Walnut Hill dancers regularly enter college
and conservatory programs and a few each year join dance companies
and ballet schools. It is necessary that you realistically
assess your talent and goals with the help of your teachers
and family. Professional dance is extremely competitive. Even
if you decide to pursue professional options, you should also
look into college and conservatory programs. Enrollment can
always be deferred and often is by dancers. It is important
that you have a "safety net" should you decide not
to pursue the professional route or suffer an injury.
Most of you will make the choice to enter college or conservatory dance programs directly. There are many strong dance programs here in the United States and abroad. It is important that dancers look closely at the programs offered by each school. Consider the emphasis of the program. Some schools are strong in ballet, others place more emphasis on a specific modern technique.
Ballet and Dance Auditions
Conservatory programs generally begin auditions in late January and run them through March, with some later auditions. If you wait to audition, you might find the school is already filled or that all scholarship money has been spent. If at all possible, audition early. If pursuing professional options, you should discuss with your family how many auditions you can afford. You might check with both Walnut Hill's Ballet Department and the Admission and Placement Office to see if they feel the trip is worthwhile based on your talents and needs. Most liberal arts schools do not require auditions, but it is to your advantage to dance for a member of the dance faculty if possible, ideally the Head of the Department. You may set up auditions by calling the Admissions Office or the Dance Department at your schools of interest. Often, they will simply invite you to attend a class. If this is not possible, you can always send in a videotape to the Admissions Office. They will have the tape reviewed by the dance faculty. The tape should not be long, no more than 5-8 minutes. At liberal arts schools, be sure to have materials in by the application deadline.
As you consider and plan for professional and conservatory auditions, you should also:
- Meet with Walnut Hill faculty. Some students are ready to audition in the fall, while others benefit from additional training and a later audition date.
- Write to ballet companies to inquire about their specific auditions (dates, locations, requirements, etc.). Whenever possible, try to audition in a private or small audition in the company’s own studio. Large public auditions should be considered a last resort. Companies most often hold auditions in the spring.
- Ensure that the Director of the company or apprentice program will be in town. Also be sure to ask if they will be hiring for next season. For conservatory auditions, obviously, this issue is not a factor.
- Get necessary photographs. You will need
a good head-and-shoulders shot, black
and white. We suggest you have it approved by the Dance Department Head.
Questions to Ask
These will vary depending on your particular needs and goals, but some questions which you might consider are listed below.
How are students placed in classes? Are freshmen placed according to level and ability?
Is there a double-degree Option?
Is there a focus in the major?
Can you review the requirements for me?
What types of modern dance do you offer?
How many men are in your program/dance major?
