked to continue the audition at the afternoon callback.
1:30 p.m.	Callback – additional modern technique.
2:30 p.m.	Individual student solos.
3:45 p.m.	Posting of second cut.
3:45 – 5:00 p.m.	Short informal interviews with individual students.

Technique Placement Audition Schedule (April 27)

3:15 p.m.	Registration begins in the Barker Center lobby.
3:45 p.m.	Welcome, Modern warm up and Modern technique class.
4:45 p.m.	African diasporic movement technique class.
5:15 p.m.	Jazz technique class.
5:45 – 6:15 p.m.	Ballet technique class.

Audition Location: all auditions are held at the Barbara Barker Center for Dance, Studio 100, 500 21st Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (612) 624-5060, umdance@umn.edu.

Audition Registration: dancers should arrive at least 15 minutes early to register; pre-registration before the day of the audition is not required. The studio space will be available 30 minutes prior to the start of major auditions (10 minutes for technique placement auditions) for dancers who wish to warm up on their own. Dancers must be registered and in the studio by the start time of the audition; latecomers will not be allowed to participate. Dancers should be prepared to stay for the entire length of the audition. Students auditioning for technique placement only should plan to participate in all technique classes for placement, but need not be available for the callback (September 2, December 12, February 6), and do not need a prepared writing sample or solo.

Observers: observers are not allowed in the audition studio; these are closed auditions. The Barker Center lobby is open for those accompanying participating dancers.

Preparing for an Audition: dancers should arrive prepared to move. No specific dress code is required, though the line of the body should be clearly visible, including ankles, knees and hips. The faculty suggest students cover their legs in tights or dance pants. Dancers should be ready to dance barefoot, and bring ballet and jazz shoes if available – pointe shoes are not needed. Dancers must prepare a one-minute (maximum) solo of their own choreography/creation for the afternoon callback OR be prepared to improvise for one minute. Students are welcome to use the sound system which is CD or MP3 player (i.e. iPod) compatible; music should be cued. Students auditioning for the major should also prepare a writing sample, see instructions below.

Writing Sample: students auditioning for the dance major must submit a paper copy of a writing sample the day of the audition. Please respond to the following questions in a short essay: one to two pages, double-spaced, font size 12. Be sure to proofread. (1) What has brought you to dance? (2) Why do you plan to pursue a degree in dance? (3) How do you imagine the relationship between writing about dance and dancing? Be sure to address each question in your essay.

Audition Results: audition results will be available within five days after the audition. All students will be given technique placement levels regardless of their major candidacy status. Students auditioning for the major program will receive a letter from the Dance Program following the audition process within two weeks following the date of the audition; students auditioning for technique placement only must contact the dance program for audition results. Technique placement levels are valid for one academic year (i.e., two semesters).

Admission to the Dance Program: prospective dance majors should submit an application to the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts by the priority deadline, but need NOT have received notification from the Office of Admissions before auditioning. Both acceptance into the College of Liberal Arts (by the Office of Admissions) and the dance program (by audition) are required to become a BA or BFA dance major student at the University of Minnesota.

Scholarship Information: students who wish to be considered for dance scholarships through the audition process are encouraged to fill out the 2009-2010 Application for College of Liberal Arts Freshman Scholarships and also the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More information on CLA scholarship is available online.

Visiting University of Minnesota Dance: prospective students are encouraged to visit the Dance Program to observe class and talk with the dance faculty, staff and students. Visiting activities are scheduled on the Friday afternoon prior to group auditions in December and February of every year (not in August/September), but may also be arranged individually by contacting Dance Program Coordinator Nora Jenneman at (612) 624-4008 or jenne011@umn.edu. These scheduled sessions are open to all prospective students and families and are held in Studio 100 at the Barker Center on Friday December 11, 2009 and Friday February 5, 2010. Pre-registration is not required.

Special Offer for December Visiting Students: prospective students and their families are invited to attend the matinee performance of the University Dance Theatre's annual production of Dance Revolutions on Friday, December 11 at 10:00am for only $7 a ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the box office a half an hour before the performance. It is general admission seating.

Visiting Activities Schedule (December 11 and February 5)

12:20 – 1:50 p.m.	Modern dance technique class open for observation.
2:05 – 3:35 p.m.	Modern dance technique class open for observation.
3:45 – 5:00 p.m.	Question and Answer session with Dance Program Coordinator Nora Jenneman, and dance faculty and students.

For more information: contact University of Minnesota Dance at (612) 624-5060, umdance@umn.edu, or visit http://dance.umn.edu.

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