Live Auditions
Audition Class Registration
Live auditions are by pre-registration only and space is limited for each site.
All applicants must complete and submit an application five days prior to their selected audition date. Upon receipt of the online application, you will receive an email confirmation from the Schools office with additional details. Application fees are non-refundable. Applicants may not audition until a complete application is submitted.
To be considered for a scholarship, be sure to complete the financial aid section of the online application. Scholarship decisions are made at the same time as admissions decisions.
Audition Class
Auditions are in the form of an abbreviated ballet technique class. Girls and boys audition together. Girls will have pointe work, boys will have battu and air turns at the end of class. There will also be a short contemporary ballet component. Individual audition critiques are not provided at any point during or after the audition.
Dancers will typically receive audition results via email within two weeks of their audition. Admission and scholarship decisions are made at the same time.
Dress Code
There is no dress code for the audition class, however, dancers should dress as they would for any ballet class. Solid leotard, tights, hair off the face, etc. Men should be in tights and a T-shirt. No baggy or loose clothes, including skirts. Dancers should bring their pointe shoes.
Photo & Video Audition Requirements
Photo Requirements
Regardless of audition format, all students must upload three photos to their application, a headshot from the shoulders up, one in first arabesque position and one in battement tendu a la seconde a terre en face. Professional photos are not required. Hard copies are not necessary.
Video Audition Requirements
2024 Dance Audition Requirements (PDF)
Video auditions are accepted for all programs. Video submissions are only accepted through the online Slideroom application and must be received by 7 p.m. EST February 1. The application accepts file uploads as well as embedded links (YouTube, Vimeo).
Video auditions should be of the student alone and no more than 15 minutes in length. Please include a brief introduction including your name and age, where you study, and why you want to attend the Chautauqua Dance program.
Admission
Chautauqua welcomes applications from talented students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin or religious background. Admission is by video or live audition only and students must enroll in the entire duration of the program. Admission decisions and scholarship awards will be made by March 1, and no decision will be released until the applicant’s file is complete and the non-refundable application fee is paid. Admission results are sent to the email address on the student’s application (and parent’s address if under 18.) Upon admission, a $600 program deposit ($100 refundable security deposit and $500 tuition payment) is required within seven days of notification of acceptance to secure your spot in the program. Balances are required to be paid in full by May 15.
Scholarships
Students may apply for scholarships, which are awarded based on the student’s talent, years of study and financial need. Chautauqua Institution awards direct scholarship aid to more than 60% of the students in the School of Dance. To apply for a scholarship please fill out the financial aid section of the online application. Learn more about Chautauqua’s scholarship opportunities here.