Contemporary Dance Practices BA

An application is not valid until the applicant has submitted the application and paid the application fee. Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Certified copy of degree certificate(s) and programme / course transcript(s) (PDF)

Applicants should have finished a Matriculation Exam or comparable degree, and it is preferable that they have finished Secondary stage in dance or comparable education. 

If applicants have other certificate/s that they want to submit, please attach them to the electronic applications under “Diploma/Transcript 3. 

2. Portrait photo.

Attach to the electronic application under „Other documents“

3. Statement letter (PDF).

Attach to the electronic application under „Statement of your objectives and expectations regarding the studies.“

Write your personal letter to dance.

1. Why do you want to become a dance artist?
2. Why dance?
3. What, or who, inspires you?
4. What moves you, and what puzzles you about dance?
5. What do you think is the dance of the future?

• With your letter you are welcome to include excerpts of your own creative work; images, drawings or poetry.
• Maximum length of text: 400 words
• Maximum length of entire letter (including extra material) 4 pages.
• Please attach your PDF document to the electronic application under „Statement of your objectives and expectations regarding the studies“.

4. Two Video Tasks.
   Attach to the electronic application under „Links.“

4.a. 2 minute video – Physicality Task:
Show us your moving body. We want to get to know your physicality, your technical knowledge and movement qualities. Your dance can be learnt material, your own choreography or improvised dance.

4.b. 1-2 minute video – Creative Task:
Film your own short solo reacting to one of these titles:

• Cycle
• Dreaming landscape
• Electric
• Uncanny

Practical instructions for video recording:

• The submitted recordings must, be unbroken, ie. it is not allowed to join two or more recordings together and no special effects.
• It is important that the recording is of good picture and sound quality.
• The recording equipment must be stationary during shooting. Vertical or horizontal shooting is optional.
• We want to see only you in the video (not dancing with a partner or group).
• Make sure that we see the whole body for the entire duration of the video.
• You are welcome to use music but no props.

How to share your video recordings:

Note – Videos are received through an unlisted YouTube link. Applicants are responsible for the links being active.

Name the videos after this formula:

• Full name of the applicant – Course applied for – Task name:
  e.g. “John Doe – Contemporary Dance Practices – Creative Task” 

• Copy the two URL’s and insert them into the “Links” section in the electronic application. 

Here is an introductory video on how to upload an „unlisted“ YouTube video.

The Dean of the Department of Performing Arts appoints a three-person audition committee. The committee’s responsibility is to select individuals they believe are qualified and competent to take advantage of the education offered at the Contemporary Dance Practices. The conclusion of the committee should not be interpreted as a judgment of the applicant’s artistic talent. The committee’s work is confidential and individual applications won’t be specifically reviewed. The committee’s decision is final and can’t be referred for review elsewhere within the school. 

Components evaluated by the audition committee include: 

• Physicality and body awareness: Examination of the applicants’ skills and potential in physical work with time and space. Terms include alignment and flow of movement, coordination, musicality, dynamics, and ability to embody ideas in movement. (Step 1 + 2) 

• Technique and artistry: Applicant’s ability and understanding of movement as a creative and expressive medium. (Step 1 + 2) 

• Creativity: The ability to present ideas and channel them through creative means. Curiosity and confidence in ideas and presentation is evaluated. (Step 1 + 2) 

• Work Ethics: Applicant’s attitude towards work; curiosity, independent approach and initiative. Applicant’s collaborative ability: How they work with guidance and input from others. (Step 2) 

• Performativity: Applicant’s awareness and mindfulness towards performance with respect to time, space and context. Ability and potential to use the voice in a creative way. (Step 2) 

• Communication and Critical Thinking: Applicant’s ability to express their thoughts and comments on their choices and the tasks they meet in the application process. (Step 2) 

Applicants should have finished a Matriculation Exam or comparable degree, and it is preferable that they have finished Secondary stage in dance or comparable education.

Exceptions regarding intake – The IUA is allowed to accept students into the school that have knowledge and experience which is considered adequate preparation for BA studies within the school. However, students need to have finished no less than 105 ECTS from the older system of the upper secondary school system or 150 ECTS according to the new system.

The BA Programme in Contemporary Dance Practices is an international programme conducted in English. Students must be proficient in spoken and written English.