How To Apply
Being admitted as a dance major at the University of Illinois is a two-step process that includes applying to the University and auditioning for the Dance Program. Once you have completed both steps, the Office of Admissions and Department of Dance make a joint decision regarding your acceptance into the Dance Program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
You can submit your application online. Note that in addition to filling out the application, you are required to send in your high school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and application fee before being considered for academic review. The final deadline for submitting your application materials is the very beginning of January.
AUDITION INFORMATION FORM - To be filled out prior to auditioning
AUDITION INFORMATION
Prior to auditioning:
Before attending an audition, you should have submitted a completed application to the University and requested the transmittal of all scores & grades. You must also register for an audition date and submit your Audition Response Form online prior to your audition.
The audition:
The audition, consisting of a technique class, solo composition, and interview, is designed to give the faculty a comprehensive view of your technical and creative abilities, and to learn about your background and interests in the dance field. The technique class includes modern and ballet combinations and a guided improvisation. Please note that the audition class will not include a formal warm-up, so please arrive early enough to warm up prior to the start of the audition. At the completion of the class portion of the audition you will perform a self-choreographed solo (no longer than 3 minutes) which should be designed to demonstrate your creativity as opposed to highlighting your technical skills*. The audition concludes with a brief group interview with faculty members.
*Music can either be on an MP3 player or a CD.
Guidelines for music on a CD:
1. Make a fresh copy for the audition and play it ONCE only to make sure it plays.
2. There must be NO scratches or dirt on the CD anywhere - handle it only by the edges and place it into a plastic case.
3. You must use a CD-R disc format - CD+R and CD-RW will NOT work in our CD players.
4. Clearly labe the CD with your name.
What to wear:
We request that you wear dance clothing that shows the lines of the body, such as leotards and tights. If you have long hair, it should be pulled back. You will need ballet slippers for the ballet combinations and bare feet for the modern class.
Open House:
Two of our audition dates (November and February) are paired with open houses the day before. This is an opportunity for you to join in the daily departmental activities, including taking class, observing the advanced students, meeting dance majors, speaking with faculty, and attending our concert. We strongly recommend that you take advantage of this chance to get to know our program!
NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS
If you complete the application process prior to the priority deadline, and you audition in November, you will be notified of the result by December 15th. If you do not complete the application process by the priority deadline, or if you attend the February or March audition, you will be notified of the result by March 15th.
| University Application | Dance Audition | Notification |
| Priority Deadline |
November | December 15 |
| Priority Deadline | February/March | March 15 |
| After Priority Deadline |
November/February/March | March 15 |
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TALENTED STUDENT TUITION AWARDS
The Talented Student Tuition Award is granted to auditioning students who demonstrate an unusually high level of talent and potential. The awards are guaranteed for the four years a student is in our program, provided the recipient remains a student in good standing (see page 6 in the undergraduate student handbook). Attending the November or February audition automatically enters a student into consideration for this Award. These scholarships are tuition-specific, meaning the amount will be deducted from the student’s tuition bill. The award cannot be applied toward fees, room or board.
