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2026-27 Dance Audition Information

Welcome to the Dance department at ESA! We look forward to seeing your application and portfolio submission.

Here are things to consider:

Part 1) Performance Sample Video Audition
  • Submit 1-2 examples of you dancing via a video submission. 
  • The video should be no longer than 2 minutes total. If more than one example is being submitted, then the 2 clips must be edited into a single video upload.
  • Must be a solo performance(s) with no one else in the frame.
  • If selecting to use music with lyrics as part of your performance, make sure that the lyrics abide by the TDSB Code and Conduct and not contravene any Board policies.
  • The performance(s) must be recent (from 2025)
  • Videos are not to be professionally edited
Things to Think About for Your Dance Audition Video Submission:
  1. Your face and body must be visible in the video. For Dance auditions, the applicant’s full body must be in frame for the entire performance.
  2. Then, provide 1-2 examples of you dancing any style of dance you would like.
  3. You are welcome to show more than one style of dance if you wish within your 1-2 performances, however, showing one style is sufficient. Self created original movement is also allowed. Remember that your total video length can not be longer than 2 minutes.
  4. Make sure you focus on demonstrating the elements of dance throughout your performance(s) (i.e. body, space, time, energy) as the primary evaluation criteria is focusing on this. (See resources below)
  5. Your dance should not be stationary (in one spot) the entire time. You want to show some shifts of weight, changes in directional facing, and some locomotor (travelling) movement. 
  6. You want to be sure to use your full body while you dance. 
  7. Use the full space you have to perform in, try to include moving in the high and low levels too. 
  8. Really explore moving with a variety of dynamics and energy levels to highlight your full movement potential.
  9. You can use music or dance in silence. 
  10. Previous training in dance is not a requirement. We are looking for potential, not a polished product.
  11. Have fun! We want to see your love of dance!
For your “Performance Sample(s)”, you will be evaluated on your ability to:
  • Move using a wide variety of body shapes (i.e. angular, curved, geometric, organic, symmetrical, asymmetrical)
  • Explore moving using a wide variety of body parts and the full body in both locomotor and non-locomotor movements
  • Move your body with coordination and ease of movement
  • Demonstrate an understanding of weight transfer (i.e. lunge, leap, roll, stomp, etc.)
  • Use a variety of levels and directional facings (i.e. high, medium, low, angled, forward, etc.)
  • Use the full performance space
  • Explore moving along a variety of pathways (i.e. linear, curved, zigzag, etc.)
  • Use a full range of motion
  • Demonstrate changes in rhythm
  • Use a variety of speeds in your performance(s)
  • Clearly relate and connect to the selected music (if music is used)
  • Use a variety of dynamics, qualities, and energies in your movement 
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to your movement and have a sense of confidence in your performance(s)
  • Clearly convey an idea/ theme/mood through your performance
Element of Dance Resources:

Applicants can refer to the Ontario Arts Curriculum glossary for examples and definitions:

https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-arts/glossary?group=dance

Elements of Dance Graphic Organizer:

https://www.elementsofdance.org/begin-here.html

Part 2) Performance Reflection
  • Submit a 90 seconds video or audio recording where you discuss your process and the purpose of the performance(s) you submitted. 
  • This 90 seconds recording is separate from the performance sample(s).

  1. Explain why you selected the particular performance(s) you submitted.
  2. Describe how you prepared for the performance(s). What was your process for creating that performance piece/ the video? How did you go about making or learning choreography for the performance?
  3. What were you most proud of in your performance video?
  4. Identify a challenge you faced either in your performance or in the process of creating the content for the video. Then, describe what you did to overcome this challenge.

More Information:

For the rubric on how your submission will be evaluated, click here.

For specific information regarding the Dance program at ESA, please email the Department Head Melissa.Michailidis@tdsb.on.ca