The Common Dance Team Recruiting Video: A Closer Look

The college dance team recruitment process just got easier. The Common Dance Team Recruiting Video, a new initiative from the National Dance Coaches Association (NDCA), aims to streamline the audition experience for high school dancers, families, and coaches alike.

Much like the Common Application in college admissions, this standardized video format helps dancers present a clear, skill-based audition package for college programs. Here's everything you need to know about what’s included, how to prepare, and how dancers can use it to set personalized training goals.

What Is the Common Dance Team Recruiting Video?

Created in response to feedback from coaches, studio owners, and families—and supported by data from NDCA’s Future of Dance survey—the Common Video offers a consistent, skills-based audition format for dancers pursuing collegiate programs.

Its goal is to bring clarity and structure to the recruiting process while giving colleges the flexibility to request additional materials. This tool provides a shared starting point, ensuring dancers and programs are on the same page.

What’s Included in the Common Video?

The Common Video outlines a standardized set of components that dancers must include. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to prepare:

🎙️ Introduction (30 seconds to 3 minutes)

• Name, age, and hometown

• Studio or team affiliation

• Brief dance background

• Answer the following:

  • Why do you want to join a college dance team?

  • Why do you think you’re a strong candidate?

  • What is your intended major?

🩰 Required Skill Demonstration (filmed in one continuous take)

Turns

• Right: Triple, quadruple, and quintuple pirouettes

• Left: Triple pirouette

• A la seconde turn sequence (minimum 3 counts of 8)

Jumps & Leaps

• Right open second leap

• Calypso or turning jete (attitude)

• Two switch leaps (any style)

• Single and double toe touches

Flexibility & Acro

• Side tilt, penché, leg turn

• Walkover (front or back)

• Side aerials (both right and left)

Attire:

• Females: Black sports bra or tank top, black shorts

• Males: All-black clothing

Additional Video Elements

These optional components let dancers showcase personality, creativity, and individual strengths beyond the required skills.

✨Style Combinations

Include one 30–45 second combination for each style:

• Jazz

• Pom

• Hip Hop (layers allowed)

✨ Solo Performance (Optional)

• One solo in any style (up to 3 minutes)

• Can be filmed in-studio or submitted from a recent competition (within 6 months)

✨Technical Add-Ons (Optional)

Showcase additional specialty skills, such as:

• Front aerial

• Back tuck or headspring

• Kip-up

• Advanced turns or flexibility variations

These extras allow for more personal expression and highlight standout abilities.

Choose Your Submission Timeline

There are two main deadlines:

• September 1: For dancers who are already confident in their skills

• January 1: For those needing more time to prepare

Pick the timeline that best supports your development and goals—both are equally respected.

Key Dates and Participation Info

To help everyone stay on track, the Common Video follows an annual timeline:

📅 Important Dates

• May 1 – NDCA releases updated video requirements

• June 1 – Colleges share recruiting guidelines and supplemental details

• September 1 – Early video submission deadline

• January 1 – Second submission deadline

Colleges may choose to accept videos on either timeline. Dancers send materials directly to each school.

How to Get Involved

📣 For Dancers & Families

• Download and review the Common Video guidelines

• Begin practicing and preparing early

• Check each school’s site for any additional requirements