Beyond the Basics: Elevating Your College Dance Recruitment Video

The college dance recruitment process is more competitive than ever, and your recruitment video is one of the first chances you have to make an impression. It’s not just about checking boxes—it’s about showing coaches why you’re ready to rise above the standard.

This past weekend I sat in, University of Oklahoma Coach Taylor's class and she said it perfectly:
“Quads are the standard. We’re looking for dancers who can do six, seven, eight pirouettes.”

If you want to make a highly competitive team, you need to go beyond what’s expected. Coaches are looking for dancers who push past the baseline and bring something special.

Let’s break down how you can make your recruitment video impossible to ignore.

Go Beyond the Basics

When it comes to technical elements, many programs now expect excellence as the starting point. The truth is: the baseline has been raised.

If the minimum is four turns, coaches are watching for who can hit six, seven, or eight—consistently and with control.

It’s not just about pulling out a trick one time. Coaches need to see that you’ve put in the reps, that your technique is second nature.


Here’s how to prepare:

• Practice in Full Passes: You’re required to film technical elements in one continuous shot. There are no cuts or edits. Practice your technical sequence like you would a competition routine—get it into your muscle memory so you’re not thinking through each step on filming day.
  
  

• Focus on Performance Energy: Once your body knows what to do, you can bring performance quality to the forefront—energy, attack, and intentionality.
  
  

💡 Pro Tip: Smile as you transition from skill to skill. Be on and performing the entire time!

Nail Your Introduction

Your introduction is your first chance to showcase your personality and although the common recruiting app asks generalized questions, I highly suggest you personalize your video and show the coaches why you’re a great fit for their team, not just any team.

Key Questions to Answer:

1. Why do you want to be on a college dance team?
   (Think of this as: Why do you want to be on that specific team?)
   
   

   • Speak to your experiences, connections, and what draws you to their program.
     
     

   • If you’ve attended their clinics, mention them.
     
     

   • If you follow their team’s culture or style, say so.
     
     

   • Be genuine—coaches can spot a copy-paste intro from a mile away.
     
     

2. Why do you think you would be a good candidate for their team?
   
   

   • Highlight what you bring as a dancer, a student, and a person.
     
     

   • Talk about your work ethic, leadership, and how you contribute to team culture.
     
     

   • Avoid vague phrases like "I work hard"—give specific examples.
     
     

3. What is your intended major?
   
   

   • It’s completely fine to say you’re undecided.
     
     

   • If you have a major, you can mention why you’re interested in that field.
     
     

   • Honesty > fluff here.
     
     

💡 Pro Tip: Your intro doesn’t need to be overly formal. Speak with confidence and warmth, like you’re having a conversation with the coach.

Structure Your Combos Strategically

For the common recruitment videos, you’ll need to submit:

• Three (3) 45-second combinations in different styles: Jazz, Pom, and Hip Hop.
  
  

How to Approach This:

• Start with your strongest style. Coaches’ first impressions matter—lead with what you do best.
  
  

• Select combos that showcase variety: dynamic movement, technical execution, and performance range.
  
  

• Avoid playing it safe. Coaches are looking for dancers who can go full out and aren’t afraid to take risks.
  
  

💡 Pro Tip: The more you can showcase versatility, the more valuable you become as a recruit.

How to Present Yourself on Camera

You could have flawless technique and a perfectly choreographed combo, but if you don’t present yourself well on camera, you risk leaving a forgettable impression.

The way you show up on camera matters. Coaches aren’t just looking at your dancing—they’re noticing how you carry yourself, how you speak, and whether you seem excited to be part of their team.

Here’s how to present yourself in the best possible light:

1. Confidence Starts the Moment You Hit Record

• Make eye contact with the camera.
  It’s your stand-in for the coach—treat it like a conversation.
  
  

• Smile and dance harder than you think.
  Coaches need to feel your energy from a screen. Command attention, be engaging and dance like you are in a stadium, full with 70,000 people.
  
  

2. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

• Stand tall with good posture- even when transitioning from skill to skill.
  
  

• Avoid crossing your arms, fidgeting, or looking off-screen.
  
  

• Open, engaged body language shows that you’re approachable and coachable.
  
  

3. Film in a Clean, Bright Space

• Make sure the room is tidy and free from clutter.
  
  

• Natural light is best, but make sure you’re well-lit even if indoors.
  
  

• Make sure whoever is filming you, can not be seen in the reflection of the mirror.
  
  

4. Speak with Purpose

• Don’t rush through your intro, take your time.
  
  

• Practice what you want to say, but don’t over-rehearse to the point where you sound stiff.
  
  

• A calm, steady pace makes you sound more confident and collected.
  
  

When a coach is watching dozens (or even hundreds) of videos, the dancer who speaks with authenticity, makes eye contact, and radiates excitement for that program is going to stand out.

Your energy on camera is often your first impression—make it count.

Your recruitment video is your opportunity to tell your story, showcase your skills, and prove why you’re ready for the next level.

Remember:

• Go beyond the minimum—be the dancer coaches can’t pass up.
  
  

• Personalize your intro—show them why you belong on their team.
  
  

• Bring energy and intentionality to every part of your video.
  
  

• Practice until your body knows the combos like muscle memory.
  
  

Most importantly, be yourself. Authenticity is what will help you stand out in a sea of submissions.

If you’re ready to get serious about your college dance journey, Studio 2 Stadium is here to help you every step of the way.