• Deadlines

    Application

    Priority Deadline: TBD for Fall 2024 Applicants

    General Deadline: TBD for Fall 2024 Applicants

    Round One Pre-screening Video

    Priority Deadline: TBD for Fall 2024 Applicants

    General Deadline: TBD for Fall 2024 Applicants

    Round Two In-Person Auditions*

    TBD for Fall 2024 Applicants

    *Live audition dates on campus by invitation only.

    Application Requirements

    Admission Details

    Admission to the Conservatory of Dance is highly competitive. Acceptance is based primarily on your dance audition, demonstrating:

    • Extensive prior training in modern, contemporary, and/or classical ballet
    • Serious commitment to dance training and a career in the professional dance field
    • Talent and potential as a performer
    • Musicality

    Application Overview

    To be considered for admission, you must first apply to the college BFA Dance program and submit a first round pre-screening video. Finalists will then be invited to the second round campus audition.

    The non-refundable audition fee of $65 must be submitted online at the time of your pre-screening submissions.

    Applicants selected for the auditions on campus will be emailed the live audition registration instructions after the pre-screening round is complete (after January 31).

    International Applicants should complete the pre-screening as per the directions below. If you are invited to participate in a live audition, you will be contacted by the Conservatory Coordinator to schedule a time.

    Please note: Live audition registration is not yet available.

    Round One Pre-screening Instructions

    What to Include in Your Video

    Your pre-screening audition should not exceed 20 minutes and should consist of:

    • A ballet class
    • Modern/contemporary exercises and combinations in the center and across the floor
    • A ballet and a modern/contemporary phrase that will be shared with you via the student application portal or you can find the details in #5 below.

    Pre-screening Tips

    • While we are not expecting you to submit a professional quality video, we must be able to see you clearly.
    • Clothing should contrast with the filming environment so that you stand out from the background. We recommend wearing a unitard; tights and a fitted top; or a leotard that enables you to move freely and enables the viewer to assess your technique.
    • Hair must be off your face, eyes, and neck.
    • Ballet class requires ballet slippers. Modern/contemporary class is barefoot.
    • Avoid placing yourself in front of a strong light source and choose a space with minimal visual distractions for the viewer.
    • The frame of the video should show the full body throughout and not include any dancers other than the applicant.
    • If you plan to use a phone, please hold the phone horizontally to ensure that the view is as wide and clear as possible.

    Video Details

    Your solo must be filmed as one continuous shot. Each ballet and modern exercise must be filmed as one continuous shot.

    Please submit your video with sections arranged in the following order:

    1) Introduction

    A brief close-up shot of your face. State your name, current city, and country of residence.

    2) Ballet Class

    Barre

    Alternate sides for each exercise. There are no set exercises required for barre, but we are expecting you to present all the traditional exercises:

    • Pliés and port-de-bras
    • Tendus—starting in 5th
    • Battement Jetés or Dégagés—starting in 5th
    • Rond de Jambes—starting in 1st
    • Fondus—starting in 5th (flat or relevé)
    • Frappés
    • Adagio
    • Grand Battement
    Center Work
    • Adagio: Four phrases of eight (two phrases on the right side, two phrases on the left side)
    • Petit allegro: Four phrases of eight (two phrases on the right side, two phrases on the left side)
    • Pirouette combinations: Two phrases of eight (two phrases on the right side, two phrases on the left side)
    • Big jumps, as per the space you have available to work in (sissonne, pas de chat)

    Please do the above exercises to music.

    Please note: Pointe is not required for the pre-screening audition, but you are welcome to present your material en pointe.

    3) Modern/Contemporary Class

    No set exercises required. Present warm up exercises, center work including back work and across the floor combinations.

    4) Prepared Solo

    Each dancer should prepare a 90-second solo performance in ballet, modern, or contemporary dance to music. Your solo should be filmed in a space without theatrical lighting.

    The solo should demonstrate your artistic and technical qualities. Choreography may be created by you or done by another person.

    Please introduce your dance: title, choreographer, composer and any additional information you wish us to know. Do not submit work that is edited with jump cuts, dissolves, or musical overlays.

    If you are experiencing difficulty in recording your pre-screening video (i.e. not enough space, cannot access a studio etc.), please contact Admissions at admissions@purchase.edu. This will not negatively impact your application.

    5) Supplemental Dance Phrases

    Please view the following ballet and modern/contemporary phrases:

    Prepare and perform these phrases to the music provided below:

    Record your phrases as per the demonstration in the video and submit with your pre-screening video.

    Additional Materials

    All dancers are required to submit the following items via their Admissions Portal when they submit their pre-screening video. Please do not e-mail these materials to the conservatory.

    • Dance Resume
    • One (1) Artistic Letter of Recommendation
    • Dance Photo (an 8x10 full body shot)*
      *A professional photo is not required.

    Round Two Live Audition (By Invitation Only) In-Person Auditions

    If selected, applicants will be invited to sign up for a live audition. Dates to be announced for Fall 2024 Applicants!

    These live auditions will take place on campus at Purchase College, SUNY. Please do not call the conservatory to schedule an audition. All auditions are scheduled online.

    International applicants: if the pre-determined dates and time for the live auditions are not possible due to time differences, please contact Admissions at admissions@purchase.edu. 

    What to Expect During the Live Audition Callback

    This portion of the audition will take place on campus, in a dance studio with your peers.

    The audition class will be led by a Purchase dance faculty member. Students will be observed by a panel of 2–3 faculty. Faculty will then choose students to present a 90-second solo.

    The dance audition class will consist of a ballet class and modern/contemporary combinations in the center and across the floor. You might be asked to improvise.

    Following class, the audition panel will call back the dancers who will present their solos in the afternoon. The faculty will conduct a short interview following the audition.

    The schedule is adhered to as much as possible; however, the number of people in any given audition, the weather, or other extenuating circumstances may cause changes. Please plan to spend a full day at Purchase College.

    90-Second Solo

    Each dancer should be prepared to present a 90-second solo performance in classical or contemporary ballet, modern, or contemporary dance. We would like to see you in a work that shows you at your best. Note the following carefully, as no exceptions will be made:

    • Your music should be on your phone.
    • Choreography may be by you or another person.
    • Please do not let your dance exceed 90 seconds. If your dance exceeds 90 seconds, you will be asked to stop. We are primarily interested in your performance and movement ability.
    • Be prepared to introduce your dance: title, choreographer, composer and any additional information you wish us to know.
    • The audition studio has a marley floor.
    • No costumes are permitted.

      The live audition will conclude with a short interview.

    Injury Policy

    If you become injured prior to your scheduled audition date, then you may reschedule your audition for a later date. If your recovery period exceeds the final scheduled audition date (March 5, 2022), then you may be granted an extension by request. Please contact Admissions at admissions@purchase.edu to discuss your options.

    Admission Decisions

    You will be notified of your admission decision three to four weeks after your audition date if your application is complete and you have paid the audition fee.

    For additional information about the Dance BFA program visit the Conservatory of Dance.