Application Requirements

YoungArts welcomes applications from dancers who demonstrate the understanding of the foundational principles and technical components of their chosen form, while demonstrating artistic self-expression and connecting to the audience through movement.

Submit a total of two (2) digital video recordings of a selection of movements that include the following and in the following order:

• One (1) selection approximately two (2) minutes in length of foundational movements, warm-up exercises, techniques, and/or skills pertaining to the dance form you’re submitting. This selection should demonstrate the knowledge in your body for the specific form you’re applying in.
• One (1) solo piece of your choice approximately two (2) minutes in length in the dance form you’re submitting, with a clear beginning and choreographed ending. 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.
• Each selection must have been recorded within the last year.

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.

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 obtaining permission to submit to YoungArts, if necessary.