Admissions

While LMU Dance is currently a modern/contemporary-centered department, we welcome students from a diversity of dance backgrounds and training. Regardless of the style or technique you choose to send us, we will be evaluating you based on similar criteria: coordination, strength, musicality and/or phrasing, and performance quality. Below, please find step by step instructions for applying and auditioning to our program.

LMU is conducting all auditions for Fall 2024 acceptance virtually. 

Dance Program Tours

We are now offering in-person department tours led by some of our Dance Majors and Minors. Click this link to register!

Dance Preview Day - March 23, 2024

LMU Dance is thrilled to announce Dance Preview Day! High school students (and their families) are invited to join us in the studio on March 23! Students will have the opportunity to take contemporary and jazz classes, ask questions to our panel of students and faculty, experience a campus tour, and attend a performance in our Strub Theatre! RSVP is required. Sign up HERE.

LMU Dance Audition Process

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A PRE-APPROVAL: 

• Complete the general LMU application first.
• Upload a copy of your pre-approval certificate to your portfolio.
• Register for an interview (see step 2).

**Please note the audition process is only for dance majors. Dance minors do not need to audition.

STEP 1: Apply to Loyola Marymount University. (link to LMU application)

1-2 days after submitting your application, you will be given access to a portfolio where you will upload the following audition materials.

1. Dance Program Audition Forms (link)

2. Headshot and goals statement

   • Your goals statement is a brief document in paragraph or bullet point format which should include:
     • Your career goals
     • Where you feel you want/need to grow and develop as a dancer (performer, choreographer, teacher, etc)

3. Audition video

Please submit at least one of the following:

A video of yourself doing center studio work in whichever technique you feel most comfortable in (e.g. modern/contemporary, jazz, hip hop, ballet, vernacular or street styles, tap, west African, etc.) 

• • You may include more than one technique if you feel you have proficiency in multiple techniques that you would like display. 
  • If you are auditioning with improvisation, freestyle, or original choreography, please clearly indicate that on the file name or title of video. 
  • The recording does not have to be made in a studio, just please try to have as clean a dance area and background as you can

A video excerpt from a recent (within in last 2 years) performance.

• • If you are only sending in a performance excerpt and not center studio work, the excerpt should be at least 2-3 minutes where you can be seen dancing fully and clearly. If it is an ensemble dance, indicate your costume and location so we can easily find you.  

• • If you are sending in a performance excerpt and center studio work, the performance excerpt should be at least 1 minute where you can be seen dancing fully and clearly. 

STEP 2: Interview with a Dance Program faculty member.

Interviews will not be conducted after Monday, February 5th, 2024. If you are a transfer applicant who needs to schedule an interview, please email dance@lmu.edu. 

Below are faculty members that are available for interviews:

Bernard Brown

Rosalynde LeBlanc Loo

Kristen Smiarowski

Laura Ann Smyth

Damon Rago

Taryn Vander Hoop

Audition Submission Instructions

Prospective students should submit all audition forms and videos through their Application Status Page (NOTE: You will only have access to this portal once you submit your LMU application). Please find the “Portfolio” section toward the bottom of the page and click “Edit Portfolio.” Then upload your materials under the “Upload Media” tab.

Application Deadlines:

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

Transfer Students:

• October 1: Regular Decision admission for Spring 
• February 1 (priority): Regular Decision admission for Fall

The primary difference between Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) is that our Early Decision plan is binding, meaning that when a student is admitted ED (in December), they are expected to then submit their commitment deposit by January 11. Because of the binding nature of the program, you should only apply ED if you are certain that LMU is your top choice school.  

If you apply Early Action (EA), we will review your application in the fall and will update you on the status of your application (either with a decision or with a deferral into the Regular Decision pool) by December. The difference with EA is that even students admitted during EA still have until May 1 to make their college decision and submit a commitment deposit.

Other Information

• Virtual Campus Tours: https://admission.lmu.edu/visit/
  
• General Admissions Questions: admissions@lmu.edu 
  
• Financial Aid: finaid@lmu.edu or visit https://financialaid.lmu.edu/
  
• Scholarships: Departmental scholarships are available to existing LMU dance students, after they have successfully completed their first semester, and on a very selective basis. 

Questions?

For any additional questions, please contact dance@lmu.edu and we will get back to you promptly!