Application Requirements

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

• A two (2)-minute Tap technique: This segment should be done a cappella.
  • This segment should demonstrate your broadest and most advanced range of technical and musical abilities, incorporates solid grounded steps (cramp rolls, paddle and roll), steps that depart from the ground (wings, pull backs, grab-offs), and steps that turn and travel. In this segment, demonstrate rhythmic variety (swinging and syncopated rhythms, “straight” rhythms, triplets, sixteenth notes) as well as the quality of your movement and sound execution.
  • Establish the time signature and tempo by verbally counting yourself in (starting with 1) before you begin to dance. The initial time signature and tempo should be maintained throughout the entirety of this segment.
  • The segment should include a 32-bar chorus with the following:
    • The first 16 bars should be split into two (2) eight-bar phrases using the “3 and a break” form for each eight-bar phrase.
    • Finish this 32-bar chorus by improvising the last 16 bars.
• A two (2)-minute* solo of your choice with a clear beginning and ending.
  • Music selection can be jazz, Latin or another genre.
  • Solos should be accompanied by music that is being played in the room with the dancer and should not be overlaid. Must be performed fully in one take without edits to the recording.
  • *As close to 2 minutes as possible, without exceeding 3 minutes. ​ ​​
  • Please make sure we can hear your dancing as well as the accompanying music​​​​​

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.