Auditions for BFA in Dance

DUE DATE: by 11:59 PM EST on February 1, 2026

BFA and BA.BS Dance (DANC)

We encourage all dancers to audition in person for our program. The guidelines below are for all who are not able to attend the in-person event. The process for remote auditions includes submitting a video audition (see below) and submitting a résumé and headshot.

Submission Requirements: Upload your accessible link (Unlisted YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive links with permission) to your Cardinal Landing portal via your Portfolio CHECKLIST. In the Portfolio, you will see a text box where you will paste the appropriate link for your audition video.   

Audition Requirements:

• Headshot
• Résumé
• Audition Video (see requirements below)

Dance Video Submission

In our department we emphasize technique, artistry, creativity and intellect through a variety of forms. We honor each student’s journey in their development as artists and in their abilities in these different forms. We encourage you to highlight your talents and interests in your video submission.

(1) Please submit 3 - 5 minutes of basic dance exercises, from which we can get a sense of your dance skills and technique — as well as any other class-type activity that you believe will help us see your current level of training. These exercises/combinations should be in at least 3 out of the 5 following forms: modern, hip-hop, West African, ballet, or jazz. You may use music if you wish.
(2) Perform a 90-second to 2-minute solo. It can be in any dance style that you feel best demonstrates your artistic qualities. It does not need to be self-choreographed.
While it's important that your video shows us what we need to see, and a nice, clear video is important, this is not meant to be a test of your videography skills. We hope that this method clarifies the transparency of our teaching faculty, our commitment to inclusivity, and the value we place on equitable learning experiences. Below are some additional suggestions as you develop your digital audition footage.

RECORDING ADVICE

• Combine ALL video clips from (1) & (2) requirements above into ONE video. Your application will only accept one video link.
• Ensure good lighting, we want to be able to see you.
• Have your camera off the ground if possible.
• Make sure beforehand that we can hear the music.
• Have a non-distracting background.
• Make sure the camera can see you at all times.

***Please do not feel the need to spend any money on your audition tape. We want to see you as YOU are and let your dancing speak for itself. With that said, if you have footage from other schools/intensives that you feel adequately represents your abilities as a dancer, feel free to submit this in your audition video. We as a department do not want to put any additional strain on your time, resources, or body/mind.

In short, enjoy the learning process as you explore these dance forms and present them in your audition video. We look forward to watching your submissions!

• The audition class will consist of West African, hip-hop, ballet, modern and jazz. Upon acceptance, this audition will serve as technique level placements.
• If you wish to be considered for advanced placement in tap, you may also complete a tap combination, but please note that this portion of the audition is optional and for placement purposes only.
• It may last from ninety minutes to three hours, depending on the number of students auditioning, but two hours is typical.
• Immediately following the class portion of the audition, you will meet with dance faculty for a brief, informal interview to discuss your individual academic and artistic goals. This is an opportunity for the faculty panel to get to know you a bit more, and it’s also an opportunity for you to address any questions you may have about the audition process or the program.
• In addition, if you wish, you may share a prepared solo in the dance style of your choosing that is approximately 90 seconds long. Please note that the solo performance is optional and does not impact your admission status or scholarship eligibility; it is simply an opportunity for the dance faculty to gain further insight into your candidacy, should you wish to share your work in this capacity.

Please note that all portions of the audition (class, solo performances, and interviews) are closed to parents and observers. 

If you audition off-campus, and decide you want to visit campus at a later date, we would love to have you! We can set up a day where you’ll shadow a student, attend classes, and see a show or dance concert, if possible. You can email us to arrange this.

In order for the dance faculty to properly assess your placement, alignment, and movement skills, it is essential that you adhere to the dress code below for the audition

• Supportive undergarments – dance belts and sports bras as appropriate.
• Hair neat and pulled up and away from the face.
• No loose or dangling jewelry of any kind.
• Clothing can be athletic clothing or leotard and tights that is form fitting to highlight the alignment of the body.
• Footwear can include any of the following: Ballet slippers, Jazz shoes, tap shoes, clean sneakers, socks, or bare feet. 

This personal, multi-disciplinary approach to the audition process enables the dance faculty panel to observe your technique, performance quality, and artistry, as well as your adaptability in a range of dance styles, and your ability to learn new and unfamiliar material quickly. Ultimately, this process allows us an opportunity to get to know you as a unique and individual artist. In turn, you have an opportunity to display your individual strengths in several disciplines and capacities so that we may assess your potential to thrive and succeed in our program. Above all else, we celebrate and foster curiosity and look to engage with students with a growth mindset.

Below are some auditioning tips for your on-campus audition in the dance program at Ball State University.

• Research the programs that you are auditioning for and come prepared with questions you may have about the curriculum, campus, and any other questions you may have. This will help you compare dance programs you are auditioning for more specifically.
• During the informal interview, faculty will ask a variety of questions. Some of these questions may include “Why are you interested in attending Ball State University’s dance program?” and “What are your dance career goals?” Consider thinking about your answers to these questions to better articulate and represent your passions for dance.
• If you identify as an underserved student and need further guidance with audition practices, our Alumni Ambassadors are available to assist you. 

Finally, this is a time for us to find out a bit more about you, and for you to learn more about us and our program. Relax, breathe, and be yourself.  We look forward to meeting you!