<p>Hi everybody! I'm new to posting but I've been reading the forum for a while. I'm a senior about to start the whole audition proccess and I can't tell you how much you guys have helped me prepare myself for what to expect. </p>
<p>One thing I'm not too clear about. In the next month or so I'm auditioning for Emerson. CCM and U of M, and NYU, and I'm curious as to what the dance auditions are like at these schools. I attended the CAP 21 program the last two years, which is heavy on dance (i was in levels 2 and 3 if your familiar with the program) and I've taken scattered jazz and ballet classes through the years and have learned a lot doing musical theatre. I know the whole deal with the dance option at NYU, and I will not be dancing at that audition. But I'm still pretty nervous about the level of dance their going to expect at the other schools! Is it basic dance, or more intermediate? What are the warmups like? Do they ever ask to see specific turns or jumps? How quickly do they teach the combo? Do the auditions take place in a dance studio, on a stage, etc? Any feedback you all could give would be so helpful!</p>
<p>This is what I remember from when I auditioned for some of those schools in 1999-2000.</p>
<p>University of Michigan's dance audition in 2000 would have been ridiculously easy for a dancer, or even someone on an intermediate level. I had no dance training whatsoever, and I managed to get through it okay. The hardest part was a turn with your leg behind you and bent at a 90 degree angle, and your arms wide open to either side of your body. I have terrible balance so that was difficult for me, but most people with some dance training would probably be fine. I don't know if it's changed since then or not, but that was my experience.</p>
<p>When I auditioned for Emerson, there was no dance audition required, and I have no idea about CCM because I didn't audition for them last time around. I will be this time though! NYU also didn't require a dance audition (that hasn't changed, correct?)</p>
<p>From what I recall, FSU had the hardest dance audition of any school I auditioned at. I couldn't keep up with their combinations AT ALL, and I didn't get into the program there. It was really horrendously difficult for me, and you have to be in GREAT physical shape to even have a chance at doing well at their audition. Luckily, I'm much more prepared for that this time around than I was last time. Thank you, Bikram yoga!</p>
<p>I hope that information helps you a little. For the most part, the dance auditions were not that difficult, and even if you're not a dancer (like me,) you can really make a good impression if you just smile really big and make the routine your own - even if you make a few mistakes. The dance instructor at the University of the Arts said I had "an excellent physical expression of music" after my dance audition there - the audition was participating in a regular ballet class with current MT majors. I was terrible at ballet, but I really tried to show my personality in the dance, and it paid off! I got in.</p>
<p>My D is a UM sophomore so auditioned for UM in January 2004. She is a very experienced dancer and yet I don't think her experience was the same as Samia's. Maybe it has just changed since she auditioned. I believe that others would tell you that while the UM dance audition is not uber-challenging on it's face (no demands for triple attitude turns on point), it IS one of the longest and a more thorough experience than most MT dance auditions. It consisted of a ballet barre, where any dance instructor worth their salt can pick out the trained dancers from the "fake it until you make it" types. There was a short set of exercises in center and then two or three combinations - both ballet and Broadway "styles" combinations. Some groups reported being asked to show a tap combination if they could while others said it was not offered. The audition lasted approximately 45 minutes as I recall.</p>
<p>Contrast this with the other dance auditions she had:</p>
<p>Emerson (5-10 minutes of following an instructor's direction to "do exactly as I show you - do not try to impress me with anything more than I show" and then doing a grape-vine for 5 minutes....)</p>
<p>Steinhardt (about 20 minutes to learn and do 2 combinations - one ballet, one styles - taught, observed and adjudicated by a CURRENT student! - no faculty present)</p>
<p>CMU - also about 20 minutes with a short warm up and 2 combinations, nothing more complicated than step. step, develope front, single pirouette from fourth...</p>
<p>Syracuse and CCM both offered thorough dance auditions with Syracuse being more ballet focused and CCM being more "styles" and somewhat intimidating (having current students do a high energy dance for the auditioners and then saying to them "see - THIS is what we're looking for - and they only learned that yesterday!" Thanks a lot......</p>
<p>The bottom line to me is, again, do the best you can. Auditors will identify the "real dancers" very quickly and as for the other kids, they are looking to see how you move, if you are comfortable with your body (DO NOT try and hide your body any loose or inappropriate clothing) and maybe equally importantly, to see how you deal with the challenge of doing something that doesn't come naturally to you, i.e., what kind of energy and enthusiasm you bring to the task. This tells them a lot!</p>
<p>Last year my daughter's dance auditions were:</p>
<p>NYU (w/dance component) challenging
Steinhardt- not a problem
CCM - somewhat challenging
Syracuse - a nice mix,very thorough, could be challenging for some
CMU- barre and many combinations, no real complaints.
