Dance Division Application and Audition Requirements
The Juilliard School Dance Division offers a four-year conservatory program leading to either a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or an undergraduate Diploma.
- The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance is a full four-year program of study and includes a Liberal Arts curriculum.
- The undergraduate Diploma in Dance is a full four-year program of study but does not include a Liberal Arts curriculum. Applicants who wish to apply for the Diploma option must have permission from the Office of Admissions to do so. Statistics and other disclosure information for non-degree diploma programs can be found here.
The application and audition process is identical for all applicants. The Dance Division typically accepts 24 students per year (12 women and 12 men) from the entire applicant pool, and does not distinguish between BFA and Diploma applicants in the audition process.
All information available is for reference only, from 2012. Application and Audition requirements for fall 2013 will be updated by September 1, 2012.
Deadlines
IMPORTANT NOTE: All dates listed below are “RECEIVED BY” deadlines - including application fees, checks, and fee waiver requests.
- December 1, 2011: Online Application, including essay
- December 1, 2011: Application Fee or Fee Waiver Request
- February 15, 2012: Transcripts
- February 15, 2012: Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
- February 15, 2012: Letters of Recommendation
- February - March 2012: Live Audition
Please note: Resumes, headshots, videos, and other portfolio materials are NOT required or necessary.
Eligibility for Applicants in Dance
- All applicants must have prior dance training. A minimum of three years experience with ballet and modern dance vocabulary is required.
- All applicants must be a minimum of 16 years of age upon matriculation to The Juilliard School, and posses either a high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.), or apply under the Early Admissions program. Click here for more information on these requirements.
- All applicants must submit an application for admission by December 1, 2011 and attend a live audition as scheduled. Late applications will not be accepted, and there are no exceptions to the live audition requirement.
- All applicants are permitted to apply and audition no more than two times to the Dance Division if in receipt of unfavorable results. Only one application and one audition per applicant per admissions cycle is permitted.
- Transfer Undergraduates should be aware that previous credits earned in dance courses will not be accepted. Up to 12 credits of Liberal Arts courses may be accepted at the discretion of the Office of the Registrar. Transfer students should be aware that the BFA or Diploma in Dance is a mandatory four-year program.
Application & Essay
- The application for admission is available here beginning September 1, 2011.
- The deadline to submit the application is December 1, 2011. The Juilliard School strongly prefers applications to be submitted online. Late applications will not be accepted.
- All applicants are required to submit an essay as a component of the online application. Please see below for more information on the essay requirement.
- Once The Juilliard School receives the submitted application (including the application fee or fee waiver documentation), the applicant will be e-mailed with instructions on how to schedule an audition. Auditions may not be scheduled until the completed application, essay, and application fee or fee waiver documentation are received by The Juilliard School. Auditions are available for registration on a first-come, first-served basis, and some auditions may fill to capacity before the application deadline. Therefore, if an applicant requires an audition in a particular city or on a particular date, it is recommended that the application be submitted well before the deadline.
Juilliard’s Admissions Committee uses your essay to learn more about you as an individual, and gain a sense of who you are beyond your application, transcript and audition. Essays should be 1 - 2 pages, double-spaced, in a 12 point font. Your essay should be submitted through the online application. Please do not also submit a hard copy of your essay via post. Essay topics are:
- Transfer applicants: The decision to transfer is a significant and often difficult one to make. Please explain when the idea of transferring first occurred to you and how that idea developed.
- Current or Formerly enrolled Juilliard college students: Please explain your motivation for resuming your studies or applying to another major at The Juilliard School. Students may choose to address academic, artistic, or professional goals that they believe could be accomplished in the Juilliard community.
- All other Bachelor of Fine Arts and Diploma applicants: choose one of the following essay topics:
- Describe the most challenging obstacle you have had to overcome; discuss its impact, and tell us what you have learned from the experience.
