Sacred Heart University students who are interested in participating in the dance program but did not audition prior to enrolling, can audition throughout their undergraduate years.
Source: Instagram, @sacredheartuniversitydance
Students with varying levels of experience can join the dance program considering that it offers an array of styles, as well as performance opportunities.
Senior Marissa Lambert is the recruitment chair for the dance program. She said that auditions are required but are designed to place students rather than eliminate them.
“It is very much a placement audition to see where you would fit best within the program,” said Lambert.
There are many different cohorts throughout the dance program: Dance Company, Dance Ensemble, Core, Inception Dance Crew, Rhythm Tap Crew, Irish Step and Claddagh Dance Team.
The company and ensemble being the largest two cohorts, as well as including opportunities for students to audition to be a student choreographer and choreograph a piece on their peers.
Core is a non-performance cohort in which dancers do not perform in the shows at the end of the semester. They train and learn from faculty members of the dance program.
Inception Dance Crew and Rhythm Tap Crew are audition-based crews specialized in hip-hop and tap dance. Dancers who are placed in any cohort have the opportunity to audition for these two crews to receive professional training in such styles.
The dance program also offers dance and performance opportunities for Irish step dancers. These dancers have one show a year during the Spring semester and even collaborate with other cohorts like the tap crew.
Once accepted into a cohort, students can choose from a wide range of classes that fit their schedules and interests.
“We offer all styles, ranging from ballet and contemporary to hip hop, heels, and jazz,” Lambert said. “The program is very much a community and a great way to meet new people.”
Students enrolled in performance-based classes also can participate in the program’s showcases at the end of every semester.
For current students, the audition process is simple. Students must sign up for an in-person audition through the university’s performing arts website. While prospective students may submit video auditions, current students are required to audition in-person.
“In-person auditions are held on weekends, usually Saturdays or Sundays, and there are typically several opportunities each semester,” said Lambert.
The audition itself includes multiple components designed to evaluate a dancer’s ability and style.
“You start with a warm-up and stretch, followed by progressions across the floor, and then you perform a short solo,” said Lambert. “It can be any song and style of your choosing.”
After the audition, students are contacted by the program’s faculty with their placement results.
Sophomore Jessie Olanick, a member of the dance program, said the process is welcoming and accessible for students at all levels.
“You show your piece and then hear back with your results,” said Olanick.
Both Lambert and Olanick emphasized that students should not feel intimidated by the audition process. Instead, they encourage students to approach it with confidence and curiosity.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” said Lambert. “The purpose of the audition is to give dancers a look into how the program works.”
The program offers a lot of opportunities, but depending on the semester, certain schedule and class availability and details may change. For the latest and most recent information, students are encouraged to get in touch with the dance program directly.
“Go into it with an open mind,” said Olanick. “The program is very welcoming, and you’ll fit in regardless of your experience level.”
