VCUarts continues to review applications until all spots are filled. Transfer applicants who submit complete applications by the deadline will receive a decision by: December 1, 2022, for Spring 2023 semester May 1, 2023, for Fall 2023 semester
Application steps
Applicants are required to complete an audition for admission into the Department of Dance & Choreography. We are offering a choice of an in-person or virtual audition process for fall 2023 admission.
In-person
After submitting the transfer application, please use SlideRoom to request your in-person audition date. At the time of your request you will be prompted to upload a brief written statement regarding your educational and career goals.
Onsite auditions will consist of a warm-up, a ballet barre, modern center work and an improvisation section as part of a class, followed by a short interview.
Audition dates:
Friday, Nov. 18th, 2022
Friday, Dec. 2nd, 2022
Friday, Jan. 27th, 2023
Virtual audition and interview
If you are auditioning virtually, please use SlideRoom to submit your audition video. Below you will find the link to access the videos as well as a description to what each file is.
Audition Video:
All aspects of the audition material can be danced safely in a 10 x 10 foot space. Auditionees are strongly encouraged to access a studio environment to learn material and record audition footage. However, we understand that some auditionees don’t have this option and must dance in their home settings. To optimize an environment where dancers’ can safely move and submit their best work, we ask that auditionees locate an open space where furniture and home accessories can be pushed aside and pets or other distractions can be removed.
The long video file is meant to allow prospective students to warm-up, become mentally and physically centered, engage with VCU Dance Faculty, and learn the audition material with more thorough explanations. Auditionees will take a brief class in the following order:
Improvisation with MK Abadoo (sound only, no video)
(Dance accompanists, Shellie Johnson and Scott Milstead, are featured in the video. The music tracks for the Improvisation are “Onwalo” by Philip Aaberg and Kinobe and “African Journey” by Anugama & Sebastian. VCUarts Dance Music Director, Robbie Kinter, filmed and edited both videos and he and pianist Ryan Jones are featured in the shorter video file for the Improvisation section.)
Shorter Video File
The short video file [7:36] is meant to resemble the entire length and sequence of events for the video submission. This video is designed for you to follow along if needed.
Creation of Video Audition
All material should be filmed in one continuous shot only pausing to change shoes and take a breath.
1. 2-min improvisation based on memory of the prompts guided by Professor Abadoo.
2. Ballet, modern, and West African sections of the audition. You may follow along with the video if preferred.
Please use the provided sound file while completing the improvisation and movement phrases if you are not following along with the video. If you are using the short video to follow exercises you do not need to use the music file. The music in the short video and the music on the sound file are the same. For both methods please make sure the volume is loud enough for the camera to pick up the music. The video should not exceed the short video or sound files.
A virtual interview will be scheduled at a later date after your virtual audition has been submitted.
If you have any questions regarding the audition process please contact the Department of Dance & Choreography at dance@vcu.edu.
Talent and potential as an artist in the field of dance.
Prior training and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of modern dance and/or classical ballet techniques.
Ability to demonstrate musicality and dynamic range.
A healthy, physically conditioned body that is injury-free.
Openness to new ideas and the ability to engage in creative problem-solving.
