The Common Dance Team Recruiting Video: Breaking It Down
This blog introduces the Common Dance Team Recruiting Video—a new standardized tool from the NDCA designed to support high school dancers through the collegiate audition process. Learn what’s included, how to prepare, and how dancers can use it as a training guide to set personalized goals and timelines.
What Is the Common Dance Team Recruiting Video?
The National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA) has launched a new initiative designed to support high school dancers, their families, and coaches during the college recruitment process: the Common Dance Team Recruiting Video.
Much like the Common Application used for college admissions, this new resource is intended to offer a standardized video format that serves as a clear starting point for dancers interested in pursuing dance at the collegiate level. This initiative was developed in response to feedback from studio owners, coaches, and parents, as well as insights from NDCA’s Future of Dance survey, which highlighted a need for more structure in the recruiting process.
The goal is to provide consistency and predictability across dance programs while allowing schools the flexibility to request supplemental materials as needed.
What’s Included in the Common Video?
The Common Video outlines specific elements that all participating schools will expect from prospective dancers. Below is a breakdown of each section:
🎙️ Introduction (30 seconds to 3 minutes)
Name, age, hometown
Studio or team affiliation
Brief dance background
Responses to the following:
Why do you want to be on a college dance team?
Why do you think you would be a good candidate?
What is your intended major?
🩰 Required Skill Demonstration (filmed in one take)
Turns
Triple, quadruple, and quintuple pirouettes (right)
Triple pirouette (left)
A la seconde turn combination (3 counts of 8 minimum)
Jumps/Leaps
Right open second leap
Calypso or turning jete (attitude)
Two switch leaps (any variation)
Single and double toe touches
Flexibility & Acro
Side tilt, penché, leg turn
Walkovers (front or back)
Side aerials (right and left)
Dancers may repeat skills once if needed. Videos do not need to be professionally edited but should be well-lit and clearly show the full body.
Attire:
Females: Black sports bra or tank top and black shorts
Males: All black clothing
Additional Video Elements
In addition to required skill demonstrations, dancers may include the following:
🎭 Style Combinations
Three separate combinations, one each in:
Jazz
Pom
Hip Hop
Each should be 30–45 seconds long. Layers may be added for the hip hop section.
🌟 Optional Solo Performance
One solo in any style (up to 3 minutes)
May be filmed in a studio or submitted from a recent competition (within six months)
🔄 Optional Technical Elements
Dancers can include additional specialty skills they feel represent their strengths, such as:
Front aerial
Standing back tuck
Kip-up
Headspring
Advanced turns or flexibility skills
These sections allow for individual expression beyond the standardized skill set.
🧭 Using the Common Video as a Personal Training Guide
In addition to its role in recruitment, the Common Dance Team Recruiting Video can also be a helpful training roadmap for high school dancers.
The list of required skills offers a clear benchmark of what many collegiate programs are looking for. This allows dancers to do more than prepare a submission—it gives them the opportunity to evaluate where they are now and create a personalized plan for growth.
Step 1: Self-Evaluate Your Current Skill Set
Before filming, take time to review the full list of required and optional elements:
Which turns, leaps, and acro skills are already in your repertoire?
Are there areas where you feel strong and consistent?
Are there a few skills you’ve never attempted or are still developing?
This honest self-assessment will give you a clearer picture of what to focus on in your upcoming training.
Step 2: Build a Game Plan
Once you’ve identified your strengths and areas for improvement, work with a coach or mentor to outline a strategy:
Focus first on solidifying required elements
Schedule time to safely build new skills
Prioritize form and technique over speed of progress
If your goal is to include optional elements or submit a standout solo, you can plan time for choreography and filming as well.
Step 3: Choose Your Timeline
The Common Video offers two universal deadlines: September 1 and January 1.
If you already have the majority of the required skills and feel confident in your execution, you may consider submitting your video by the early September deadline.
If you’re still working on refining technique, building new skills, or strengthening your performance quality, the January deadline offers more time to prepare without rushing.
This flexible timeline empowers dancers to choose what’s best for their individual development while keeping their goals in sight.
Timeline and Participation Details
To help guide dancers and programs, the Common Video follows a structured annual timeline:
📅 Key Dates:
May 1: NDCA publishes any updates to the Common Video requirements
June 1: Colleges publish their recruiting guidelines and any supplemental video requirements; schools can also submit their intent to accept the Common Video
September 1: Early video submission deadline
January 1: Second submission deadline
Each participating school may choose the deadline that best fits their recruiting model. Dancers submit materials directly to each school.
How to Get Involved
📣 For Dancers & Families:
Review the Common Video guidelines and practice early
Prepare and film required sections based on the timeline
Check each program’s individual website for additional requirements
🏫 For Schools:
Fill out the NDCA form by June 1 to be included in the list of participating programs
Publish recruiting requirements and supplemental details on your site and social media by June 1
The Common Dance Team Recruiting Video offers a centralized option for dancers to showcase their talent and for schools to receive consistent, skill-focused submissions. Whether you're just beginning your recruitment journey or already narrowing down your list of schools, this resource can help bring clarity and structure to the process.
For more updates and support, visit the https://nationaldancecoaches.org/ website or follow along with your favorite programs to see how they are using the Common Video.