- Dr. Joseph Polisi, Juilliard’s president, has stated: “. . . [talented young people are] responsible for more than getting the notes right or the words right or the steps right. They have to be missionaries for the arts." Write about how, as an artist, you intend to advocate for the relevancy of the arts in the twenty-first century.
- Using one of these words as the title of your essay, write about what the word means to you: Commitment, Education, Discipline.
Application Fee and Fee Waiver Requests
The application fee of $60 is nonrefundable. Payment by credit card is preferred and is only available for applications submitted online. Check or money order payments must be made payable to The Juilliard School. All checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank. If paying by check or money order, payment must be RECEIVED by December 1, 2011, or it will be considered “late” and may not be accepted. Applications are not considered “complete” until payment or fee waiver documentation has been received.
Fee waivers are available only for eligible high school seniors. Eligible applicants include those who can demonstrate significant financial need by providing one of the following no later than December 1:
- An official College Board fee waiver form (available through high school guidance offices) signed by a high school guidance counselor;
- An official SAT fee waiver form signed by a high school guidance counselor;
- A letter on school stationery from a college/guidance counselor requesting a fee waiver for the applicant; or
- A personal letter describing the applicant’s financial situation accompanied by copies of 2010 tax forms.
Applicants who select the fee waiver option must e-mail or fax one of the above documents to the Office of Admissions so that it is received by December 1. The fax number is 212-769-6420; documents may be scanned and e-mailed to admissions@juilliard.edu. Fee waiver documentation that is received after the appropriate deadline will cause the application to be considered "late." The Office of Admissions reserves the right to discontinue with any application that does not provide documentation qualifying for a fee waiver by the application deadline.
Transcripts
Documentation of secondary schooling is an essential component of the application process. Applicants must supply official transcripts demonstrating scholastic competence sufficient to succeed in course work at the college level. Applicants who have attended a high school, secondary school, conservatory, college, or university prior to filing this application should send the official transcripts of school records to The Juilliard School. Official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope, or be sent directly from the issuing institution. In order for an application to be complete, a transcript must be on file no later than February 15, 2012.
For students who attend foreign institutions, those studies must be equivalent to a U.S. high school. Equivalency information and translations may be obtained through World Education Services, (212) 966-6311. Applicants must submit official school transcripts accompanied by notarized English translations (if applicable) before February 15, 2012.
All applicants who are offered admission must submit an official final transcript indicating their graduation date no later than July 1, 2012. This applies to both U.S. and international admits. It is the applicant’s obligation to see that the completed records are filed. Report cards, grade reports, and other student records are not acceptable as final records. Juilliard reserves the right to rescind admission to any applicant whose file documentation is deemed insufficient and/or incomplete.
Secondary School Requirements & Early Admission
The following guidelines are intended to clarify The Juilliard School’s expectations for those who are applying for admission as first-time college students:
Graduation From High School:
Candidates in Dance must be either high school graduates or possess the equivalent of a high school diploma prior to enrollment at Juilliard, or apply under the Early Admissions program (see below).
Home Schooling Documentation:
The Juilliard School recognizes home schooling as a viable educational alternative; however, there are important and explicit regulations governing acceptable documentation. Home schooled applicants must complete the Home Schooling Information section in the Application for Admission. This information includes the submission of a full outline of the curriculum by subject, including textbooks for each course; assessment procedures and grades; and evidence of official recognition by the school district and/or state department of education. Juilliard reserves the right to rescind admission to any applicant whose file documentation is deemed insufficient and/or incomplete.
General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.):
High school equivalency diplomas are issued by states to eligible applicants who pass the qualifying examinations. Specific age eligibility and proof thereof are required. The Juilliard School adheres to the regulations governing eligibility established by the New York State Education Department and will accept G.E.D.s from qualified applicants. Please note: While there are valid reasons for certain applicants to obtain the G.E.D., Juilliard does not recommend it as a substitute or shortcut for a traditional secondary education. In addition, the School reserves the right to rescind admission to any applicant who does not meet the appropriate state education department regulations as written.
