Classen School of Advanced Studies High Schools at Northeast
Dance Major Program
Dance Major Program
Middle School & High School Dance Audition Guidelines
Classen SAS Vision Statement:
To ensure that all students learn at high levels to become high quality, academically prepared, global citizens.
MS & HS (incoming 6th- 12th) Dance Audition Details:
Day/Date:
Incoming 6-8th - Friday, February 16, 2024 (11 am - 2 pm)
Incoming 9-12th - Friday, February 16, 2024 (3 pm - 6 pm)
Time for Arrival:
Incoming 6-8th should arrive at 10:30am
Incoming 9-12th should arrive at 2:30pm
Location: Classen Middle School Dance Annex (1901 N. Ellison Ave. OKC, OK 73106)
Point of Entry: The door to the annex inside of the courtyard (across from the cafeteria)
Parking Information: Gym parking lot at the back of the school (on Douglas Ave.)
How to Apply & What to Prepare Before Arrival:
CSAS General Application requirements:
OKCPS Application Schools Website
Dance Specific Requirements:
Participation in 3 Technique Classes (Ballet, Modern, and Jazz) during the audition
A prepared solo open to any genre
Length of solo: 30 seconds for Middle School / no more than 1:30 min for High School)
Music should be ready on a student digital device like a cell phone, Chromebook, etc.)
Students may or may not be asked to perform their solo, but all should be ready to perform.
Please Bring:
Solid colored leotard
transitional tights (pink, black, or skin-toned)
ballet shoes and jazz shoes
a 5x7 headshot (does not need to be a professional photo)
and dance resume (any length)
**Letter/s of recommendation welcome, but not mandatory for the dance department.
Audition Guidelines:
What to expect:
Applicants will check in and receive a number to pin on their clothes, take technique class, Ballet - (ballet barre, center, across the floor), Modern - (Center exercises, across the floor, movement phrase) Jazz - (across the floor, movement phrase).
Every applicant should have a solo prepared, although only some applicants will be asked to perform their solos.
**All HS applicants applying to the high school for the first time will be asked to do a solo and be a part of a quick interview at the end.
Audition Tips:
Double check that you have completed your ONLINE AUDITION FORM (linked above in the Dance Specific Requirements section)
Plan your dancewear well in advance of the audition. Wear it for a technique class prior to the audition to be certain it is comfortable and flattering. You want to present a neat, professional appearance.
Judges will be looking for dancers who are versatile, so you are encouraged to take a variety of classes in preparation for your audition.
Approach the audition as an opportunity to take a class from a new instructor. Judges want to see your movement and performance qualities, as well as your technique, so do your best and enjoy the experience!
Arrive at the audition early so you may become familiar with the studio, check in, prepare and warm up.
Before the audition, please tell the instructor about any recent chronic injuries so they can help you appropriate precautions and inform the audition judges.
During the audition, if you don’t understand a combination or direction, raise your hand and ask the instructor to repeat the information.
Judging Criteria (how applicants will be evaluated):
Ballet technique - 25%
How consistently does the dancer demonstrate mastery of ballet technique through body alignment, movement efficiency, strength, control, and use of breath?
Modern dance technique - 25%
How consistently does the dancer demonstrate mastery of modern dance technique through body alignment, movement efficiency, strength, control, and use of breath?
Musicality - 15%
To what extent does the dancer engage with and make artful use of the music?
Retention of choreography - 10%
How quickly and proficiently is the dancer able to master the choreography?
Disposition/Personal Appearance - 10%
Is the dancer polite, focused, professional in appearance, and demonstrating grit?
Artistry - 15%
To what extent does the dancer captivate attention and demonstrate the potential for artistic achievement?
Additional Info:
Current Classen students who are interested in switching majors and becoming a dance major must also audition on the same audition dates.
Dance Contact Name[s] & Email[s]:
Brandi Kelley (Middle School)
Phone: 405-640-6424
Email: bdkelley@okcps.org
Cerena Chaney (Middle School)
Phone: 580-352-2761
Email: cmchaney@okcps.org
Erika Vasquez (High School)
Email: ecvasquez@okcps.org
Cameelah Pennington Cook (High School)
Email: cipenningtoncook@okcps.org
Pertinent Links:
CSAS MS Website: https://www.okcps.org/Domain/45
CSAS HS Website: https://www.okcps.org/Domain/80