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Audition for the Major

Join LMU Dance and become part of our vibrant community where rigorous training connects directly to professional practice. Guided by accomplished faculty and an innovative curriculum, students develop the skills and industry knowledge needed to build sustainable careers in dance. 

All admitted LMU Dance majors begin in the BA in Dance program, building a strong artistic foundation while exploring their individual interests. After the first year, students choose the degree pathway that best supports their interest and career goals: 

Each pathway supports a distinct direction for dancers to explore careers in dance while providing mentorship, professional experience, and performance opportunities. Students graduate prepared to enter the field with confidence and a clear sense of their artistic identity. 

We welcome applicants from all dance backgrounds and traditions. Regardless of the style presented, applicants will be evaluated on the clarity of their personal statement, their understanding of how LMU Dance aligns with their goals, and their demonstrated readiness to meet the program’s academic and artistic rigor. 

Below, you will find step-by-step instructions for applying and auditioning for the LMU Dance program. 

Audition Requirements: Prospective First Year & Transfer Students—Dance Majors

1. Apply to Loyola Marymount University using one of the available options: LMU Online App, Common App, or Coalition app.

Note: Dance must be listed as your first-choice major in order to be considered for admission into the LMU Dance program.

2. After you submit your application to Loyola Marymount University, you will gain access to Slate, where you will need to either:

    1. Submit Two Video Responses

      Video 1:
      Respond to the following prompt (3 minutes max):
      Please introduce yourself, share your dance goals and aspirations, and explain why LMU Dance is the right program to help you develop as a dance artist.

      Video 2:
      Upload your dance proficiency audition video or verification of a pre‑approval upload (2 minutes max).
      Your performance may be in any style that best showcases your unique talents and skills. No compilations, please.

      OR

    2. Upload Your Pre‑Approval
      Learn more about Pre‑Approvals below.

Your entire audition for LMU Dance is submitted online. You do not need to come on campus or schedule an interview. All of the submission deadlines are the same dates as the university deadlines as listed below.

Pre-Approval  

A Pre‑Approval is an early acceptance awarded to select students at off-campus dance recruitment events. It is awarded to applicants who show strong artistic ability, a committed work ethic, and a clear alignment with the qualities LMU Dance looks for in its students:  curiosity, collaboration, and readiness for rigorous artistic growth. 

Receiving a Pre‑Approval means the student has already met the artistic requirements for LMU Dance and are considered accepted into the Dance Program, pending your formal admission to the university. 

Once your application is submitted, you'll gain access to the LMU Application Status Portal, where you will need to upload two videos or your pre-approval certificate.     

Apply to LMU

Important Dates

Application Deadlines for First-Year Students:

  • November 1: Early Decision (binding)
  • November 1: Early Action (non-binding)
  • January 8: Early Decision II (binding)
  • January 15: Regular Decision

Note: Early Decision (ED) is binding. If admitted, students are expected to submit their commitment deposit by January 11. Only apply ED if LMU is your top choice. Early Action (EA) is non-binding and allows students until May 1 to make their final decision.

Interested in minoring in Dance or applying as an internal transfer?

If you're currently enrolled at LMU and would like to add a Dance minor, please use the link below to learn more and begin the process.

Minor Audition Information

Internal Transfer Audition Information

Due to current program capacity, the next internal transfer audition will be held in Spring 2027. To receive updates and additional information about the audition process, please email dance@lmu.edu and request to be added to the interest list.

Interested in applying as a transfer student from another institution?

Learn more here!

Get In Touch with LMU Dance

General Inquiries 
Email: Dance@lmu.edu 

Schedule a Dance Tour  
Contact: Juliet Szatko, Senior Administrative Coordinator 
Email: Juliet.Szatko@lmu.edu 

First-year Recruitment & Transfer Support 
Contact: Geri Brown, Director of Commercial Dance & Recruitment 
Email: Geraldine.Brown@lmu.edu

Other Resources

Apply Today