Commercial Dance Audition Guide
For entry in September 2026
This audition path is the process for the following Dance programmes: BA (Hons) Commercial Dance and Foundation Dance (if you choose the Commercial Dance Audition Pathway).
Quick Links
Commercial Dance
1. Audition process
The audition process for the Commercial Dance audition path will involve working with IAB staff in tutor-led group dance classes. Cuts may take place through the audition process, with invited candidates only taking part in the full audition. You will also submit a pre-recorded solo.
Pre-audition: Required Video
Commercial Dance Solo
Additional videos (optional)
Create and film a 2-minute solo, using a choreography of your choice, which demonstrates your strengths. This could be choreographed by you or by somebody else. Upload the video to YouTube, Vimeo or Google Drive and include the name of the choreographer in the description. Ensure the link can be viewed by anyone with the link (test in a private browser) and then submit the link to [email protected] at least one week in advance of the audition.
If you have videos of previous performances, rehearsals or studio practice, possibly showing travelling elements and jumps and any styles you will not have a chance to show in the audition, you can submit them as a video. They should be a maximum 2 minutes in length. Submit as an unlisted YouTube, Vimeo or Google Drive link at least one week in advance of the audition to [email protected]
At The Audition
At the start of the audition, the dance team will introduce themselves and explain the audition process. The audition start time will be listed on the IAB website. You will be given a breakdown of timings and approximate end time in advance of the audition.
The full audition comprises the following tutor-led classes:
- Jazz: Technical section, kicks and turns, and combination
- Commercial and Freestyle: Hip-Hop combination and guided freestyle
And
- An individual interview about your previous training and your personal aspirations as a dancer.
- Cuts may take place through the audition process, with invited candidates only taking part in the full audition.
If you are not invited to complete the full audition process, the audition panel feel that you require further training before having the potential to undertake the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance or Foundation Dance programme. The audition will end for you at this point. You are able to reapply for the following academic year.
2. Audition type
You can choose between three types of audition types: On-Campus, In-Person or Live Online.
1. In-person or on-campus audition
You will be given the location in advance of the audition. Plan your travel in advance and stay overnight locally if you need to. Arrive early to warm up.
2. Live online audition
We strongly recommend that you hire a dance studio to do the online audition, as some of the work might require extensive use of space. This would be the ideal option for the live audition.
If there is no option to hire a dance studio, you can do the audition from a suitable space at home. You will need to make sure there is sufficient space to move freely. You cannot do the audition outdoors, as it will be hard to see the screen and hear what is being said.
You will need a computer or mobile device with a camera, and a good speed internet connection which will allow you to stay connected on Zoom throughout the audition.
Checklist for before the audition
Before the audition:
- Check we can see your full body through the camera of your device. Place it at a good distance and if needed, lift it or lower it accordingly.
- Make sure the camera of your device is not facing a window, as the light will not allow us to see you properly.
- Do a test Zoom call with a friend or family on the device you will use for the audition.
- Make sure the device is not set to auto-zoom in on your face.
- Ensure your name displays in Zoom as your full name. If you are using someone else’s Zoom account, change the Zoom name via ‘Rename’.
- If you are in a different time zone to Spain, double check the audition start time for your time zone.
3. Frequently asked questions
1. What do I need to wear?
For Jazz:
- Leotard or plain t-shirt
- Footless tights or shorts
- Jazz shoes, socks or bare feet
For Commercial:
- Sports/urban wear that is comfortable to move in and appropriate for a commercial dance class. Hoodies, tracksuits, jogging bottoms, loose fitting or baggy T-shirts and trainers are all permitted.
- Non-street worn trainers only.
- Hair should be kept off the face but not in a bun.
2. Can I audition for both BA (Hons) Commercial Dance and BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance programmes?
We recommend you decide beforehand which programme you want to audition for. You can visit the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance and BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance programme pages, attend the Programme Talks and follow us on social media to see which programme is right for you.
If you still want to audition for both programmes, you will have to follow both audition paths.
3. Do I need to have prior experience of aerial work at the audition?
No, these skills are not included in the audition criteria. Programme selection is not affected if this is a new area for you.
4. Will my audition be filmed?
Yes. We record our auditions to share with appropriate members of staff in order to assess your suitability for our programmes.
5. Will my audition take place with other people?
The dance elements will be led by one of our dance teachers with other applicants. The interview will be on a one-to-one basis.
6. Can I audition via video?
In exceptional circumstances, upon application and at the discretion of the audition team, applicants can audition via video. Details will be provided if the video audition application is approved. An online interview will still be required.
7. How can I prepare for my interview?
Think about your answers to possible questions such as:
- Why do you want to study this programme?
- Why do you want to come to the IAB?
- Who has influenced you from the world of dance?
- What live performance/stage experience do you have?
- Which professional performances have you seen?
- What do you want to do after your time at the IAB?
8. What are you looking for in a successful applicant?
A successful applicant will evidence their skills, knowledge of the subject, enthusiasm and commitment for their chosen programme. Look below at the criteria section – this will explain exactly what we are looking for.
9. Can I use a language other than English in the audition pieces and interview?
No, all our programmes are fully taught and assessed in English therefore all spoken elements of the audition must be undertaken in English.
10. When will I know the outcome of my audition?
We aim to inform you of the outcome within four weeks of your audition. You may be offered a place on the programme, placed on a reserve/waiting list, offered a place on an alternative programme or rejected from the programme.
11. What are the requirements if I am disabled?
If you are registered as disabled, contact us at the IAB. Please note, we do not vary the criteria we use but we do recognise that people with disabilities may demonstrate meeting those criteria in a different way.
12. Who do I contact if I still have a question?
Contact us through the contact form for any questions regarding the audition process.
4. Assessment Criteria
| Criteria | Evidenced by/in |
|---|---|
|
Dance Technique: Alignment, musicality and flexibility. |
Taught classes and sequences |
|
Physicality: Strength, extension and core stability. |
Taught classes and sequences |
|
Artistry and creativity: Showing creative spirit, challenging boundaries and conventions. |
Taught classes and sequences |
|
Engagement: Your general / specific knowledge about dance and dancers. Your interest and committed participation in all aspects of the audition. Your knowledge about the programme itself. |
Application and interview |
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Your health and safety are of paramount importance to us. The staff members leading the audition are experienced professionals and will not ask you to do anything which will impact on your health and safety. If you feel unprepared for any specific exercise or activity or feel that it may cause you injury, let the member of staff know and you should refrain from undertaking it. Be sure to state any injuries on your application form.
