You may audition in person on campus or submit a recorded video audition through the Portfolio section of your Redhawk Admissions Portal after submitting your application.

Application steps: 

1. Apply to Seattle University using the Common Application. You’ll choose your Cornish major in the application. 
2. Submit your application. 
3. Within 24-48 hours, you will receive login credentials for your Redhawk Admissions Portal. 
4. Log into your Redhawk Admissions Portal to register for an on-campus audition, sign up for an off-campus audition event, or let us know you’ll be submitting videos for your audition. 
5. If you choose to submit a video audition, use the Portfolio section in your portal to upload your videos. Please refer to the audition requirements for your chosen major. 
6. Once you’re done uploading your videos, fill out the Portfolio Completion form in your portal to let us know that your videos are ready to be reviewed by our faculty. 

Audition Requirements

1. Two Choreographed Solos

   Submit two choreographed solos in two different dance styles, approximately 1-2 minutes each.

   Styles may include, but are not limited to:

   • Western Concert Dance: Contemporary, Modern, Ballet, Concert Jazz
   • Africanist Dance Forms: West African, Street Styles, Hip Hop, Authentic Jazz
   • International Dance Forms: Folklórico, Butoh, Spanish Dance, Balkan Dance, Bharatanatyam, and other cultural dance traditions

   Solos may be choreographed by a professional choreographer, dance teacher, or by you. Please identify the choreographer for each solo in your portfolio materials. If music is used, please provide the title and the artist/composer.

2. Improvisation

   Submit a 1–2 minute movement improvisation that explores:

   • Time: slow, fast, and stillness
   • Space: levels, direction changes, and traveling through space
   • Movement Qualities: varied textures and dynamics

   This may be presented as a solo, duet, or group improvisation. If performing with others, please ensure that you are clearly identifiable and visible throughout the video.

   You may use any dance style or combination of styles.

   Music is optional, but if using music, please provide the title and the artist/composer.

3. Optional Original Choreographic Work

   If you have original choreographic work you have made for others (solo, duo, group), you may submit one sample of up to 5 minutes in length.

Video Guidelines

• Keep your entire body visible throughout the recording.
• Wear attire that allows your movement to be clearly seen, that you feel comfortable in, and that you feels represents your chosen dance style.
• Avoid backlighting.
• Record in a space that allows for safe and unrestricted movement.
• If possible, have someone else record your video who can clearly capture and document your movement.
• Upload all audition materials to the Portfolio section of your Redhawk Admissions Portal after submitting your application.