<p>My D is passionate about dance, and we emailed the ballet director at SPS to take a placement class. We're wondering if we should contact the directors at other schools as well. Also, will this help her application? Thanks!</p>
<p>I would. Also, send a video of her dancing if you can.</p>
<p>Definitely can not hurt…same as contacting a coach for a sport!</p>
<p>Thanks! She’s also thinking about sending a portfolio of her artwork to the schools. What do you guys think about this? Who will look at it, and how big of a role does it play in the admissions process?</p>
<p>When you set up your visits, I would ask admissions to arrange for you to meet with the head of the dance program and the head of the arts program.</p>
<p>My d was the same. We called and talked to all of the dance coaches and met with them when we visited. We also asked them about the dance programs of the other schools (they are a small knit group and know each other well). We sent DVD of her dance and letter from her dance coach to the dance teachers and they all (but one) had “slots” like the football coaches. </p>
<p>However, make sure you look at the dance programs and facilities. The nicest were at SPS and Mercersburg. They also seemed to have the best program and visiting dancers. At one of the HADES programs, the coach was great, but the dance facilities were in an attic and there were support poles throughout the dance floor. Our imput via the other coaches was that it was NOT supported by the school.</p>
<p>Also, at some it is counted as a sport and some as PE. Some also have students who go on to Juliard. We ended up picking Mercersburg specifically for its Dance program and the support the school gave and the beautiful performing arts building they have.</p>
<p>Good luck</p>