PSU - also in the middle
U Mich- interesting; worked on 'character' and combinations
Emerson-easy</p>
<p>She has a very broad background and years of experience-- from intermediate to advanced in all dance styles. However, I wouldn't worry if you were not a great dancer. We know some kids with limited dance background who got into top programs.</p>
<p>I was just told by the Dean of Admissions at Boston Conservatory that they let in a lot of kids who don't dance well, based on their singing and acting alone. She said this is the first year they've started doing the dance audition, and she was actually against it, because it wouldn't matter a whole lot as far as who got in anyway.</p>
<p>Just thought some of you might like to know. :)</p>
<p>theatermom - Thanks so much for the good information. My son, who has kicked off this year's auditions, was just commenting last night on how (he perceives that) Michigan wants you to be perfect at everything. The discussion was about dance auditions. Some schools don't have them and others do only jazz. Michigan, having the ballet component, could be more challenging for some dancers. Believe me, my son is now working very hard on ballet skills and attends classes several times a week as time allows. Those of you who grew up dancing will have it easier. In addition, Michigan is one of two of his audition schools that does piano placement as part of the audition. He is also brushing up on piano skills, as he took for many years but has not had lessons in a few years. Michigan also has the most challenging application paperwork of the schools to which he is applying, but thank goodness that all was completed last week.</p>
<p>Back to dance auditions - my son really enjoyed the dance and the teacher at Point Park's audition. It was a rather challenging jazz dance that he thought reminded him of the modern dance he takes. I'm not a dancer and don't have much more to offer about this, but that was what he told me. They were hot and sweaty after that part of the audition, which thank goodness was last!</p>
<p>So.... a student who has years of dance background but hasn't taken class regularly for about 3 years (currently once a week, off and on) should opt for the non-dance Tisch audition, right? and that won't count against the student wanting CAP? trying to distill all the opinions I've read here!</p>
<p>Please reassure that talented boy of yours that UM is NOT looking for perfection. I have to say that now that I've had a chance to see many of the UM students in action, these students display all kinds of different strengths and I believe that to be one of the best things about this program. There are so many opportunities for kids to observe and learn from what makes each of them unique - there is wonderful strength in their diversity. As Coach C has alluded, I believe the auditors at UM are obviously looking for talent - aren't all of these schools? - but they are also especially interested in passion, work ethic and joy. I know that they take students who are no where near finished products, but who demonstrate great upside potential. The faculty then commit to helping them BECOME the best performers they can be in the time they have with them. Don't ask me how they identify those qualities - I have no experience on the other side of the audition table. Do all of the students REALIZE their potential? Observation says no. But I think they'd be the first to tell you that "perfection" does not exist and if it did it would be boring because it would be "finished" and static. Really great perfermorers know that there is ALWAYS more to learn, ways to grow and places to go.</p>
<p>Bottom line is I don't want people to put this program up on some kind of pedestal. The program participants are proud of the work going on there but understand the only place to go from up on a pedestal is DOWN.</p>
<p>One other thing I want to point out. There is always mention made of how "long" and "complex" the UM application is and there is a reason for that. They really do read them and the answers to the questions they ask are considered VERY carefully. And they are VERY interesting, often unusual questions. UM likes it when their students have multiple interests and wants them to bring their entire life experience and any other passions they have TO their work. It makes for some pretty exciting learning.</p>
<p>Lastly, the piano "audition" really is just for placement in Freshman piano classes - they will tell you it does not factor in to the audition decision.</p>
<p>Hi guys-
I'm new to posting here but read pretty frequently. I'm a current student at U of M which I know is a pretty often discussed school on here, and I just wanted to expand upon what theatermom was saying about the application and the essays.</p>
<p>Yeah, it's definitely long but I can personally attest to the fact that they read and remember them. The summer before my freshman year I got a two page letter from Brent Wagner (the head of our dept.) discussing details from my essays that he found to be interesting and informative. That not only shows how much Mr. Wagner cares about his students (which is a ton) but also how important it is to craft well written, interesting and truthful essays. </p>
<p>And as for the dance audition, I think it can only help. Someone else said this, but I think simply going in with a positive, fun attitude can help a lot. At college auditions, they're really just looking for a lot of potential and a person that will be enjoyable to work with.</p>