dancers in a studio moving together in a group

BFA Dance Lab Auditions

We recommend completing the Common Application or Apply Coalition before attending an audition or submitting your online audition materials.

The BFA Dance Lab application requires an audition. Applicants are encouraged to attend a live audition whenever possible.

In these auditions, students participate in a workshop with faculty and current students. The workshops include ballet, improvisation, and contemporary forms including hip-hop. Students also present a prepared solo. Registration is required for all live auditions. Video auditions are also accepted when necessary.  

Attend a City Lab

The Bennington BFA Dance Lab will be holding CITY LABS. These will be in-person workshop auditions in New York and Philadelphia. High School juniors and seniors are welcome to attend!

Registration coming soon.

Audition on Campus

We've set aside four dates for students to spend the day on Bennington’s campus, take classes, meet with faculty, and audition.

  • November 13, 2026*
  • December 11, 2026*
  • February 26, 2027
  • March 12, 2027

*On these dates, students are invited to attend on-campus evening performances of BFA Lab Senior Thesis Works (November 13, 2026) or the Winter Dance Series (December 11, 2026).

If you wish to request an alternate date, we welcome students to contact Cameron Childs via email at cameronchilds@bennington.edu to arrange a campus visit.

Video Auditions

If you are unable to make it to an in-person audition, you can submit audition materials using the guidelines below to Cameron Childs via email at cameronchilds@bennington.edu.

Part One: Introduction

  • Begin with brief close-up shot of your face.
  • Clearly state your full name, current school, city, and country of residence.
  • Provide a brief history of your previous dance training.
  • Tell us why you think this program is a good fit.

Part Two: Solo 

  • Before performing the solo, State the title of the solo, the choreographer, and the composer of the music (if using music).
  • Perform a prepared solo no longer than two minutes in length.
  • The solo should demonstrate your interests and strengths.  

Part Three: Study Samples

Approach this portion of the portion of the video like a class.

  • Improvisation (60 seconds): You may perform in silence or to music of your choice
  • Ballet: Pliés, tendu/dégagé, adagio, grand battement (center) tendu, pirouettes, petit allegro.
  • Across the floor phrase work: Provide two examples, each should be approximately 40 seconds in length. You may perform in silence or to music of your choice. This may be a phrase you have learned in a class or one that you have choreographed. Note: We have provided example video prompts (sample 1, sample 2, and sample 3) to assist you in creating your own phrase material.

Video Hosting and Privacy Settings

Upload your audition to either YouTube or Vimeo.

  • YouTube: Set your video to "Unlisted"
  • Vimeo: Set your video to password-protected, and include the password with your submission.

These privacy settings ensure that your performance is not shared publicly. However, the admissions panel should be able to view your submission immediately without needing an account. 

Guidelines for workshops and on-campus visits

  • You will participate in studio classes with faculty and current students.
  • The workshop/classes will include studio practices in ballet, improvisation, and contemporary forms.
  • You should wear comfortable attire.