DePaul University Athletics
Dance Team Audition Information
The DePaul Dance Team is a Game Day program first, with the option to compete at NDA Collegiate Nationals. The competition team will be selected from members of the gameday team, with increased technical skills required.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A GAME DAY TEAM
- Pirouettes: Solid and consistent double turns (both sides preferred).
- Turns in Second: Two 8-counts of a la seconde turns.
- Kicks: Properly executed right and left kicks to the front, side and tilt. Dancer demonstrates proper technical control, precision, and flexibility to execute.
- Leaps: Properly executed right and left leaps, center leap, turning disk, and capezio/calypso.
- Style Training: Demonstrated proficiency in Pom, Jazz, and Hip-Hop.
- Pom-Specific Skills
- Sharp arm placement drills and visual effects (e.g., ripple timing).
- High-kick, Turns, Leaps, and Arm sequences with stamina and precision.
- Jazz Elements
- Floor work transitions (rolls, slides).
- Clean Lines and a demonstration of Sharp/Soft Dynamics in movements.
- Hip-hop Elements
- Grooves, Bounce, Isolation clearly demonstrated.
- Pom-Specific Skills
- Musicality & Dynamics: Ability to hit accents and switch between smooth and sharp movements.
- Energy Control: Explosive power combined with stamina for full-out performance.
- Improvisation Element
- We improv on the court at every game. This element tests musicality, creativity, and adaptability with a short freestyle section.
- Improvisation Element
- Performance Quality
- Dancer has a great facial projection, confidence under pressure, and appropriate facial expressions for any kind of genre and song.
- The dancer is an entertainer.
- Unison – Movement Quality and Formation Competency
- The dancer knows when to intentionally stand out while knowing exactly how to blend in with the group.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMPETITION TEAM
- Pirouettes: Solid and consistent triple turns (both sides preferred).
- Turns in Second: Two 8-counts of a la seconde turns, finishing in a clean double.
- Kicks: Properly executed right and left kicks to the front, side and tilt. Dancer demonstrates proper technical control, precision, and flexibility to execute.
- Leaps: Properly executed right and left leaps, center leap, and capezio/calypso.
- Style Training: Demonstrated proficiency in Pom, Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop.
- Pom-Specific Skills
- Sharp arm placement drills and visual effects (e.g., ripple timing).
- High-kick, Turns, Leaps, and Arm sequences with stamina and precision.
- Contemporary / Jazz Elements
- Floor work transitions (rolls, slides, inversions).
- Improvisation segment (tests artistry and adaptability).
- Clean Lines and a demonstration of Sharp/Soft Dynamics in movements.
- Hip-hop Elements
- Grooves, Bounce, Isolation clearly demonstrated.
- Pom-Specific Skills
- Musicality & Dynamics: Ability to hit accents and switch between smooth and sharp movements.
- Energy Control: Explosive power combined with stamina for full-out performance.
- Improvisation Element
- We improv on the court at every game. This element tests musicality, creativity, and adaptability with a short freestyle section.
- Improvisation Element
- Performance Quality
- Dancer has a great facial projection, confidence under pressure, and appropriate facial expressions for any kind of genre and song.
- The dancer is an entertainer.
- Unison – Movement Quality and Formation Competency
- The dancer knows when to intentionally stand out while knowing exactly how to blend in with the group.
PERFORMANCE & MENTAL ATTRIBUTES (BOTH GAMEDAY AND COMPETITION)
- Champion Mindset: Displays resilience, confidence, and adaptability.
- Passion for Dance: Views dance as both an art form and a competitive sport.
- Growth-Oriented: Shows an unrelenting drive for improvement and openness to feedback.
- Thrives Under Challenge: Enjoys pushing limits and learning new skills.
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Headshot: A recent photo.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from coaches, instructors, or mentors.
- Team Fit / Interview: A brief interview or questionnaire about time management, teamwork, and commitment to our D1 athletic program.
ATTIRE & PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
- Form-fitting attire for Jazz, Pom, and loose attire for Hip-hop.
- Hair secured in a low bun.
- No jewelry.
- All black.
- Bring gym shoes and jazz shoes.
BONUS SKILLS (Optional and Highly Valued)
- Acrobatic Elements: Headspring, Kip-up, Aerial, Front Handspring, Back Handspring, Kip-up into Headspring, Front Head Spring.
- Advanced Leaps & Turns: Switch Leap, Pin Turn, All Around the World a la seconde turns, Capezio/calypso into a la seconde turns.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
- Attend the April Audition Clinic in full.
- Participate in open technique days leading up to auditions ($15.00/Session).
- Audition in person. Virtual auditions are open if ABSOLUTELY needed; they must be requested 1 month prior to auditions.
AUDITION SCORING RUBRIC
Each dancer will be evaluated based on the following categories:
Technique – 40% – Pirouettes, leaps, kicks, turns, and overall technical execution.
Performance Quality – 30% – Facial expression, confidence, musicality, and projection.
Learning Speed & Adaptability – 20% – Ability to pick up choreography quickly and apply corrections.
Team Fit – 10% – Attitude, collaboration, and alignment with team culture.
For questions about the team, audition process, upcoming events, please email the Head Coach: Rachel Bell, at RBELL18@depaul.edu.