DANCE 

What We are Looking For

At Ellington we are here to teach – prior training is certainly valued, but we are first and foremost

evaluating your potential and passion for dance. During your audition we will be looking for students

who:

• Physically and verbally express their passion for the art of dance,

• Show a strong desire to work diligently on technique,

• Display a willingness to accept feedback and/or positive correction,

• Exhibit flexibility, a natural sense of movement, musicality, an innate ability to follow directions,

always maintain a positive attitude and the physique and stamina appropriate for rigorous dance.

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What to Wear/How to Prepare

Students auditioning for the dance department are advised to:

• Arrive ON TIME for your audition, late arrivals may be disqualified.

• Girls (or identifying): Wear leotard (preferably black) and footless tights, bring white socks and ballet

shoes,

• Boys (or identifying): Wear black footless tights, white tank top, dance belt (supporter – not

jockstrap), regular belt around the waist, wear white socks, and ballet shoes,

• If you are unable to acquire the clothing described above for your audition, please contact

admissions@ellingtonarts.org so that we can find alternatives.

• Students that identify as non-binary and/or are unsure how to dress, please contact us at

admissions@ellingtonarts.org.

• Hair pulled back, away from the face in a tight bun at the crown of the head and secured with a thin

hairnet.

• Remove all visible jewelry (incl. nose, eyebrow, lip piercings etc. & earrings).

• If you have a new piercing, please have the following piercing covered by a bandage

• NO long fingernails or fingernail and toenail polish.

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In addition to the materials sent in for your Ellington application through My School DC.

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Platform

1. A physical medical form for the current school year or a medical form from your doctor, clearing you

for participation in a rigorous dance program.

• If you have questions about what you can bring, please contact

admissions@ellingtonarts.org before your audition.

2. One (1) 8x10” photograph: one (1) headshot (portrait).

• If you cannot provide photographs, please contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org before your

audition.

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The Audition Process

For auditions, you will participate in a ballet and a modern technique dance class which also includes

strengthening and conditioning.

•  Solo choreography and/or dance are not required for this audition.
 

You will be assigned to either Group A or Group B – group changes are not interchangeable. You must

attend both day one and day two. Selected students will be assigned to Group C if they are invited to

return for the final day. If selected to continue the audition process in the callbacks, participation in

each session is mandatory to be considered for dance at Ellington. Failure to attend both days one and

two will result in disqualification.

• If you have any concerns related to attendance, contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org. Have a Successful Audition

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Please note 504 and IEP accommodation is available. Please contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org with

any questions or concerns.