~by Ramona Kitching, CDL Program Director
Did you submit your NDCA Common Recruitment Video on September 1 or attend a number of recruiting events and haven’t received any interest or invitations yet? Take a deep breath. Silence doesn’t necessarily mean “no.” It likely means it’s time for a strategy reset.
This inaugural Fall NDCA common recruitment video wave was only the first checkpoint in a long college dance team recruitment and audition season. Same goes for the summits, combines and convention recruiting events. College dance coaches are currently busy building up their current team, setting competition choreo and performances, not to mention watching the hundreds of video submissions of hopeful recruits. So if your inbox is quiet, (and even if you received a “no thank you”) it’s not the end! You’ve been given a valuable window to refine, reframe, and come back even stronger before the next dance clinic, first round audition video submissions, or in the case of the next NDCA (regular) deadline, January 1, 2026, to demonstrate to your programs of interest just how truly coachable you are.
Here’s how to make the most of this “in-between” period:
#1. Get an Expert Eye on Your Video
Before you resubmit or record something new, you need to know why your submission didn’t catch attention. Was it a choreography choice? Energy? Technical or execution skills? Presentation or videography?
That’s where our CDL Comprehensive Evaluation can be a game changer.
–We can use the same video you have already submitted — no need to start from scratch.
–You’ll get personalized feedback on every key area coaches assess via a detailed written scoresheet and a 45-minute live consultation with a CDL Consultant.
–You’ll leave with a clear, actionable plan for improvement before your next deadline.
IMPORTANT! This isn’t about redoing everything! It’s about refining strategically so your next submission showcases your very best self. Achieving this can be as simple as just taking the time to submit your existing video to us.
#2. Refresh Your Choreography Combos with a “Fast Track” Boost
If your combo felt a little flat or didn’t effectively highlight your strengths, consider reworking it now. Our Choreo Launch Fast Tracks are choreographed by our very own CDL mentors who have first-hand knowledge of what coaches respond to. These combos are designed to give dancers a fresh, polished, college-ready solo that stands out quickly.
And…our Choreo Launch library has just been re-launched with a fresh website update! You can check out samples of our combos performed by our mentors AND get immediate downloads of the material straight into your inbox! NO. WAITING. Even better, you’ll have the option to purchase a private coaching session with the exact choreographer to help you clean and customize your performance to further elevate your strengths! Check them out here!
#3. Sharpen Up Your Presentation with Private Coaching
Speaking of private coaching, sometimes it’s not the combo…it’s the delivery. Meeting with our mentors is the most efficient way to fix what’s holding you back: whether it’s confidence, facials, transitions, body lines, technical skill sets or overall performance polish.
Our CDL Mentors work one-on-one to help our clients move from “pretty good” to “unforgettable.” Whether you need a style refresh, or just a new take on your current combo, our mentors can help you look more confident, collegiate, and most importantly, memorable. Even for those crunched for time, a few targeted sessions can make all the difference when submitting or preparing for clinics, video submissions and auditions. Check out our extraordinary mentoring team!
#4. The Bottom Line
With a few exceptions, not hearing back in September does NOT mean your dream schools are out of reach…it means you have another chance to elevate your approach. Although the possibility may exist that you may need to adapt and adjust, the universe is likely pointing you in the direction you were meant to be. With the next NDCA submission window on January 1, you have a great window of time to turn feedback, frustration, or uncertainty into focused growth.
Don’t wait. The time is NOW. Work smart, refine with purpose, and RE-LAUNCH WITH CONFIDENCE! College Dance Launch is here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to turn your September silence into January success?
Book Your CDL Comprehensive Evaluation Here
Learn About Our Choreo Launch Fast Tracks
Have more questions? Contact Ramona Kitching, CDL Program Director at: collegedancelaunch@sharpenupdtt.com