Early Admissions:
Dance applicants interested in Early Admissions may apply during their junior year in high school and must be at least 16 years old upon matriculation. They must be highly talented, strongly endorsed by their principal teachers and school counselors, and show evidence of exceptional maturity. If accepted under the Early Admissions program, the student would begin studies at Juilliard in lieu of their senior year of high school, and must make arrangements to complete their high school diploma either over the summer or concurrent with their college enrollment. Early Admissions applicants should follow the same application and audition procedures as other candidates. The Dance Division accepts 24 students per year (12 women and 12 men) from the entire applicant pool, and does not distinguish between Early Admissions and other applicants in the audition process.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
The ability to speak, read, and understand English fluently is an important factor in admissions decisions. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or SAT score will be required of all applicants for whom English is not the native language, regardless of citizenship or study at an English language institution.
Minimum score requirements for undergraduate applicants:
TOEFL:
| IBT Total | IBT Writing | CBT Total | CBT Essay | PBT Total |
| 73 | 11 | 200 | 3.0 | 533 |
SAT (applicants may submit the score from either section):
Critical Reading OR Writing - 550
- Applicants for whom English is not a native language must submit an official copy of their TOEFL or SAT scores by February 15, 2012. Photocopies, faxes, and student copies are not acceptable.
- Applicants will not be admitted without an official score on file which meets the minimum guidelines for admission (see above grid). Applicants should take a TOEFL or SAT by January 2012 in order to have the score submitted to the Admissions Office by February 15.
- Juilliard does not grant exemptions to the English Language Proficiency requirement, regardless of an applicant’s citizenship status in the U.S., or study at another university, college, conservatory, or school taught in English.
- All admitted undergraduate students must also take the English Language Placement Exam during Orientation at the beginning of the fall semester.
- The Juilliard School’s CEEB code is 002340.
- Visit the TOEFL Web site for more information.
- Current and Former Juilliard College Students do not need to submit another TOEFL.
Letters of Recommendation
All applicants to the Dance Division must submit TWO letters of recommendation:
- A recommendation letter from a high school academic teacher, preferably in English, history, or other language arts course work, must be submitted. Juilliard continues to renew its efforts to identify and educate leaders in the profession, students who can be outstanding performers and also effective advocates, collaborators, teachers, and community partners. The impetus behind this requirement is to gain insight into the applicant’s abilities in English and should acknowledge the applicant’s speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension abilities.
- Home-schooled applicants should submit a recommendation from someone other than a parent who can address the issues listed above.
- For college transfer students, a recommendation from a college liberal arts professor would suffice.
- In addition to a letter from an academic teacher, Dance applicants must also submit a letter of recommendation from a dance teacher. We are concerned with the dancer’s dedication, openness to corrections, technique, performing skills, and citizenship both in and out of the classroom. Any other information the teacher wishes to include will be welcome.
Standardized Tests
Juilliard does not require the SAT I, SAT II, or ACT tests. However, applicants for whom English is not the native language may submit SAT I scores in lieu of the TOEFL to demonstrate English Language Proficiency (see here for further instructions). The Juilliard School’s CEEB code is 2340.
Other
The Admissions Office reserves the right to seek additional information from former teachers, administrators, or guidance counselors to assist with admissions decisions.
Currently Enrolled Juilliard Students
- Currently enrolled Juilliard students seeking to enter a new program of study must apply formally by the appropriate application deadline and must audition during published audition dates.
- The application fee of $60 will be waived for all current students who submit their applications on or before the deadline.
- Requests for approval of a late application must go to the Associate Dean for Admissions, and the full fee of $60 will be charged for approved late applications.
- Please note the specific essay requirement for current students in the Application for Admission.
- The Admissions Office reserves the right to review a student’s enrollment record to assist with admissions decisions.
Formerly Enrolled Juilliard Students
- Former college students who have not been in attendance during the previous academic year and who plan to apply for readmission must submit an application and fee to the Office of Admissions by the appropriate deadline.
