Application Requirements

Submit a total of two (2) digital videos recorded within the last year that include the following and in the following order:

• A two (2)-minute hip hop technique. The technique portion should include the progression that will be most represented in your solo to follow. The technique should be aligned with one of the distinct areas of hip hop as outlined below. If you are using a different technique than the ones named here, it should follow a similar progression. It is suggested that this section of the audition not be entirely improvised but demonstrates a consistent practice of training such as exercises that reflect foundational aspects of the dance form.  (i.e. foundational steps and techniques in the form of drills that clearly demonstrate the essence of the movement/movements used).
  • B-boy/B-girl, Breaker (Break Dancer) technique should include a clear understanding and execution of top rocking, drops, footwork (e.g. 2, 4, & 6 step, sporadic footwork, cc style, side shuffles, threading, etc.), foundational moves, spins (e.g. backspins, continuous backspins, neck moves, air flares, etc.) freezes and smooth transitions back up to a standing position. All movement should be in sync with the music and delivered with control, swagger and character.
  • Rock/Up-Rock technique should feature foundational steps and moves, freestyle phrases and a variation of foot patterns with smooth transitions between them; drops or jerks executed on appropriate musical cues; arm and hand gestures that correspond with the music and compliment the rest of the body’s movement; burns or any form of defensive advance done on appropriate musical cues and clearly projected. (For instance: if a mimed weapon is drawn, we should be able to clearly see where it came from, how it was used and where it was put or disposed of afterwards); and spins and turns that demonstrate precision.
  • Locking-demonstrate ability to execute/reference social dance forms that are part of locking (e.g. the Break Down, the Funky Penguin, the Rock Steady, etc.); include clear and solid examples of all foundational components of the dance: variations of the lock (i.e. Single, double and multiple locks), wrist rolls, hand-claps, lockers pace, combinations of these elements and clear transition; and demonstrate and perform foundational combinations in Locking such as: the Skeeter, Skeeter Rabbit, Scooby Doo, Scoo Bot Hop, Stop and Go, etc. The technique portion may also feature half splits, knee drops, flips, etc. (see B-boys)
  • Popping: Depending on the style of Popping, demonstrate the proper foundational techniques, steps and forms. Include pops (muscle contractions and isolations); wave combinations with a clear beginning and end; and Ground moves.
  • Freestyle Hip Hop: For all other hip hop dance forms or combinations of these or freestyle hip hop, as it is sometimes referred to, all of the same guidelines apply.

(In the case of mixing styles, there should still be some clarity as to what style is being referenced and/or incorporated.)

• A two (2)-minute solo piece of your choice with a clear beginning and ending. Develop a solo that clearly incorporates technique to demonstrate artistic expression; ability to punctuate sequences and movements; ability to execute a solo that communicates clear movement ideas and has a beginning, middle, and end. Must be performed fully in one take without edits to the recording.

NOTE: If selected as a winner with distinction, you will be required to perform your submitted solo live on stage for the performance during National YoungArts Week and, therefore, must have rights to the choreography for that piece.

Audition Apparel

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

Recording Guidelines

• Sound: Ensure recording captures good quality sound. Music should be played in the room with the dancer and not be overlaid onto the video. 
• Image: Record your audition in a clearly defined space that is free of background distractions. The choreography should not be site-specific. 
• Framing: The camera should be set at a fixed point of view and left in one position, framing the dancer’s entire body to capture movement in place as well as movement in and through space. Unnecessary panning and moving the camera to follow the dancer is strongly discouraged. 
• Lighting: Make sure the space is well lit with neutral lighting, but not too bright. 

File Upload Guidelines

• Save and name your files individually. 
• Do not put your name or any identifying information in or on your files. 
• When uploading, be 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. 

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.