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Auditions & Admission 2008 – 2009
Audition Dates | Major Audition Schedule | Technique Placement Audition Schedule | Audition Location | Audition Registration | Preparing for an Audition | Audition Results | Admission to the Dance Program | Scholarship Information | Visiting University of Minnesota Dance
Acceptance into the BFA and BA programs in dance as well as placement into modern, ballet and jazz 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, ballet and jazz, a short student solo and an interview. Beginning December 2008, 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.
2008 – 09 Audition Dates
Major & Technique Placement Audition
For Modern, Ballet, and Jazz placement and BA & BFA Dance Program candidates for Fall 2008
Wednesday August 27, 2008, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(first cut/lunch break at 12:30 pm)
Technique Placement Audition
For Modern, Ballet and Jazz placement for Spring 2009
Tuesday November 25, 2008, 3:45 – 6:15 p.m.
Major Audition
For BA & BFA Dance Program candidates for Spring 2009 or Fall 2009
Saturday December 6, 2008 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(first cut/lunch break at 12:30 pm)
Major Audition
For BA & BFA Dance Program candidates for Fall 2009
Saturday February 7, 2009 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(first cut/lunch break at 12:30 pm)
Technique Placement Audition
For Modern, Ballet and Jazz placement for Fall 2009
Tuesday April 28, 2009, 3:45 – 6:15 p.m.
Major Audition Schedule (Aug 27, Dec 6, Feb 7)
| 9:00 a.m. | The Barbara Barker Center for Dance opens. |
| 9:30 a.m. | Registration begins. |
| 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Technique class for placement levels: modern, ballet and jazz. |
| 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Lunch break for dancers. |
| 1 p.m. | Posting of first cut (only those considered for the major will be asked to continue with the audition at the afternoon callback). |
| 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | Callback - additional modern technique. |
| 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Individual student solos. Students may choose to perform a one-minute solo they have choreographed/created on their own, OR improvise for one minute. |
| 3:45 p.m. | Posting of second cut. |
| 3:45 – 5 p.m. | Short informal interviews with individual students. |
Technique Placement Audition Schedule (Nov 25, Apr 28)
| 3:30 p.m. | Registration begins. |
| 3:45 - 6:15 p.m. | Technique class for placement levels: modern, ballet and jazz. |
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. (Map.)
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.
Preparing for an Audition: dancers should arrive prepared to move. No specific dress code is required; the line of the body should be clearly visible. 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 improvise for one minute. Students are welcome to use the sound system which is CD or MP3 player (i.e. iPod) compatible. Students auditioning for the major should also prepare a writing sample, see instructions below.
Writing Sample (new process beginning December 2008): 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.
Scholarship Information: students who wish to be considered for dance scholarships through the audition process are encouraged to fill out the 2008-2009 Application for College of Liberal Arts Freshman Scholarships and also the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). More information on CLA scholarship is available here.
Visiting University of Minnesota Dance: prospective students are encouraged to visit the Dance Program to observe or take class and talk with the faculty and dance students. Visiting activities are scheduled on the Friday afternoon prior to group auditions in December and February of every year (not in August), but may also be arranged individually by contacting 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 5 2008 and Friday February 6 2009. Pre-registration is not required.
Visiting Activities Schedule (Dec 5, Feb 6)
| 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 Nora Jenneman, Coordinator and dance program faculty members and students. |
For more information: contact University of Minnesota Dance at (612) 624-5060, umdance@umn.edu, or visit dance.umn.edu.
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