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Frequently Asked Questions


Dance Admissions FAQ

Are video auditions accepted?

In general, video auditions are not accepted EXCEPT for: 1)International applicants and 2) MFA applicants who are on tour professionally.  If you are in either of these categories, you will be sent additional information after your application has been processed.top

What should be included on the videotape audition?

The following guidelines will apply for those applicants granted permission to submit a video audition.            

1) Please be sure to clearly identify yourself so that the Admissions Committee can easily follow you on the video.  The video MUST BE SUBMITTED ON U.S. FORMAT ½ INCH VHS.  Your video audition should include the following in this order: an abbreviated ballet barre, adagio, and modern technique movement across the floor (approximately 20 minutes total), and a short solo (2-3 minutes) in the dance form of your preference.  International students must also include a brief verbal presentation for their background in English on the video.  Videotapes along with all supplemental materials (8”x10” full-body photo, dance résumé, and completed Audition Information Form), should be submitted directly to the Department of Dance.  Do not send these materials to the Office of Admissions.

2) Video auditions that do not adhere to these guidelines will be deemed incomplete and not considered for admission.

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Is there financial assistance available for international students?

There are a very limited number of tuition scholarships and graduate assistantships for international students (F-1 and J-1 visas). International applicants are urged to seek aid from their home country's government and other outside sources. For more information on financial aid for international students, visit the NYU Financial Aid Web Site: http://www.nyu.edu/financial.aid/international.html

 

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Is is possible to minor in Dance?

The Tisch Dance department does not offer a minor in Dance.  Classes in our program are open to enrolled Dance majors only.top

I'm interested in visiting Tisch Dance. How do I arrange a visit?

The Tisch Department of Dance is open for visits on Monday and Wednesday mornings at 9:45am, *mid September - early May.  The visit consists of a tour of our dance facility with a department administrator &/or current students including an opportunity to ask questions.  You will also be able to observe ballet & modern classes.  The visit will last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you observe classes.

To be placed on the schedule, please contact the department 1-2 weeks in advance of your visit (212-998-1980).  We regret that we can not accommodate walk-in visits.

*No tours during the summer or vacation/holiday periods.

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How do I apply to the program? / How do I sign up for an audition?

Submit an application to New York University Office of Undergraduate Admissions (BFA) or Tisch Graduate Admissions (MFA).  Indicate Tisch School of the Arts, Dept. of Dance as the major or program of study.  

After the application has been processed, the admissions office will forward your information to the Dept. of Dance.  An email with an audition date and audition requirements will subsequently be sent to you.  If there is a conflict because of date or travel, you may reschedule the audition.  Be sure to provide a valid email address on your application.

 

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What should I bring to the audition?

  • Dance résumé 
  • (1) 8”X10” full body dance photo (in dance wear, no particular dance pose)
  • Prepared solo (2-3 minutes) in dance style of your choice 
  • Tape or CD with music for the solo
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What will take place at the audition?

  • A full ballet barre and center 
  • Modern combinations in the center and across the floor           
  • A cut will be made 
  • Those asked to continue will show a 2-3 minute solo and have an interview with a faculty member
  • The audition is approximately 2 hours in duration    
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What is the faculty looking for?

Dancers who are serious about entering an intensive conservatory dance program with the intentions of becoming an artist.

Individuals who have strong technique and the potential to have a professional career as dancers and/or choreographers.

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I want to apply Early Decision. How does it work? (BFA only)

Early Decision is an admissions option for freshman applicants who are certain that New York University is their first choice college and who have decided that they will attend NYU if admitted.   In the Tisch Dept. of Dance  the Early Decision audition is very competitive. 

You will take a full ballet and a full modern class with current students and then a cut is made.  If you make the cut,  you may be asked to perform a 2-3 minute solo prepared a dance style of your choice.  Finally, there is an interview with a faculty member.

If you feel that you are a strong candidate, submit an application to New York University as an Early Decision candidate by November 1st.   The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will notify the Dept. of Dance and an Early Decision audition audition date will be sent to you by email. The Early Decision auditions usually occur on a Monday in mid to late November in New York City only.

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If I am not accepted Early Decision, can I re-audition with the Regular Admissions candidates? (BFA only)

No.  You  cannot re-audition with the Regular Decision applicants.top

If I am not accepted Early Decision, can I transfer my application to another school or department at NYU? (BFA only)

No. A prospective student may apply only to one school and program at NYU.top

Can I have a double major or minor if enrolled in the dance program? (BFA only)

Yes, and Dance will be considered the primary major.  Once enrolled you should determine the requirements of the 2nd major.  Having done that, you will discuss with an advisor how and if the additional courses can fit the into the dance program schedule.  In some cases, students may have to take an additional semester to finish up the academic requirements of their 2nd major.  It is challenging to double major but we have several students who double major &/or minor in other subjects.top

I am also interested in another program in Tisch School of the Arts. Can I enroll in both programs?

Prospective undergraduate (BFA) students can not apply to more than one program at a time in the Tisch School of the Arts. 
Prospective graduate (MFA) students can apply to more than one program in Tisch.  A separate application and fee must be submitted for each program.top

I am interested in your program but do not have much modern dance experience. Should I still apply?

Yes.  The dance faculty is seeking applicants who are strong technically however they realize that all dancers have not been exposed to all dance aesthetics.  Generally, they are looking for dancers that are able to absorb all styles of dance and show a willingness to try new styles.

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I am interested in jazz/tap/musical theater dance. Does your program offer these techniques?

Our program focuses on ballet and modern but there are students here who have an interest in those styles and use it in their choreography.  Also, there are a number of dance studios in New York City for students to take such classes during their spare time.top

What style of modern do you teach?

We do not teach a particular style of modern.  Our teachers are from diverse backgrounds and teach different styles of modern.  The faculty rotate classes so all students will be taught by each teacher.top

I am interested in transferring to your dance program. What is the process?

Simply submit an application to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.  While the transfer application deadline is April 1st, the Dept. of Dance strongly suggests that your application be submitted by mid February, to ensure and in-person audition.  Transfer students who are accepted begin the program as first year students.  Any dance credits you have will not transfer to this program and Admissions determines which academic credits transfer based on their requirements.