APPLICATION PROCESSVCU is a large state university with two campuses: the Academic Campus and the MCV Campus. VCU Department of Dance and Choreography is part of the School of the Arts on the academic campus. Students must apply to the university and audition for VCU Dance. VCU Dance strongly encourages prospective students to complete the application process prior to attending an audition.
Students applying to the Department of Dance and Choreography must complete an audition and the VCU Application for Undergraduate Admission (including the requirements for School of the Arts performing arts majors).
Transfer Students applying to the Department of Dance and Choreography must complete an audition and the standard VCU Application for Undergraduate Admission. Click here for information on the application process for Transfer Students.
The Office of International Admissions for VCU processes undergraduate applications for non-U.S. citizens and non-U.S. residents. The School of the Arts requires international students to fill out both the Undergraduate Admissions Application and the School of the Arts Application.
International students are also required to audition for the program. Special arrangements for an audition can be made by contacting Laura Stepp, Administrative Coordinator.
An audition is required for application to the Department of Dance and Choreography. The audition takes place in the Dance Center, 10 N. Brunswick St., Richmond, Virginia. Contact the department by phone at (804) 828-1711 or e-mail the department to sign-up for an audition. We will need your requested audition date, whether you would like to attend a performance, your address and your current progress on completing the application process.
You may also sign up online for a Dance audition by clicking here.
2009-10 academic year audition dates, for admission in 2010-2011 :
November 20, 2009
10:00 sign-in; noon - 4 p.m. auditionJanuary 29, 2010
10:00 sign-in; noon - 4 p.m. auditionFebruary 19, 2010
10:00 sign-in; noon - 4 p.m. auditionMarch 26, 2010
10:00 sign-in; Noon - 4 p.m. audition*Department concert at the Grace Street Theater, 934 West Grace Street, 8 p.m.
See our calendar of events.When considering any university dance program, do some research as each audition and program is different. Discover the focus of each dance program and what the faculty is looking for during auditions. Dance Magazine has an excellent college guide and Dance/USA provides information on additional research resources. Here is what we look for at VCU Dance: self-motivation, passion for the art form of dance, openness to new ideas, self-discipline, talent, creativity, Bachelor of Fine Arts level skills in ballet and modern technique.
Preparing for the VCU Dance audition
- Contact the department by phone at (804) 828-1711 or e-mail the department to sign-up for an audition. We will need your requested audition date, whether you would like to attend a performance, your address and your current progress on completing the application process.
- Complete and submit the VCU University and School of the Arts applications, including transcripts and recommendations.
- In the months prior to the audition, attending regular modern dance classes is highly recommended. You want to be in your best dancing shape. If you do not have access to modern dance, take ballet and/or jazz technique classes.
- Get plenty of rest prior to the audition.
- Eat breakfast the day of the audition and bring a snack. Low blood sugar can hold you back from your best performance.
- Drink water so you are hydrated during the audition.
The VCU Dance audition
- The VCU Dance audition consists of a ballet barre, a modern center and an improvisation.*
- You do not need to present a prepared solo.
- Please wear appropriate attire: Women wear leotard and tights, unitard or dancewear that allows us to see your body. Men wear tights and tee-shirt or dance wear that allows us to see your body.
- Bring ballet shoes to wear during the ballet barre. The modern center is barefoot.
- Approach the audition with a positive, open attitude. Avoid letting mistakes throw you. We are not looking for perfection. We want to see how you deal with the challenges we present to you. We want to see how you move!
- Breathe... and, whatever happens, keep going, stay with the moment and enjoy dancing.
*** Note: Students come to VCU Dance auditions with a wide range of experience in dance improvisation. If you have little experience in this area, do not let it deter you. Come with an open mind, listen and be ready to take risks while playing with movement ideas.
Audition Day Schedule10:00 a.m. Sign-in and welcome in the Dance Center Lobby
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Auditionees and family members may watch class, studio 203
11:30 - noon Auditionees warm-up on their own, studio 105
Noon - 2:30 p.m. Audition*, Studio 203
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Orientation for auditionees and family members with department chair, including video, refreshments and Q&A
3:30 p.m. Campus tour
*** Parents and other family members may attend the financial aid and housing information sessions while dancers are auditioning:
1:00 - 1:30 p.m. Financial Aid, Studio 201
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. Housing, Studio 201
8:00 p.m. Evening performance*
*Evening performances will occur at the Grace Street Theater on the following audition dates:
- Friday, November 20, 2009: Fall Senior Project Concert
- Friday, January 29, 2010: Student Concert
- Friday, February 19, 2010: VCU Dance NOW
VCU | Department of Dance and Choreography | contact us | webpage help | Section 508 compliant | updated: 06/08/2009