Dance Audition Requirements

Applicants to the B.F.A. in Dance: Contemporary Dance Performance program will participate in two technique classes: one ballet and one modern (pointe is not required). Following the classes, each student will be asked to present a solo that is 90 seconds in length. The solo may be a repertory piece or original choreography. It is preferable, although not required, that solo pieces be ballet or modern. Applicants must provide the accompaniment for solos. CDs and MP3 players are acceptable. Applicants will participate in a brief conversation with the faculty following their solo.

Applicants should choose from the following appropriate attire for their audition:

• solid-colored leotard and tights or
• solid-colored T-shirt and tights or
• solid-colored unitard.

The online audition format requires both pre-recorded material and a live online component. This is not a pre-screen. Instructions on how to send pre-recorded material will be provided upon registering for an audition.

• Submit pre-recorded material (ballet and modern) 48 hours in advance of the online audition.
• The live online component includes a solo and brief conversation with the faculty.

Pre-Recorded Material

Ballet Requirements

Barre

• Pliés
• Tendu or dégagés from fifth position
• Rond de jambe or fondu
• Grand adagio that includes développés en croix

Center

• Pirouettes en dehors and en dedans
• Petit allegro including jetés, assemblés, and battu
• Grand allegro traveling from the corner

Note: It is not a requirement for dancers to dance en pointe, however dancers may choose to perform the barre and/or center practice portion of the video submission en pointe, if desired.

Modern Requirements

Center

• Floor warm-up phrases
• Standing phrases demonstrating
  • Levels
  • Extensions
  • Off-center movement

Across the floor

• Traveling phrases demonstrating
  • Use of space
  • Differing dynamics and qualities of movement
  • Jumps, falls, and turns

Uploading Pre-Recorded Material

Pre-recorded materials should be submitted 48 hours in advance of the online audition. Instructions on how to submit your pre-recorded materials will be sent prior to your online audition.

Live Online Component

During the online audition, each student will be asked to present a solo that is 90 seconds in length. The solo may be a repertory piece or original choreography. It is preferable, although not required, that solo pieces be ballet or modern. Applicants must provide the accompaniment for solos. An interview with the dance faculty is also required.

Only if you are unable to participate in an in-person or online audition may you request to audition entirely by video recording.

Online or in-person auditions are strongly encouraged and preferred by the faculty. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, students may reach out to the Admissions Office to request a fully recorded audition, which will be considered carefully by the audition panel. The requirements for recorded auditions are below.

Ballet Requirements

Barre

• Pliés
• Tendu or dégagés from fifth position
• Rond de jambe or fondu
• Grand adagio that includes développés en croix

Center

• Pirouettes en dehors and en dedans
• Petit allegro including jetés, assemblés, and battu
• Grand allegro traveling from the corner
   

Modern Requirements

Center

• Floor warm-up phrases
• Standing phrases demonstrating
  • Levels
  • Extensions
  • Off-center movement

Across the floor

• Traveling phrases demonstrating
  • Use of space
  • Differing dynamics and qualities of movement
  • Jumps, falls, and turns

Solo

• The solo should be no longer than 90 seconds and may be a repertory piece or original choreography. It is preferable, although not required, that solo pieces be ballet or modern.
• The recording should include a brief oral statement by the applicant that includes the following:
  • Your name
  • Where you are from
  • Your goals in dance
  • Why you would like to attend Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Incomplete recorded auditions will NOT be considered for admission. Please also note:

• Applicants submitting video should be sure that the recordings are appropriately lit and are in focus.
• Applicants who choose to submit a recorded audition should make every effort to have the best possible recording made of their audition performance. Recorded auditions that are of poor quality often result in a student being denied admission.
• Applicants are encouraged to introduce themselves and provide any information they would like to convey to the faculty. Instructions on how to submit recorded auditions will be sent to you after your application is submitted.

Applicants to the B.F.A. in Dance: Commercial Dance program will participate in two technique classes: one 75-minute jazzdance class and one 45-minute freestyle class. Following the classes, each student will be asked to present a solo that is 90 seconds in length. The solo may be a repertory piece or original choreography in any style. Applicants must provide the accompaniment for solos. CDs and MP3 players are acceptable. Applicants will participate in a brief conversation with the faculty following their solo. 

Applicants should choose from the following appropriate attire for their audition:

• Jazzdance class:
  • Leotard or tight-fitted tank
  • Tights or biker shorts (tight pants or nonrestrictive shorts) 
  • Jazz shoes or barefoot 
• Freestyle class:
  • Leotard, tight-fitted tank, or nonrestrictive shirt
  • Non-restrictive pants or tights
  • Jazz shoes, heels, or barefoot 

The online audition format requires both pre-recorded material and a live online component. This is not a pre-screen. Instructions on how to send pre-recorded material will be provided upon registering for an audition.

• Submit pre-recorded material 48 hours in advance of the online audition.
• The live online component includes a solo and brief conversation with the faculty.

Pre-Recorded Material

Jazz/Hip-Hop Requirements

Center

• Pirouettes en dehors and en dedans (parallel and turned-out)
• A short phrase that includes: developeè to the side (tilt); layout (any direction); arabesque
• Across the floor traveling phrase with jumps and leaps
• Optional solo: tap/heels/other styles (90 seconds)

Optional Materials

• Students may submit other materials in any style, including ballet and modern, if they wish. 

Uploading Pre-Recorded Material

Pre-recorded materials should be submitted 48 hours in advance of the online audition. Instructions on how to submit your pre-recorded materials will be sent prior to your online audition.

Live Online Component

During the online audition, each student will be asked to present a solo that is 90 seconds in length. The solo may be a repertory piece or original choreography in any style. Applicants must provide the accompaniment for solos. An interview with the dance faculty is also required.

Only if you are unable to participate in an in-person or online audition may you request to audition entirely by video recording.

Online or in-person auditions are strongly encouraged and preferred by the faculty. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, students may reach out to the Admissions Office to request a fully recorded audition, which will be considered carefully by the audition panel. 

Jazz/Hip-Hop Requirements

Center

• Pirouettes en dehors and en dedans (parallel and turned-out)
• A short phrase that includes: developeè to the side (tilt); layout (any direction); arabesque
• Across the floor traveling phrase with jumps and leaps
• Optional solo: tap/heels/other styles (60–90 seconds)

Optional Materials

• Students may submit other materials in any style, including ballet and modern, if they wish. 

Solo

• The solo should be no longer than 90 seconds and may be a repertory piece or original choreography in any style.
• The recording should include a brief oral statement by the applicant that includes the following:
  • Your name
  • Where you are from
  • Your goals in dance
  • Why you would like to attend Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Incomplete recorded auditions will not be considered for admission. Please also note:

• Applicants submitting video should be sure that the recordings are appropriately lit and are in focus.
• Applicants who choose to submit a recorded audition should make every effort to have the best possible recording made of their audition performance. Recorded auditions that are of poor quality often result in a student being denied admission.
• Applicants are encouraged to introduce themselves and provide any information they would like to convey to the faculty. Instructions on how to submit recorded auditions will be sent to you after your application is submitted.