DANCEBERMUDA

Summer Intensive

with AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

August 4th - 22nd, 2008

Q: What is the age requirement for DanceBermuda?

A: Auditions are open to all male and female students who have achieved intermediate or advanced levels of ballet training.  Applicants for all programs must be at least age twelve and no older than twenty-two on July 31, 2008.

Q: What is the age requirement for the Young Dancer Programme?

A: Auditions for the Young Dancer Programme are open to all male and female students who have achieved basic levels of ballet training.  Applicants for the Young Dancer Programme must be at least age nine on July 31, 2008.  Students age 13 years and younger will be assessed for participation in either the Young Dancer Programme or DanceBermuda.

 

Q: What are the auditions like?

A: The audition will be a ballet class starting with barre and progressing through center work. The last 20 minutes will be reserved for pointe work. NO pointe work will occur in the Young Dancer audition.

 

Q: What requirements are there for the audition picture?

A: At the audition you will be required to submit a non-returnable black and white or color photo ranging in size from 4 x 6 to 8 x 10 that shows the student's First Arabesque line clearly.

 

Q: Do you have a form for the Teachers' Recommendations?

A: At the audition you will need to submit one letter of recommendation from a present dance teacher. We do not have a form for these recommendations. The teacher should write a short letter stating the student's strengths.

 

Q: Is pre-registration required in order to attend the auditions?

A: Pre-registration is strongly recommended. If you pre-register, then you will know in advance what time your audition will be held and are guaranteed a spot at that time.

 

Q: Is there a dress code for the auditions?

A: Yes, there is a dress code. Girls should wear pink full-length tights and black leotards with ballet slippers. Boys should wear white t-shirts and black full-length tights with ballet slippers.

 

Q: What do you look for in the auditions?

A: We evaluate dancers on the basis of the level of their classical ballet technique, with special attention to adagio, jumps, turns, and pointe work. We also assess the dancers on their retention of combinations, stamina, musicality, work ethic, attitude, and potential.

 

 

Q: What if I can't make it to a scheduled audition?

A: You can send a video audition. Video audition forms are available to download on this website. The postmark deadline for videos is March 7, 2008.

DanceBermuda

If you are unable to attend an audition in person, you may apply for the DanceBermuda Summer Intensive by video application. Please fill out the application and submit it with a US$35 application fee, one letter of recommendation from a present dance instructor and a photograph in first arabesque. Cheques must be payable to Amercian Ballet Theatre . Video (ten minutes maximum) should include work at the barre (one side only) plié, tendu, adagio and grand battement; in the center (one side) consisting of an adagio, pirouettes, petit allegro and grand allegro. Female applicants : please include pointe work combinations in center containing relevé, échappe’ and piqué turns. Male applicatnts: please include two turning combinations and a combination with tours en l’air and petit allegro with beats. A short classical variation for males and females is optional.

Young Dancer Programme at DanceBermuda

If you are unable to attend an audition in person, you may apply for the Young Dancer Programme at DanceBermuda by video application. Please fill out the application and submit it with a US$35 application fee, one letter of recommendation from a present dance instructor and a photograph in first arabesque. Cheques must be payable to Amercian Ballet Theatre . Video (ten minutes maximum) should include work at the barre (one side only) plié, tendu, adagio and grand battement; in the center (one side) consisting of an adagio, pirouette, petit allegro and grand allegro. Female applicants : please include pointe work consisting of relevé and échappe’ ( only include the above pointe exercises if you have had at least two months experience on pointe). Male applicatnts: please include a turning combination and petit allegro. Video should remain simple and appropriate to the dancer’s age and level of training.

Videotapes must be converted to an American format or they cannot be evaluated.

 

Q: Can I schedule an individual audition?

A: We cannot accommodate the scheduling of individual auditions. If you cannot make it to a scheduled audition, please send a video audition.

Q: What kind of accommodation is there in Bermuda?

A: International students under the age of 18 have the option of staying with family or chaperone in guest accomodations or of being hosted (student only) in the home of one of the National Dance Foundation's patrons.

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is our preferred hotel offering a preferred rate to DanceBermuda families.  The property is within walking distance of the programme's dance facilities.  Upon acceptance into the programme, a unique identifier and instructions will be provided to book a stay at the Fairmont Hamilton at a special rate during DanceBermuda . 

There is a wealth of information on the internet for families seeking alternative accommodations in Bermuda.  We encourage you to utilize this resource and your personal travel assistant to find alternative suitable and affordable accommodations.

 

Q: How soon will I find out the results of my audition?

A: The results are mailed one week following the final audition. Due to delays sometimes experienced with the postal system, results are also emailed.

 

Q: Do you give out audition results over the phone?

A: No, we do not give out audition results over the phone.

 

Q: If I have a question how can I contact you?

A:. If you have a specific question please send it via fax: 441-236-3339 or email: ndfb@dancebermuda.org and we will be happy to answer it.

 

Q: Do I have to attend the three-week summer programme or can I attend just one or two weeks? Can I arrive a few days late?

A: In order to receive the full benefit of the intensive summer training everyone must attend the programme in its entirety. Exceptions to this rule will only be made in extraordinary circumstances.