Ensemble I Auditions

Auditions for the BYU Ballroom Ensemble I take place annually at the end of winter semester.

Eligibility
Current members of the BYU Ballroom ensembles.
Select incoming freshmen (via scholarship application video)

Audition Process
Current Company/Ensemble Members: Demonstrate technical material in select Latin and Ballroom dances.
Incoming Freshmen: Evaluated based on submitted audition videos.

Evaluation Criteria
Posture, balance and alignment
Footwork and foot placement/alignment
Movement modalities
Transference of weight
Rhythm and musicality
Partnering skills (nuanced movement awareness in relation to partner)
Artistic use of arms, hands, and head movements (core-to-distal pathways, breath responsiveness, finished lines)

Evaluators
Directors of the BYU Ballroom Dance performing companies and ensembles.

Showcase Company Auditions

Auditions for the BYU Ballroom Showcase Company take place annually at the end of winter semester.

Eligibility
Current members of the BYU Ballroom Showcase Company and ensembles.
Select incoming freshmen (via scholarship application video)

Audition Process
Current Company/Ensemble Members: Demonstrate technical material in select Latin and Ballroom dances.
Incoming Freshmen: Evaluated based on submitted audition videos.

Evaluation Criteria
Posture, balance and alignment
Footwork and foot placement/alignment
Movement modalities
Transference of weight
Rhythm and musicality
Partnering skills (nuanced movement awareness in relation to partner)
Artistic use of arms, hands, and head movements (core-to-distal pathways, breath responsiveness, finished lines)

Evaluators
Directors of the BYU Ballroom Dance performing companies and ensembles.

Touring Company Auditions

Auditions for the Touring Company typically take place following the annual Ballroom Dance Company Concert in April.

Eligibility
Current members of the Ballroom Dance Touring and Showcase Companies
Select members of Ensemble I (by invitation)
Former company members (at the discretion of the Artistic Director)

Audition Process
Session One: Dancers present class technique in Latin and/or Ballroom (by assignment)
Session Two: Dancers present learned combination with various randomly assigned partners

Evaluation Criteria (technique and artistry)
Posture, balance, and alignment
Footwork and foot placement/alignment
Movement modalities
Transference of weight
Rhythm and musicality
Partnering skills (nuanced movement awareness in relation to a partner)
Artistic use of arms, hands, and head movements (core-to-distal pathways, breath responsiveness, finished lines)

Evaluators
An evaluation team is composed of members who meet one or more of the following criteria:
Artistic Director of the Ballroom Dance Touring Company
Director of the Ballroom Dance Showcase Company
Advanced-level technique teachers from the Ballroom Area
Department of Dance faculty member
Industry expertise

Additional Considerations
Citizenship & Professionalism
Consistent adherence to company expectations
Demonstration of company mission and values

Casting Fit: Given the aesthetic nature of ballroom dance, additional factors ensure a cohesive company presentation:
Technical excellence in either the Latin or Ballroom category, with proficiency in the other
Ability to maintain a polished, balanced aesthetic across multiple partnerships

Ambassadorial Potential
Embodies the Aims of a BYU Education
Abides by the BYU Honor Code and BYU Dress & Grooming Standards
Demonstrates emotional maturity

Additional Reference Materials: Touring Company Expectations Document