Commercial Dance Audition Guide

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

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.

Additional videos (optional)

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.

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 Commercial 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

What do I need to wear for the Commercial Dance audition?

For the Commercial Dance audition we suggest you wear the following:

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.

Find out more about the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance.

Can I audition for both BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance and BA (Hons) Commercial Dance?

We recommend you decide beforehand which dance 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. You can also compare both options on our BA (Hons) dance degrees page.

If you still want to audition for both programmes, you will have to follow both audition paths.

Do I need prior aerial experience for the Commercial Dance audition?

No. Aerial skills are not included in the Commercial Dance audition criteria, and selection for the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance is not affected if this is a new area for you. Aerial Skills are taught as part of the degree.

Will my Commercial Dance audition be filmed?

Yes. We record Commercial Dance auditions to share with appropriate members of staff in order to assess your suitability for the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance and our other dance programmes.

Will my Commercial Dance audition take place with other people?

The dance elements of the Commercial Dance audition will be led by one of our dance teachers with other applicants. The interview for the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance will be on a one-to-one basis.

Can I audition for Commercial Dance via video?

In exceptional circumstances, upon application and at the discretion of the audition team, applicants can audition for the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance via video. Details will be provided if the video audition application is approved. An online interview will still be required.

How can I prepare for my Commercial Dance audition interview?

Think about your answers to possible Commercial Dance interview questions such as:

Why do you want to study BA (Hons) Commercial Dance?
Why do you want to come to the IAB?
Who has influenced you from the world of commercial 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?

Reading about the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance programme will help you prepare well-informed answers.

What are you looking for in a successful Commercial Dance applicant?

A successful Commercial Dance applicant will evidence their skills, knowledge of the subject, enthusiasm and commitment for the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance programme. The criteria section of the Commercial Dance audition guide explains exactly what we are looking for.

Can I use a language other than English in the Commercial Dance audition pieces and interview?

No. All our programmes, including the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance, are fully taught and assessed in English, therefore all spoken elements of the Commercial Dance audition and interview must be undertaken in English. Check our English language requirements for more information.

When will I know the outcome of my Commercial Dance audition?

We aim to inform you of the outcome within four weeks of your Commercial Dance audition. You may be offered a place on the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance, placed on a reserve/waiting list, offered a place on an alternative dance programme or rejected from the programme.

What are the Commercial Dance audition requirements if I am disabled?

If you are registered as disabled, contact the IAB before your Commercial Dance audition. Please note, we do not vary the criteria we use to assess applicants for the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance, but we do recognise that people with disabilities may demonstrate meeting those criteria in a different way.

Who do I contact if I still have a question about the Commercial Dance audition?

Contact us through the contact form for any questions regarding the audition process for the BA (Hons) Commercial Dance programme. You can also explore all our dance programmes to compare options before your audition.

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.

Do you have any questions?