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 technique to include the following:
  • Only one Indian Dance form (for example, Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, Kathakali, Manipuri, or Mohini Attam)
  • Rhythmic dance combinations (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. This would be structured similarly to class or warm-ups.
  • Expressive dance or abhinaya: choose ~30+ seconds of an abhinaya section from a piece you already know and perform it in the technique video. Kathak dancers may opt to perform padhant (recitation) instead.
• A two (2) minute prepared solo piece of your choice with a clear beginning and ending.
  • Rhythmic dance phrases that include advanced dance phrases/choreography.
  • Solos should be accompanied by music that is being played in the room with the dancer, not overlaid, and audible footwork (when appropriate) as the relationship to the music is integral to the form. Must be performed fully in one take without edits to the recording.
  • Acknowledging most solo work is not designed to fit into 2 minutes, we strongly recommend that the prepared solo has technical dance as well as some abhinaya or expressive dance.
  • Video should include sound of footwork and/or bells depending on the style. For instance, for kathak we should clearly hear your bells, and for bharatanatyam either bells or footwork.

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 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

• 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.