Application Requirements

Spanish Dance includes Flamenco, Classical Spanish, Bolera School, and Folklore dance.

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 Spanish Dance technique as follows:
  • Show a clear understanding of the distinctive qualities of the chosen style of dance represented.
  • Show combinations demonstrating changes of direction, use of space, speed and accents as well as flexibility of torso. 
  • Emphasis on arm work. Include turns or pirouettes.
  • Show rhythmic footwork patterns increasing in speed, using arms and footwork at the same time (escobilla). Include countertime (contratiempo) and clapping (palmas). This needs to be done over a base rhythm, utilizing a recording, live musicians or palmas in order to hear the structure of the rhythm as it increases in speed.
  • If auditioning in Classical Spanish, Bolera School or Folklore dance, it is required to demonstrate ability to play castanets in a variety of rhythmic patterns while continuing to move through space. If auditioning in Flamenco, demonstrating ability to play castanets in a variety of rhythmic patterns while continuing to move through space is a plus, but is optional in the technique video.
  • Folklore combinations must include typical steps from the chosen region’s dance. Bolera School combinations must be executed with castanets and include steps from the time period and include batterie and pirouettes.
• A two (2)-minute prepared solo piece of your choice with a clear beginning and ending. 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 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.