Application Requirements

Choreography in any genre of dance may be submitted (for example: Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Flamenco, African, Modern, Contemporary, etc.) All videos must be recorded within the last year. The choreographer can choose to be in their work, but this is not required.

Submit two (2) separate digital video recordings of choreographed selections with the following and in the following order:

• One (1) selection choreographed for a solo dancer.​ ​
  • You may record the selection with you dancing or another person.
• One (1) selection choreographed for a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of five (5) dancers.
• Each selection should be two (2) to five (5) minutes in length and performed fully in one take without edits to the recording. Total submission should not exceed eight (8) minutes.
• You must be the lead choreographer for both selections.

NOTE: If selected as a winner with distinction, the submitted solo will be performed live on stage during National YoungArts Week’s dance performance.

Audition Apparel

Dancers should choose garments that support the judge’s ability to see how the body creates shapes and lines in space. We strongly encourage that you select fabric colors that create contrast to the background and remove excess layers of warmups, costuming, and jewelry that distract from the performed choreography. Artists may wear regalia appropriate to their cultural traditions and forms.

Recording Guidelines

• Record your audition in a clearly defined interior space with neutral lighting and background that is free of creases and breaks.
• Shoot straight on, leaving the camera in one position. The camera should be placed sufficiently close to the performer(s) so that positioning and movement of all parts of the body and face are clear and visible.
• Record with the camera framing your entire body to capture movement in place as well as movement in and through space.
• Ensure recording captures good quality sound and image.

File Upload Guidelines

• Save and name each of your files individually with their titles.
• Upload each selection as a separate video file in the space(s) provided.
• In the spaces provided in the application, please indicate the title of your piece, the name of the composer, and for the group selection, state whether you are in the piece and which dancer you are.
• Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your media submission.
• Make sure that the video image is upright (not sideways or upside down) and plays smoothly.
• Do not submit pre-recorded live performances, such as recitals, concerts, or competitions as these events typically have background noise and/or distractions.

Intellectual Property and Copyright

• All submitted work must be wholly original and may not infringe upon the copyright or intellectual property of any other person or entity.

NOTE: You are welcome to submit materials that have been part of other applications, competitions, or projects. YoungArts does not own any works submitted to its competition, however if your work has been submitted to other competitions, you are responsible for getting permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.