- All former students applying for readmission are required to take the regular entrance auditions.
- Please note the specific essay requirement for formerly enrolled students in the Application for Admission.
- The Admissions Office reserves the right to review a student’s enrollment record to assist with admissions decisions.
- The Juilliard School statute of limitations policy limits the amount of time allowed to elapse between a student’s original enrollment in a program of study and completion of that program.
Applicants With Disabilities
The Juilliard School seeks to facilitate the full participation of disabled applicants in the audition process. The School makes reasonable accommodations or adjustments for qualified individuals with known disabilities in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (A.D.A.). Juilliard will not make pre-admissions inquiries as to whether or not a student has a disability; however, applicants with documented disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to participate in the audition process must notify the Office of Academic Support Services (OASS) in writing by December 15, 2011 to the address below. Applicants will be required to submit documentation of their disability to OASS, and to complete an Applicant Release of Disability Related Information Form and an Audition Accommodation Request Form. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Office of Academic Support Services
The Juilliard School, 60 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
(212) 799-5000 Ext. 213
Pre-Screening
There is no pre-screening process for Dance applicants. All Dance applicants must attend a live audition on one of the dates listed here to be considered for admission.
Optional for International applicants only: As a special service to students from abroad applying to the Dance Division, a DVD or video clip of the applicant performing both ballet and modern dance within the last six months may be submitted with the application for faculty screening to determine the advisability of travel to a live audition. There are no specific requirements for video content, other than that both ballet and modern are shown and that the dancer is clearly visible. Generally, about ten minutes of video footage will suffice. DVDs may be mailed to this address; e-mailable clips may be sent to danceadmissions@juilliard.edu. Video submissions should not be sent until the dancer has submitted the online application for admission.
Please be aware that admissions decisions will not be made based on the video, and the faculty’s determination is not a guarantee of admission or advancement in the audition process. If you choose to submit a video, please do so immediately upon completion of your application (no later than December 1). You should schedule a live audition regardless of whether you send a video, but may wish to defer making travel plans until you receive the faculty’s determination of your video. The faculty’s determination will be sent to applicants via e-mail, within two weeks of receipt of the video.
Auditions
All applicants for the Dance Division MUST attend one of the following scheduled live auditions:
| Chicago, IL: | Friday, February 3, 2012 |
| Miami, FL: | Sunday, February 5, 2012 |
| Houston, TX: | Tuesday, February 7, 2012 |
| Los Angeles, CA: | Friday, February 10, 2012 |
| San Francisco, CA: | Sunday, February 12, 2012 |
| New York, NY: | Friday, March 2, through Tuesday, March 6, 2012 (choose only one date) |
All details concerning the exact time and location of the audition will be available after the application is submitted. Once The Juilliard School receives the submitted application (including the application fee or fee waiver documentation), the applicant will be e-mailed with instructions on how to schedule an audition. Auditions may not be scheduled until the completed application, essay, and application fee or fee waiver documentation are received by The Juilliard School. Auditions are available for registration on a first-come, first-served basis, and some auditions may fill to capacity before the application deadline. Therefore, if an applicant requires an audition in a particular city or on a particular date, it is recommended that the application be submitted well before the deadline.
Audition Process:
The entrance audition consists of five components. In order to continue to the next audition component, a dancer must be called back. Callback criteria includes demonstration of significant prior dance training that has offered an understanding of both technical dance language and body alignment; a high level of strength and stamina; and the physical and artistic potential for a career in dance.
All five audition components will take place on the same day, and candidates should be prepared to spend a full day at the audition in the event they are called back to the final component. Dancers may wish to bring lunch or a snack to the audition, as breaks between sections will not be long enough to leave the audition site. Also, please note that family and friends will not be permitted to observe the audition, and depending on the set-up of the audition site, may not be able to have contact with the applicant until their audition is finished.
Please note that there is no quota of dancers to be called back on each audition day, nor is there a quota of dancers to be accepted from each audition city. All dancers are given equal consideration, regardless of the audition date or city. Dancers are encouraged to choose the audition city and/or date that is most convenient.
