The Process

All freshmen that would like to certify as dance majors will need to begin in ballet, or can take ballet and jazz together.

Students with prior dance experience can audition out of a Level I via video audition.

VIDEO SUBMISSIONS ​

SSHS Dance Department Auditions 2020-21

This video audition is for incoming students for Fall 2020. 

Prior to submitting the video, please fill out this Google Form. If you are auditioning for more than one discipline, please check the boxes for all the departments you are auditioning for.
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Please see the descriptions of skill sets required for each class below. Utilize the passcode for Dance and upload videos to Flipgrid. Please submit one video for each class introducing yourself before demonstrating the necessary skill sets. If you are choosing Option 1, you will have to determine how you will introduce and identify yourself. 

Example: State, “Hello, my name is ______ and I will be in ______grade. In this video I am auditioning for ______.”

How to submit your video - Instructions at the bottom of the page. 

If you have any trouble please reach out to linda.lewis@simivalleyusd.org or trevor.lynskey@simivalleyusd.org. 

Option 1: Submit a video of a performance in the genre of dance you are auditioning. You must be clearly visible and easily identifiable if it is a group piece. Below, you will see the skills sets for each genre you are being evaluated for. If we are unable to identify you or the necessary skill sets to discern level, we will reach out and ask for you to complete option 2. 

Option 2: Below you will find the requirements for each of the audition courses we offer at SSHS.  Please film yourself completing each of these skill sets to the best of your ability for evaluation. If we need to see additional skill sets to discern proper placement, we will reach out to you. 

Jazz 2 - Please submit a video of yourself performing each of the following skill sets. The video should be no longer than two minutes in length.

  • Pirouette (single and double or more) Right and left
  • Splits - Right, left, middle
  • Chaine turn - right and left
  • Pique turn - right and left
  • Leaps - Right, left , center (others if you wish)
  • Battement - front/first (right and left) second/side (right and left)
  • Extensions - if you have them
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Ballet 2 - Please show :30-:45 of highest level of center combination including the following:
  • Croise developpe front
  • Efface developpe 1st arabesque
  • En face tendus a la seconde (all from 5th to show best turnout)
  • En dehors pirouettes
  • Best use of port de bras and epaulement

Pointe - You do not already have to be on pointe to audition for our pointe class! If you are already on pointe, please show :30-:45 of highest level center including the following:
  • Eschappes
  • Passe releve
  • Pas de bourree
  • Detourne
  • Pique turns
  • Soutenu

If you are NOT already on pointe, please show :30-:45 of highest level center including ALL Ballet 2 requirements PLUS the following:
  • Glissades (landing in 5th)
  • Petit jetes
  • Assembles (closing front and back)
  • Piques and soutenus from the corner

Modern/Composition T/Th 9th Period 3-5pm (ROP Choreography)- All are welcome to audition for this class. Please email Linda.lewis@simivalleyusd.org if you did not already express interest in this course at troubadour day.

Please submit :30-:45 of highest level contemporary work utilizing best expressive use of space, gravity, level and articulation of torso.

Tap 2 - Please submit a video of yourself performing each of the following skill sets. The video should be no longer than two minutes in length.
  • Flaps (Front/Side/Back)
  • Shuffle (Front/Side/Back)
  • Broadway step/ shirley temple
  • Pull backs (standard/syncopated)
  • Draw backs (any variation)
  • Time steps (single/double)
  • Wings

Dance Collective - Please submit one-two minutes showing your highest level of technique including turns, extensions, jumps, and any other high level skills that would make you a valuable asset to our competition and performance group. This video can be a performance piece (solo or group) in which you are clearly identifiable. If we need additional videos to discern level, we will reach out to you. 

Evaluation Criteria:
Students will be evaluated in the following areas:
  • Body alignment
  • Dance technique
  • Skill/potential
  • Musicality
  • Recall of technical skill sets
  • Stage presence/performance energy
  • Ability to receive feedback/constructive criticism

How to submit your video:

Go to https://flipgrid.com/sshsauditions2020 Password: SSHSAuditions2020

You may have to create a Flipgrid account if you do not already have one. This is very easy to do. We recommend you use your school email to sign up, even if it is an out of district email.

Next, click on the “Topic” of Dance auditions. You may record with your own device and upload a video, or you may use the Flipgrid Camera. ​
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​Video submissions are Due April 3rd.