<p>I'm debating whether to send a fine arts supplement due to the strong wording on the application directions, namely that only students with "extraordinary talents" should include the supplement. </p>
<p>If I included it I would send an Indian classical dance tape (bharatanatyam for those of you familiar with it). I don't, however, know if my dancing would be classified as exceptional. I'd like to think of myself as a good dancer. I've been training for 12 years and am in the process of preparing for my debut performance. Although I haven't been recognized regionally/nationally/etc, my dance ensemble as a whole has. As a group we've won both regional and national awards. We've also been invited to perform at the Opera House when the Superbowl was in town for a production sponsored by the superbowl and have had many simliar prestigious performances. </p>
<p>Basically I'm just wondering if it would be worth it for me to send a solo tape. Dance is a huge part of my life, and I'd like to think I have a talent in it. I've been looking for a way to make my application stand out and maybe this is the way to do it and show my passion for an extra-curricular activity. </p>
<p>I've read some previous posts about the arts supplement and people say that with a dance tape it depends on the type of dance presented. I'd like to know if anyone knows what people mean by that and also whether you guys think it would be worth it to send a tape. I'd especially like to hear from current Stanford students that sent an arts supplement tape and people who maybe have experience with the arts department, admissions and the arts supplement, but any advice is welcomed</p>
<p>If you feel that your dancing is at an experienced or advanced level and can demonstrate this through your tape and dance resume, then you should submit a supplement. I did submit a dance supplement last year that included both modern and classical dance which I am sure it was a factor in my early admission. </p>
<p>Be sure to include a variety of styles if you feel competent in each of them to show the dance department your versatility. The main con when submitting a supplement is the early deadline (think its Oct 15 for SCEA) which could cause the rest of your application to suffer. Don’t sacrifice the quality of your application if you can.</p>
<p>I don’t know that much about Indian classical dance and the Stanford Dance Department but I recall that there was a class held winter quarter in some type of Indian dance. The dance department always seems to be expanding their repertoire, so if you can bring high quality experience in a new style your supplement will probably be appreciated.<br>
Since Indian Classical dance is specifically mentioned in the arts supplement and you/your group can demonstrate through performance opportunities/awards that you have a high level of competency, I would recommend beginning to put together a DVD.</p>
<p>What previous posters mean about the type of dance mattering is most likely that the style be reputable (i.e. one of those listed) or that the level of excellence required differs between styles as does their ability to beneficially impact your application. Since dance appears to be a large part of your life, you will probably discuss it in your application and a recommendation on your behalf from the dance department would reinforce your image for the adcoms.</p>
<p>Based on what you guys have said, I think I’ll probably create a DVD and send in a supplement app. I’m planning on applying regular decision, so it shouldnt be too much of a time crunch for me. If anyone has any more advice, feel free to provide it. </p>
<p>By the way evig99, did you send a dance tape when you applied to stanford? What kind of dance did you do, and how professional is your tape. We have a professional videographer that works with our company, so I’m planning on having them tape it. I’ll be in my costume with full makeup, but I’m not sure if I’d be able to get a stage to perform on. It might just be a dance studio. Do you think that would be ok, or would it be too unprofessional?</p>
<p>I did send a 7 minute dvd. The dvd included 2 different modern solos as well as a ballet solo. It was taped in my dance studio on my family’s camcorder and tripod. I used Adobe Premiere Pro to edit and improve the video quality. I’m sure that if you use a professional videographer on a stage or not your video will be more than adequate. They don’t expect you to spend too much money to create your dvd. Of course the dancing quality is most important and definitely perform your solo(s) in costume with makeup. Good luck!</p>
<p>@lalalalalala I am a senior in high school, have also trained in bharatnatyam for 12 years and am interested in submitting a supplement. The issue is that I am not, currently, in midst of preparing for an arangetram. My family’s ability to afford it right now is uncertain. I might end up doing one, but that would be waaayyy past the admissions deadline…I was thinking of recording my dance next week. How many pieces did you record? Do you think 3 would be enough (2 Anjalies and a Tilaana)?</p>