Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)

Important! Please make sure you have read the How to Apply information for this course prior to reading the audition requirements below.

Audition dates

2027 Start Year Intake

Recorded auditions must be submitted via the supplementary application.

Callback auditions (for shortlisted applicants) will take place on campus in Melbourne and online in November.

Audition requirements

Prior training in contemporary dance and other techniques is highly recommended. All applicants must submit a video portfolio.

Applicants should prepare and submit:

  • A short introduction talking to the camera;
  • A set movement phrase; and
  • A one-minute solo.

Detailed video audition guidelines will be available when applications open.

Preparing and Recording Your Audition

  • Perform in a safe environment, and use the space you have available to you: ideally on a smooth floor in a volume of space with no obstacles. Understandably, not all applicants may have access to a large dance space during these times.
  • It is not an expectation that you access or purchase additional recording equipment beyond a basic smartphone, iPad, or laptop/desktop device. For smartphones, many recent models already have very good microphones built in.
  • Make sure you are well-lit and can be seen clearly; you may wish to ask a friend or relative to record you or use a tripod or video stand.
  • Please keep your head and feet in the video at all times.
  • Do not use filters or effects; please keep editing to a minimum.

Callback Audition

Shortlisted applicants from the recorded audition submissions will be invited to attend a callback audition. Callbacks will be conducted at the Southbank campus and additionally online via Zoom Web Conferencing for those unable to attend in person.

Please note that applicants will not be advantaged, nor disadvantaged, in selection by attending either an in-person or an online callback audition.

The University of Melbourne and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all participants, regardless of their physical, sensory, cognitive, or psychological abilities. Should you be required to attend a callback audition, you will be asked if you have any accessibility requirements during the booking stage.

How will I be assessed?

Portfolio

Applicants' portfolio  will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Technical competence
  • Imaginative and creative capacity
  • Quality of movement and expression
  • Spatial awareness and rhythmic sequencing

Callback audition (shortlisted applicants only)

Applicants' callback audition will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Ability to collaborate with others
  • Responses to tasks in a group setting
  • Capacity to move with spatial awareness and sensitivity to others
  • Imaginative and creative capacity

Please note that all applicants will be ranked based on the above criteria, up to the capacity of places within the course.