Dance Audition Information

• Friday, November 21, 2025, from 9:30 am – 3 pm (only date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9:30 am – 3 pm
• Friday, February 20, 2026, from 9:30 am – 3 pm

Auditions take place at the VCU Dance Center, located at 10 N. Brunswick St., Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your audition date.

On-campus 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.

March 5 – 8, 2026
National High School Dance Festival (NHSDF). For more information about NHSDF and to register to attend, please visit this page.

In order to audition at NHSDF you must select this option prior to the conference in your VCU application portal. 

If you are auditioning virtually, please use the application portal 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. We understand that this may not be an option for all. We ask that all auditionees locate themselves in an open space with as few obstacles and distractions (i.e., furniture and pets) as possible.
  • Please choose two modalities in which you wish to be evaluated for your virtual audition. Although there are four movement modalities that you can choose from, you only need to submit two movement sections to best represent you in your audition. Please only upload the sections which you feel comfortable and confident in representing you and your talents.
  • Please use this link to access the audition video and music files.
  • Auditionees will learn choose two of the brief movement experiences to represent themselves in the audition process:
    • Traditional
    • Contemporary
    • Rhythm (choose either the slow or fast version)
    • Improvisation
• Video file
  • The video file 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.
    • Traditional, Contemporary, and Rhythm section (choose either the regular or up tempo versions) audition. You may follow along with the video if preferred.
    • One-minute improvisation open for interpretation prompted by the audio sound file embedded in the video. You can view movement examples provided by 2 students in the video. All material should be filmed in one continuous shot only pausing to change shoes and take a breath.
  • Please use the provided sound from the video while completing the improvisation and movement phrases.
  • Please make sure the volume is loud enough for the camera to pick up the music. The video should not exceed the sound on the video.

A virtual interview will be scheduled at a later date after your virtual audition has been submitted.

Wear proper dance attire that would be fitting for each dance style, including leotards, tights and ballet shoes for ballet, barefoot for contemporary modern, and socks for certain other forms that may be offered that day.

Tips:

• Style your hair in support of full body movement to not impair your dancing ability.
• Bring a water bottle so that you are sure to be hydrated.
• Bring warm-up attire to keep you warm and comfortable before the audition. 

Your check-in time is between 9 and 9:30 AM. Between 9:30 and 11:30 AM, there will be a meet-and-greet with staff members, including from VCUarts Admissions, and a viewing of a workshop class followed by a question and answer session with the student body.

You will have the opportunity to warm-up and prepare for the audition from 11:30 AM to 12 PM, and auditions will begin promptly at 12 PM. This will be followed by a short interview starting around 2 PM. Prepare to stay until at least 3 PM that day, but please keep in mind auditions may run longer.

On-campus 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. You will have an opportunity to warm-up and prepare for the audition beforehand.

Applicants will also be able to participate in a meet-and-greet with staff members, view a workshop class with current VCU Dance + Choreography students, and engage in a Q+A session with the workshop class students. 

Paid parking is available in VCU’s parking decks. The West Cary Street Parking Deck is the closest parking deck to the VCU Dance Center.

• 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.