To be accepted as an undergraduate dance degree candidate, you must:
- Apply to and be accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Apply to audition through the Dance Department and pass an in-person or video audition.
APPLY TO UW-MADISON: Visit the Office of Admissions and Recruitment online.
APPLY TO AUDITION: Prospective dance students must complete a separate application to audition through the Dance Department. There are three ways to audition: on campus at UW-Madison, off-site at various dance recruitment events, or via video. Students may only choose one of these audition options on their application. The department holds three on-campus auditions annually in February, August, and November. Applications to audition are due February 1, November 1, and August 15.
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ON-CAMPUS AUDITIONS
Location
The Dance Department’s on-campus auditions take place in historic Lathrop Hall, on the UW-Madison campus, 1050 University Avenue, Madison, WI.
Audition Dates
Friday, August 29, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Audition Application Due: Aug 15
Saturday, November 22, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Audition Application Due: Nov 1
Saturday, February 7, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Application Audition Due: Feb 1
OFF-SITE AUDITIONS
The Dance Department attends several college recruitment fairs throughout the year, and offers audition opportunities at these events. Here are the events for the 2025-2026 academic year:
DanceWave/DTCB
Brooklyn, NY
October 11-12, 2025
Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM)
November 7, 2025
VIDEO AUDITIONS
The Dance Department allows students to audition via video submission. If you choose this option, there are three required videos and one optional video.
You will need to provide a link for each video. You can use platforms like YouTube or Vimeo, or share links through Dropbox, Box, or Google Drive.
1. Solo Performance Video (required)
Choose EITHER a solo performance 1-3 minutes in length OR participation in a Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, or Hip-Hop technique class, 3-5 minutes in length. If you choose a solo for this video, it may be original choreography or from standard repertory. The solo may be recorded at home, in a dance studio, or another site-specific area, or submit a performance video. If you choose a video of a time in a class, please choose multiple samples from one class, or select more than one technique class if available.
2. Movement-Based Audio Response Video (required)
Using the provided audio file, a creative, improvised, self-choreographed solo demonstrates your potential to be the kind of explorer who would thrive in our department in the study of dance and movement.
This department was founded upon the values of the human experience, the pursuit of knowledge, and creative expression. To be a dance artist, one must have discipline, passion, resilience, courage, adaptability, and openness, among many other skills. We are providing a short piece of music composed by our resident music director. We’d like you to utilize this opportunity to make and perform a dance that connects with the UW–Madison Dance Department’s goals, who you are, and what you care about.
Your solo must be movement-based and must use this audio file. You are not limited to one style of movement—mix it up. Even better, your movements can be made up and not have names.
3. Candidate Questions (required)
Oral questions and answers. Record yourself answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to study dance in college?
- Why are you interested in attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison?
- Tell us about a specific experience in your dance journey that has impacted you.
4. Dancer Showcase Video (optional)
If you would like to showcase a dance genre that uniquely represents your individuality and highlights your strength as a dancer, you may include a video of 1-2 minutes. This submission is optional and not a required part of the audition.