World Dance Forms may include dances from the performing arts of any cultures of the world. Examples include, but are not limited to Hip Hop, as well as the dances of Africa, Asia, Native America, Latin America, Spain, Ireland, the Caribbean, etc.

For African, Classical Indian, Irish Step and Spanish and Mexican Folkloric dance forms, please review the guidelines specific to your audition, in addition to the information below.

Please submit a digital video recording of your audition that must include the following, in this order:

A) World Dance Technique

Two (2) minutes maximum of technique as follows:

• The presentation of technique should demonstrate examples of footwork, meaningful gestures and/or isolation intrinsic to the cultural dance form being presented. In all cases, the audition video should show that you are familiar with the techniques appropriate to the dance form.

• Your audition recording must include movements-in-place with the camera framing the entire body as well as movement in and through space, demonstrating advanced techniques and accomplishment whenever possible. Although music may be included, this segment should not be choreographed.

B) World Dance Solo

Two (2) minutes maximum of solo piece as follows:

• A prepared solo of your choice.

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary releases for choreography as well as music, if applicable.

The presentation of technique and the prepared solo should display the full range of your abilities.

Audition Apparel

Men and Women

• Appropriate form fitting rehearsal clothing should be worn.
• All dancers must wear a color that is in contrast to the background.
• Costumes are not allowed. Costumes do not allow the judges to see the lines of the body during movement. Wearing a costume will lead to disqualification by the panel.

Guidelines for Recording Your Audition

• Use a fixed point of view for your camera. Shoot straight on, leaving the camera in one location. The camera should be placed sufficiently close to the performer so that positioning and movement of all parts of the body are clearly visible. Be sure that your figure on the screen is more than 75% of the screen size. A brief full-face shot, half-body shot and full-body shot may be included at the end of the video.

• Excessive panning and moving the camera to follow the dancer is strongly discouraged.

• The camera should be placed sufficiently close to the performer so that positioning and movement of all parts of the body are clearly visible. A brief full face shot, half-body shot and full-body shot may be included at the end of the video.

• Make sure the sound and picture are both of good quality. The backdrop should be neutral and free of creases and breaks.

• Record your audition in a clearly defined interior space.
• Cuts between technique segments are acceptable.
• Do not shoot video into the mirror to get a better angle.
• Do not record your video outside.
• Do not edit within the solo. Do not use special effects, dissolves, fades or wipes.

• Do not submit pre-recorded live performances, such as recitals or concerts.

Please note that your application fees are non-refundable even in the case of injury. You also must be free of injury to participate in YoungArts Week if you are chosen as a Finalist. 

 

African Dance

Include two (2) sections to your dance audition. Total recording time should be four (4) minutes, allowing two (2) minutes for each section. The first section should demonstrate technique and understanding of the dance. The second section should be a full choreographed dance.

Rehearsal clothing should be worn for the audition. Full costume will lead to disqualification by the judges.

Please refer to the world dance specifications for more information about the audition.

Specific Requirements:

• Clarity in the use of foot techniques.
• Polyrhythm in movement as well as appropriate use of grounded and elevated movements.

• Demonstrated command of African rhythmic complexity including correct use of syncopated movement.

• Complex combinations of movement without excessive repetition.
• Choreography including the following movement qualities: balance between percussive and sustained, flowing movement; full range of motion in the head, torso, back, arms and legs (especially fluidity of the spine).

• Energetic but not rigid execution of movement.

Classical Indian Dance

Classical Indian Dance forms (for example, Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Orissi, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, or Mohini Attam)

Include two sections to your dance audition. Total recording time should be four (4) minutes,allowing two (2) minutes for each section. The first section should demonstrate technique and understanding of the dance. The second section should be a full choreographed dance.

Rehearsal clothing should be worn for the audition. Full costume will lead to disqualification by the judges.

Please refer to the world dance specifications for more information about the audition.

Specific Requirements:

A) Technique

• Rhythmic dance phrases (tiramanams, jathis or bhangis etc. depending on the

form) that display the dancer’s technique in slow, medium and fast tempos, with

emphasis on precise footwork, posture and breadth of movement.

B) Dance Solo

• A combination of abhinaya or expressive dance, with emphasis on the use of the face, eyes and hands combined with footwork and rhythmic dance. If possible dance in an uncluttered space, plain backdrop.

Irish Step Dance

Include two sections to your dance audition. Total recording time should be four (4) minutes, allowing two (2) minutes for each section. The first section should demonstrate technique and understanding of the dance. The second section should be a full choreographed dance.

Rehearsal clothing should be worn for the audition. Full costume will lead to

disqualification by the judges.

Please refer to the world dance specifications for more information about the audition.

Specific Requirements:

A) Technique

• Soft Shoe: Choice of Reel (48 bars) or Slip Jig (40 bars)
• Hard Shoe: Choice of Treble Jig (48 bars) or Hornpipe (40 bars)

B) Solo

• A set dance of contrasting tempo.

Spanish and Mexican Folkloric Dance

Spanish and Mexican Folkloric Dance forms (for example, Flamenco, Classical Spanish Dance, Bolera School, or Folkloric)

Include two (2) sections to your dance audition. Total recording time should be four (4) minutes, allowing two (2) minutes for each section. The first section should demonstrate technique and understanding of the dance. The second section should be a full choreographed dance.

Rehearsal clothing should be worn for the audition. Full costume will lead to

disqualification by the judges.

Please refer to the world dance specifications for more information about the audition.

Specific Requirements:

• Show a clear understanding of the distinctive qualities of the chosen style of dance represented.
• Show combinations demonstrating changes of direction, speed and accents as well as flexibility of torso. Emphasis on arm work. Include turns or pirouettes.
• You should also show rhythmic footwork patterns increasing in speed, using arms and footwork at the same time (escobilla). Include countertime (contratiempo) and clapping (palmas).
• Demonstrate ability to play castanets in a variety of rhythmic patterns while continuing to move through space.
• Folkloric combinations must include typical steps from the chosen region's dance. Bolera School combinations must be executed with castanets and include steps from the time period, and include batterie and pirouettes.

Please note that the application fee is non-refundable even in the case of injury. You also must be free of injury to participate in YoungArts Week if you are chosen as a Finalist.