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 of Soft Shoe and Hard Shoe techniques to include:
  • a Reel (48 bars) or Slip Jig (40 bars).
  • a Hornpipe (40 bars) or Treble Jig (48 bars).
  • Please do not record changing of shoes.
• A two (2)-minute Solo dance piece of your choice with a clear beginning and ending.
  • Set dance must be in contrasting tempo to the hard shoe dance performed in the technique.
  • 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.

NOTE: If selected as a winner with distinction, you will be required to perform your submitted solo live on stage for the performance during 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.