Classen School of Advanced Studies High Schools at Northeast
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 21, 2025 (11 am - 2 pm) 

• Incoming 9-12th - Thursday, February 20, 2025 (4 pm - 6 pm) 

Time for Arrival: 

• Incoming 6-8th should arrive at 10:30am

• Incoming 9-12th  should arrive at 3:30pm 

Location for Middle School auditions:  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.)

Location for High School auditions: Classen SAS at Northeast Dance Studio (Room E104) (3100 N. Kelley Avenue OKC, OK 73111)

• Point of Entry: The main doors on the southwest side of the building, through the safety vestibule.

• Parking Information: Parking will be available in the main parking lot off of North Kelley Avenue. 

How to Apply & What to Prepare Before Arrival:

CSAS General Application requirements: 

OKCPS Application Schools Website

Dance Specific Requirements: 

• CLICK HERE to complete your REQUIRED Dance Audition Online Form (same for Middle School and High School)

• 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 and 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:

• Dress Code Option 1:

  • Solid colored leotard

  • Transitional tights (pink, black, or skin-toned)- should be able to fill them up and be barefoot 

  • Supportive undergarments as needed for movement

  • Ballet shoes and jazz shoes

• Dress Code Option 2:

  • Solid colored tight fitted tank or shirt

  • Men’s dance tights 

  • Supportive undergarments as needed for movement

  • Ballet shoes and jazz shoes

  • A 5x7 headshot (does not need to be a professional photo)

  • 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