Ballet Technique Class
The audition begins with a ballet class. Required dress for the ballet class is black leotard, pink tights, and ballet shoes for women; and white t-shirt, black tights, white socks, and ballet shoes for men. Pointe shoes are not needed. A typical ballet audition class will include barre work (pliés, tendus, dégagés, rond de jambe, etc.) as well as center work (adagio, petit allegro/small jumps, grand allegro/big jumps, etc.). It is important to note that any dancer who does not appear to have adequate dance training at the audition may be asked to leave during the ballet class and before the first callback for his or her own safety, as well as the safety of other dancers at the audition. Applicants who demonstrate a strong technical base during this portion of the audition may be called back for the modern class.
Modern Technique Class
If called back, dancers will partake in a modern dance class. For the modern dance section, candidates must be barefoot. The modern portion of the audition includes a short center warm-up using the rounding and arching of the torso. Phrases that travel across the floor focus on moving rigorously through space with attention to rhythm, changes of direction, and level changes.
Solo Performance
Dancers who are called back will be asked to perform one solo of their choosing, from repertory or original choreography, not to exceed two minutes in length. The purpose of the solo is to show the dancer as a performer, and should be chosen to show the candidate’s range as well as his/her ability to project. Each applicant is advised to provide a CD recording with accompaniment for the solo, and we recommend a backup CD or iPod should one be needed. Please be prepared to tell the faculty the name of the solo (if it has a name), the choreographer, and the composer. Some applicants will then be called back based on the faculty review of solos.
Coaching
Dancers who are called back will be taught and coached on a brief modern repertory sequence. The faculty is interested in how quickly the dancer picks up choreography, how s/he responds to and incorporate corrections, and how s/he functions as a member of an ensemble in a rehearsal-like setting.
Based on the faculty’s evaluation of both callback sessions, a select group of applicants may be asked to stay for an interview. The purpose of the interview is to gain insight into the student’s interests outside of the dance studio, his/her personal and professional goals, and to help assess whether the student is intellectually and emotionally ready to enter a rigorous conservatory environment. Students not invited to the interview may reasonably conclude that they are no longer under serious consideration for admission.
Please note: Resumes, headshots, videos, and other portfolio materials are NOT required or necessary. Please do not bring such materials to the audition.
Criteria for Acceptance
- A serious commitment to dance training and a career in dance performance.
- A high level and quality of training. We do not accept students who are untrained. Applicants should have a minimum of three years experience with ballet and modern dance vocabulary.
- A potential for meeting the technical standards of Juilliard’s professional training program.
- Talent and potential as a performer, including a vivid imagination, courage, and emotional accessibility.
- An articulate body promising significant development in dance.
- A willingness to re-evaluate technique and explore new approaches to training.
- Demonstrated musicality.
- The ability to work as a part of an ensemble including: the strength and sensitivity necessary to partner/be partnered, the ability to work openly and honestly with other dancers, the ability to be flexible in the artistic process with choreographers, directors, or rehearsal assistants.
Notification of Admission Status
- Applicants who are not called back to the final interview portion of the audition may reasonably conclude that they are no longer under serious consideration for admission.
- Upon completion of auditions in all cities, the faculty will review the applicants who were called back to the interview portion of their audition. The faculty will then select 12 women and 12 men for acceptance, and will usually select a small number of dancers for the waiting list.
- All applicants will receive notification of their admission status (admit, wait-list, or deny) via e-mail no later than April 1.
Mailing Instructions
With the exception of official transcripts and TOEFL scores, which should be mailed directly from the issuing institution to The Juilliard School, all application materials may be submitted via the online application system. However, hard-copy letters of recommendation are acceptable if the teacher cannot access the online system. All application materials that need to be sent via post (including application fee waiver requests and application fees paid by check) should be mailed to:
The Juilliard School - Office of Admissions
Attn: DANCE application
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023
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