To be accepted as an undergraduate dance degree candidate, you must:
- Apply to and be accepted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Apply to 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 THE DANCE DEPARTMENT: Prospective dance students must complete a separate application for the Dance Department and pass an audition.
The application to the dance department includes written questions about prior dance training and experience, as well as three “interview” questions to be submitted via video. These interview questions are used to get to know more about candidates’ goals and passions in the realm of dance.
There are three ways to audition: on campus at UW-Madison, off-site at various dance recruitment events, or via video submissions. Students must select one of these audition options on their application.
The department holds three on-campus auditions annually in February, August, and November. These on-campus auditions are master class-style, and participants take two out of the three following classes: contemporary, hip hop, and ballet. No prepared material is required. Auditionees will learn from current UW Dance faculty and also have a chance to meet current students and learn more about the department.
DEADLINES: There are three rounds of consideration for dance applications: August 15 for incoming students and transfer students, November 1 for early action applicants, and February 1 for regular decision applicants. Candidates are welcome to complete their dance application and audition prior to submitting their UW-Madison application but are encouraged to follow this general timeline.
Video auditions are considered in tandem with on-campus auditions and must be submitted by the deadlines above to be reviewed.
Candidates who are auditioning off-campus at a recruitment event must submit their Dance Applications at least one week prior to their audition and should contact the Recruitment Director to confirm that their application has been received.
Audition dates for Fall 2026 consideration have passed. Please reach out to Recruitment Director Anna Rogovoy with questions.
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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 28, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 21, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 13, 2027
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
OFF-SITE AUDITIONS
The Dance Department attends several college recruitment fairs throughout the year, and offers audition opportunities at these events. Check back in August for a list of these audition opportunities
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. Make sure you adjust the share settings for your links or files and provide any necessary passwords.
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 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. and show off your personality and versatility. Experiment with dynamics, levels, shapes, and creative approaches to movement generation.
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.