UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION
AND DANCE AUDITION

The University and Akron Undergraduate Application and Admission

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Dance Program Placement Audition

Audition information for prospective students

Auditions:

Fall audition date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Spring audition date: Friday, January 24, 2025

We know that choosing the right school can be daunting. At UA, we strive to make your audition experience both positive and informational so that you can make the best choice possible for your journey with dance. This is why, in addition to your audition, we provide a half day of events which give you ample opportunity to spend time with our tight-knit community of dancers and faculty.

Our faculty panel will observe as you take a 60-minute ballet class, a 60-minute contemporary class. After a break, each dancer will present a solo in the genre of their choice immediately followed by a one-on-one interview with the faculty panel. After solo presentations, prospective students and their parents are invited to eat lunch and mingle with our faculty and current students. Other scheduled events include a visit from a UA Admissions representative, off-the-record talks with current students, an informal choreographic showing in our performance studio, and a campus tour. Below is a sample schedule of an in-person audition day:

Sample Schedule
8:30AM – 9:00AM: Registration
9:00AM – 10:00AM: Ballet audition taught by Colleen Barnes
10:10AM – 11:10AM: Contemporary audition taught by Christine Howe
11:20AM – 12:00PM: Solo presentations and interviews with faculty panel in studio 192
12:00PM – 12:30PM: Informal choreographic showing in studio 194
12:30PM – 1:00PM: Lunch and Informal Q&A with currently enrolled students in studio 193
1:00PM – 1:20PM: Official Q&A with faculty, staff, and prospective students
1:20PM – 1:30PM: Tour of Guzzetta Hall
1:30PM: Campus Tour with UA tour guide (optional)

Ballet Class

This 60-minute class will consist of a quick barre and center work. The faculty may ask to see dancers en pointe during this time. Pointe work is not required for entry into the UA Dance Program, but please bring pointe shoes if you wear them. Due to the fast pace of the first class, please arrive early to warm up as needed.

Dress Code

Female-Identifying Dancers: Pink or flesh-toned tights under the leotard and inside the ballet shoes; black leotard; hair securely back; minimal jewelry.
Male-Identifying Dancers: Black tights, white or black fitted T-shirt, tucked in. Black or white ballet shoes; hair securely back; minimal jewelry.
Gender Neutral: We respect and welcome your gender identity. Within the previously listed dress code options, consider wearing what feels most authentic to you.

Contemporary Class

In this 60-minute class is grounded in release technique with specific emphasis on floorwork and movement dynamics. The students will learn a short movement phrase, which they will present in small groups.
Dress Code: Please wear anything that you feel comfortable moving in. Long pants and a shirt to cover the shoulders are recommended.

Solo

Presented in the genre of the dancer’s choice. We suggest presenting a solo that plays to the strengths of the dancer and feels authentic. Solos should be no longer than 2:30. Dancers can present ballet variations, hip hop combinations, improvisation, tap, etc. Please bring music and any relevant adaptors, noting that we connect to your music via auxiliary cord. The faculty will connect your music to the system, as well as start and stop your music as needed.

Virtual Auditions

Please compile the below audition materials into one video and submit via email to both Colleen Barnes (cbarnes@uakron.edu) and Katie Logsdon (logsdon@uakron.edu). YouTube link is preferred as it is the most easily accessible, but the file can also be shared in other formats (cloud link, video attached to the email, etc.).

Submission Deadline: On going

Submission Deadline for scholarship consideration: February 1, 2024

Audition Video Content

Ballet Barre, 1 side:

Pliés
Battement Tendu/Degagé
Adagio/Rond de Jambe
Grand Battement

Ballet Center:

Battement Tendus
Waltz with pirouette
Petit Allegro
Grand Allegro

Contemporary/Modern:

Any floorwork
Across the floor
Jumps
Improvisation for up to 45 seconds

Solo:

Presented in the genre of the dancer’s choice. We suggest presenting a solo that plays to the strengths of the dancer and feels authentic. Solos should be no longer than 2:30. Dancers can present ballet variations, hip hop combinations, improvisation, tap, etc.

Registration

In-Person Audition:

Pre-registration for an in-person audition is appreciated, but not required. Online registration and payment of fees can be found by visiting https://www.uakron.edu/dtaa/dance/audition-information.dot. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for registration and payment links. On the scheduled in-person audition day, registration is scheduled for 8:30-9:00AM in the lobby of Guzzetta Hall. Please bring $10.00 cash for registration fees if you plan to register in person. Exact change is appreciated. If you pre-register for an in-person audition day, you will receive a detailed schedule via email.

Virtual Audition:

You still need to register and pay the $10.00 audition fee to audition virtually.

Admittance

All prospective dance majors enter the UA Dance Program on a provisional basis and technique class placement is determined by audition.

At the end of the first year, students successfully passing the First-Year Jury will be admitted into the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences as B.A. in Dance majors. Students interested in pursuing a B.F.A. in Dance degree must successfully pass a B.F.A. audition at the end of the sophomore year.

Audition Location

University of Akron Guzzetta Hall, located at 228 E. Buchtel Ave., Akron, OH 44325

Typing this address into google maps will navigate you directly to our building.

Parking Information

Prospective students may park in Commuter parking lot 27, located adjacent to Guzzetta Hall and EJ Thomas Hall at the corner of Hill Street and E. Buchtel Avenue. Attached to this email is an electronic parking permit. Please print the permit and display in your front window. Cars without a pass will be ticketed.

Other parking is available for an hourly fee at the North Campus parking deck, which is located on E. Buchtel Avenue next to Commuter parking lot 27.

FAQ’s

Does my parent need to come with me?

Some prospective students bring their parents, and others do not. It’s your choice! During the audition process, which is closed to the public, parents are invited to socialize in their own room. Parents are invited to be present and participate in the second half of the day.

What if I get lost on the audition day and need support?

Call or text Colleen Barnes, faculty and Area Chair, at 646/232/9537.

When will I receive my audition results?

You will receive your audition results within 7 days of your audition. You will receive a letter via email which outlines the level of your acceptance, merit scholarship, classes to take, and next steps with a UA academic advisor.