Auditions

EDCM

Photo: Julie Artacho | Dancer: Evelynn Yan

The École de danse contemporaine de Montréal is holding auditions for its 3-year professional training program in Contemporary Dance-Interpretation (Diploma of Collegial Studies, DEC 561.BB), starting in August 2023.

KEY DATES

Preliminary auditions: February 2-3-4-5, 2023

Deadline for applications or audition by video: January 24th, 2023 (at 5 p.m.)

Final audition: March 3-4-5, 2023

Written confirmation of final results: Mid-March, 2023

 

REGISTRATION

PRELIMINARY AUDITION in studio

Everyone who submits a complete application will be invited by letter to attend the preliminary auditions. Applicants will be asked to attend one of the preliminary audition dates. The jury is composed of members of the School’s administrative and teaching staff, who possess a wide range of teaching skills. Candidates residing within Quebec must opt for an in-person audition (some exceptions may apply).
 
EXERCICES TO BE INCLUDED:
 
Contemporary Dance Technique Class
The technique class runs for two hours, during which committee members assess candidates’ physical potential, technical ability and artistic talent.
 
Improvisation Class
The structured improvisation class is designed to help evaluate the applicants’ potential and artistic qualities, with particular attention to:
• originality
• personal expression
• ability to interact with other dancers
• openness to direction from the teacher

PRELIMINARY AUDITION by video

Candidates residing outside of Quebec, may opt for a video audition. Video candidates must send a complete application no later than the date mentionned at the top of the page, along with the link (Youtube, Vimeo...) of your 15-minute video. The video must include the components below. 

EXERCICES TO BE INCLUDED:
 
On the floor
1. A floor warm up (mobility of the whole body, trunk, arms, pelvis, legs) ; ONCE
 
Standing
2. A pliés exercice with torso mobilization, in parallel, 1st and 2nd positions; ONCE
3. A tendus and dégagés exercise, front, side back, that includes weight transfers, bounces and passés; (2 sides); 
4. A slow and controlled dance including leg extensions; (2 sides);
5. Small jumps on the spot; ONCE;
 
In space
6. Dancing accross the floor, a movement phrase including turns, jumps and going to the floor; (2 sides);
7. An improvisation in contemporary dance;
8. A contemporary dance solo, (2 minutes);
 

Please note the following :

The evaluation committee is made up of the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal's faculty.

You must wear form fitting dance attire so that the evaluation committee can assess your full potential. If the studio walls where you record your video audition are white, it is best to wear black or navy blue.

You must demonstrate musical precision in relation to the musical accompaniment for the exercises on your video audition.

FINAL AUDITION

Whether candidates are accepted or not, all are informed in writing of the results of their preliminary audition. Two weeks before the preliminary audition in Montreal, approximately fourty people will receive a written invitation to take part in the final audition, which is held over three days. Candidates must be present for the entire event.

1- Technique class 

The combinations for the technique classes for the final audition are more difficult than those for the preliminary audition, but the evaluation criteria remain the same.

2- Repertory class 

A choreography from the School's repertory is taught to the candidates by a faculty member. This activity serves to verify the candidates’ sense of movement, performance qualities, memorization abilities, coordination and musicality.

3- Improvisation class 

4- Composition class 

The composition activity is a collaborative exercise in which candidates are asked to create a short choreography both in smaller groups and as a whole. It serves to evaluate the candidates’ ability to work as a team, their communication skills and their openness.

5- PHYSICAL EVALUATION

6- Solo

Each candidate invited to the final auditions must perform a two-minute solo in contemporary dance before the evaluation committee. This may be their own creation or that of a choreographer. For the solo, the candidate may send their music digitally or bring it on a cellular, a CD or a Mp3 player. Wearing a costume is not permitted.

7- Individual interview 

The interview is intended to determine the motivation and personal objectives of the candidates. This is also an opportunity to answer their questions and provide information about certain aspects of the program.

Limited enrollment: twenty spaces are available in total. Twenty candidates will thus be invited to register for the program and a certain number of qualified candidates will be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on the waiting list will be called if any of the accepted candidates decline.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please wear the appropriate attire (unitard, leotard, etc.). Applicants may change and leave their street clothes in the changing rooms during the audition. Applicants are required to dance barefoot. However, please bring appropriate footwear for walking between studios. We strongly recommend that you bring your own water and food with you. A microwave oven, refrigerator and beverage vending machine are available for your use.

A maximum of 25 students will be invited to enrol in the program. A certain number of qualified candidates will be put on a waiting list and contacted should a place become available. Please do not call for your audition result.
Considering the large number of applications and the nature of the information in question, no audition results or feedback concerning the auditions will be given over the phone.

EDCM

Photo: Luc Lavergne | Dancers: Catherine Dagenais-Savard, Sovann Rochon-Prom Tep

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Physical potential

  • Posture Mobility of torso, limbs and pelvis
  • Neuromuscular control and tone
  • Coordination
  • Efficiency of movement

Technical skills

  • In-depth knowledge of the basic vocabulary common to modern, classical and jazz techniques (pliés, legwork, turns, jumps, adages and floor work)
  • Ability to dance to different tempos
  • Dynamics
  • Memorization

Creativity and originality

  • Ability to improvise through exploring personal gesture

  • Ability to interact with other dancers, space and music while still focussing on one’s own movements

Personal expression

  • Expressiveness
  • Ability to express oneself through improvisation
  • Ability to convey feelings, emotions and ideas through movement

Open-mindedness

  • Responsiveness
  • Sensitivity to others
  • Ability to listen actively and be open to others’ ideas
  • Experimentation and willingness to try new things

 

FAQ

  • What must I provide as relevant (artistic) experience in my application file ?

    Dance courses (all styles), choreography courses, participation in competitions, any involvement with amateur dance companies, other art courses or training, other arts practiced (music, theatre, etc.)

  • What do the two auditions cost ?

    Administrative fees of $50 apply for preliminary audition registration. There are no additional fees for the final auditions.

  • If I don’t pass the auditions, can I try again next year ?

    Yes, you can reapply to the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal. Please note: due to the number of candidates auditionning for EDCM, we are unable to send individual evaluations to the candidates.

  • I’ve been dancing for several years (particularly hip hop), but I’ve never been involved in contemporary dance. Do I stand a chance at passing the auditions ?

    Yes! Provided that your basic technique is satisfactory and you meet most of the admission criteria.

  • Is there an age limit for applying for the auditions ?

    Although there is no official age limit, the evaluation committee does take into account the age of candidates in view of the reality of a career in dance at the end of the three-year training program.

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