MA Self-Tape Auditions Now Open!

We are now accepting self-tapes for our MA Advanced Dance Performance course! The 43-week program is a practice-based qualification that offers new and recent dance graduates the opportunity to develop their dance practice and technique, learn and develop choreography, and perform their work.

Dance City runs the MA Advanced Dance Performance course in partnership with the University of Sunderland. This enables students to benefit from the depth and breadth of the offer at the University, including the Library, the Student Wellbeing services, and the Students’ Union. This complements the specialist facilities and expert team at Dance City, where students are embedded into the life of a professional dance organisation and the region’s lively artistic community.

Application Process

To apply for this programme (commencing October 2021), please follow these steps:

  1. On the programme page on the University of Sunderland website, click the big red ‘Apply now’ link in the top right corner. CLICK HERE You will be taken to create a profile within the University’s system. This takes around two minutes and will involve you confirming your email address.
  2. Complete the application form. Most of this is practical personal information. You will also be invited to add a personal statement: please tell us here why you would like to do the MA Advanced Dance Performance. Please don’t worry about this too much; we just want to know that you understand what the course is and have thought about what you would like to get out of it. There will be an opportunity to say more later in your interview if you want to. The form also asks you for a reference – you don’t need to supply a reference now, but they will be asked later, so do check that they’re happy to be listed. Completing the application form will take about 45 minutes in total.
  3. Wait to hear from us. You will be invited to send in a self-tape in place of an audition. We have paused in-person auditions until the Covid situation is clearer. Get in touch with us if you have any questions in the meantime – we are happy to hear from you. Full instructions and a demonstration film will be provided for your self-tape audition once we receive your application.
  4. We will review your tape and get back to you with a date and time for an interview.

Audition Criteria & How to Apply

Please click HERE to view a welcome introduction from David Lloyd, Associate Artist, MA Programme.

For this audition option, your self-tape submission MUST include the following requirements:

Ballet Technique – Benchmark Phrase

Please record yourself performing this ballet material. As well as demonstrating your fundamental skill, this will also give you the opportunity to reflect your artistry with the material. In many cases this will mean you will dance the phrase exactly, though please feel free to adapt the choreography where needed. 

Please click on the links below to access the footage from Dropbox: 

Credits: Classical ballet is taught by Angela Reay and is core to the MA programme. This phrase is danced by our graduate Emily-Fleur Peake. 

Contemporary Dance – Benchmark Phrase

Please record yourself performing this repertory material. As well as demonstrating your fundamental skill, this will also give you the opportunity to reflect your artistry with the material. In many cases this will mean you will dance the phrase exactly, though please feel free to adapt the choreography where needed. 

Please click on the links below to access the footage from Dropbox: 

Credits: This phrase is from the work Neverland, choreographed by David Lloyd/Mischief Company, which has been a core work for the MA. It is danced by our graduate Emily-Fleur Peake. 

Solo Improvisation – No longer than three minutes

Please share with us a three-minute improvisation. We will have seen your technical ability in the previous two videos, so this is your opportunity to demonstrate your theatrical qualities, your independent approach, and your live response in the moment. We want to see you! 

Please click on the links below to access the footage from Dropbox: 

Improvisation is understood as a key process in the MA programme. 

Short Piece to Camera – No longer than two minutes

This piece should be directly to camera and should include the following: 

  • Your name
  • Reason for applying for this course
  • Your reflections on the self-tape process

This course requires reflective practice, we’d like to see that in action!

Self-Taping Requests

  • Find a quiet room that has no or minimum background noise 
  • Ask who is filming it for you to be aware of shadows and try to avoid them
  • It’s best to avoid wearing thin stripes when on camera – they jump! 
  • Ensure your clothing is neutral – no big logos etc.
  • If you use an iPhone/Smart phone to self-tape, ensure that it is landscape and NOT portrait. See below. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scholarships

The University of Sunderland is offering a Skills Boost NE discount, which will reduce the fees for some students by 20%. For more information, please CLICK HERE

Any Questions?

If you have any general questions or queries about the course and the audition process please send them over to adam.dutton@dancecity.co.uk