We all know it…the college dance team recruiting process is a lot! Between unclear timelines, different skill set requirements for each team, and the pressure to film multiple videos amongst other things, it’s easy for both dancers and parents to feel lost. However, there is a new initiative that’s gaining traction: The NDCA Common Dance Team Recruiting Video. It’s not a perfect solution—but it’s definitely a smart step in the right direction.
So what is the NDCA Common Video?
Founded in 2017, The National Dance Coaches Association is a non-profit organization that provides resources for dance team coaches and professionals at all levels, including high school, college, all-star and professional teams. The Common Video is a recommended and agreed upon standardized recruiting video format by its membership designed to simplify part of the process for dancers, families, and coaches.
It includes:
- A video introduction
- Foundational technical skills demonstration
- Combos in hip-hop, pom, and jazz
- Optional Solo entry
It’s modeled after the idea of the Common App for the college admissions process: a baseline submission that works for multiple programs. Similar to the “original Common App”, program coaches/schools can still ask for additional materials—and many will.
Why It Exists
The idea for the Common Video didn’t come from one place–it came from many sectors touched by the dance team world. Coaches reported the recruiting process lacked consistency. Studio directors and high school coaches struggled to advise dancers with the myriad requirements from the over 650+ collegiate dance team programs in US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Parents and dancers wanted clear timelines and expectations. The NDCA “Future of Dance” survey clearly pointed to a need for change. But change is a process, and the Common Video is one early step toward it.
What It CAN do
The Common Video may be helpful in several ways:
- Streamlining the effort by giving dancers one core overall video to focus on
- Creating earlier clarity about what to train for
- Reducing repetitive filming of similar content utilizing the template
- Making life easier for studio directors and high school coaches trying to assist their dancers
It’s already accepted by over 80+ teams–including large, elite competitive programs all the way through smaller private colleges alike.
But There Are Some Important Caveats…
Let’s be real–this video formatting recommendation won’t replace everything in the recruiting process. Unfortunately, it is not a “one and done” solution.
- In this early stage of year one roll out, most teams still do not accept it at all
- Many programs do not offer a recruitment model to build their rosters and remain fully in-person live audition programs
- Others may still want additional videos or require attendance to in-person clinics
- There is still a large variation in what teams value and prioritize: performance, polish, potential, personality or technical expertise
- Dancers will still need to tailor submissions for each team, especially in higher-tier programs
So while the Common Video can simplify part of the process, dancers should still be ready to put in the work to understand all the details for every program of interest on their list, as well as how to make their videos stand out amongst the likely very high numbers of submissions.
Key Dates to Know
One of the biggest benefits? A more predictable timeline.
Here’s how it works:
- May 1–NDCA releases updated Common Video requirements for the upcoming season
- June 1–Schools publish their guidelines on their socials and/or websites and confirm if they’ll accept the video
- September 1–First/early submission deadline
- January 1–Second/regular submission deadline
Each school chooses which deadline (one or both) that best fits their recruiting model.
(It’s important to note that the videos are to be sent directly to the programs themselves, not to the NDCA, and care should be taken to follow the instructions requested by the specific dance teams/coaches themselves in addition to the core NDCA video instructions.)
Who’s Accepting It?
You can see the full and updated list on the NDCA Website here. If you are actively in or coming up upon an audition year, it is highly recommended you check this site often to see if any of your teams of interest are on it. It is anticipated that this list will grow annually.
How Sharpen Up Can Support You Through It
College Dance Launch is here to make sure you’re strategic..not scrambling!
We can help you:
- Plan and prep for the Common Video (as well as any other recruitment submission or coach interaction)
- Offer professional guidance for your filming and edits
- Polish your technique, style, dance team “look” and delivery
- Navigate school-specific requirements
- Build your dancer’s brand, resumé and audition presence
This inaugural year may offer some confusion in its rollout, and we encourage you to be patient as those involved get comfortable with the necessary tasks (including yourself!). We don’t see the video, especially in these early stages as “the answer.” We do, however, see it as a likely important tool–and like any tool, it has the potential to be very effective when paired with the right coaching, clarity of its role in the recruitment process and consistent effort.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you or your dancer is in the 10th-12th grade and planning to audition in the next 1-2 years, NOW is the time to start strategizing. Find out more about Sharpen Up’s College Dance Launch program via our website, our Instagram page, or reach out to us directly at collegedancelaunch@sharpenupdtt.com, and let’s map out a plan that makes sense for you, your timeline and your goals.
We’re here to help, offering personalized and comprehensive guidance every step of the way!
~Ramona Kitching, College Dance Launch Program Director, SharpenUp Dance Team Training