Dance applicants are required to submit a recorded performance no longer than 5 minutes in length of their performance of 2 short dances that are ballet, jazz, and/or modern (includes lyrical) in form.

Selecting material for the recording:

1.    Follow the directions:  Perform 2 solo dances that together add up to not more than 5 minutes in length. No one else may be seen in the performance.

2.    Follow the directions:  The dance forms may be ballet, jazz or modern (including lyrical).  The two dances may be the same form, demonstrating different movements and skills, or from two different forms, such as ballet and jazz or jazz and modern.  Ballet applicants should include at least one performance on pointe. Do not submit tap, ethnic dance, gymnastic or cheerleading routines.

3.    Select material that demonstrates energy, strong technical skills, range of ability and experience, quality response to music, good physical form (posture, turn-out, port de bras, etc.), and knowledge of dance techniques and conventions.

4.    Costumes are not recommended.

Making the video recording on DVD or videotape:

1.    DO NOT LEAVE THE RECORDING PROCESS TO THE LAST MINUTE.  Deadlines are firm and cannot be changed for individuals.

2.    Remember to introduce yourself and what you are performing at the beginning of the recording.

3.    DO NOT SUBSTITUTE CLIPS FROM PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES.  This is not allowed because clips from previous performances have never provided judges with an appropriate visual performance to evaluate.

4.    Most school athletic, technology and/or audio/visual departments have DVD video recording equipment and someone who knows how to operate it.  Some churches, temples, YMCAs, local theater troupes and dance studios may also have recording equipment. 

5.    DVD (preferred):  If using a digital camera, or a traditional video camera that can be hooked up to a computer, make a standard-sized DVD, not a CD.  Play it on more than one DVD player if you can, to make sure it plays on different equipment.  Label it immediately:  You do not want to accidentally turn in the wrong DVD.  Make a back-up copy:  If the recording is lost or damaged, a copy can save the day.

Most school computer labs have Mac techonology, which easily produces a DVD recording.  The process requires a digital camera, a cable for downloading from the camera to the computer and iMovie software, which allows for editing and DVD burning.  PC technology also requires a cable from the camera.  The most common software for PC DVD production is Avid Express.  Windows Moviemaker allows editing but it will not export to a DVD.

6.    Videotapes (only if DVD recording is not possible):  If you make a VHS format videotape, it must be full-size.  If the performance has been recorded with a palmcorder, the tape must be copied to a full-size videotape.  Do not submit a small tape in the adapter from your personal VCR: this rarely works and adapters can be lost or damaged. Buy a new tape for the application recording.  Play the tape back to make sure it is functioning.  Be sure to rewind it to the beginning.  Label it immediately: You do not want to accidentally submit a tape of your family’s vacation or the last movie you rented from Block Buster.  Make a back up copy: If the tape is lost or damaged, a copy can save the day.


7.    Select an empty, clutter-free, spacious area in which to perform, such as a gymnasium, an empty stage or a dance studio.  Make sure the floor is a safe surface for dancing. 

8.    Avoid glare or back lighting that casts the performance in silhouette.  Avoid dim lighting. Do not film in front of windows or mirrors or a distracting or cluttered background.  If you must film in front of a window or mirror, cover it with a sheet or curtain. 

9.    The camera should be set on a tripod or on a steady surface, level with the performer.  The camera should be back far enough from the performer to keep the full body and head in the frame but not so far away as to lose sight of the finer movements and facial expression.  The camera should only move if it is necessary to keep the dancer in the frame.  Zoom shots and choppy camera movement must be avoided.

10.    Make sure the music is synchronized with the recording equipment and that it is picked up clearly.

11.    Review the recording immediately.  Does the camera show the full body and face clearly? Is the sound clear? Is the lighting appropriate? Is the image in focus? Are you happy with the performance?  If the answer to any of those questions is “No,” do it over.