Audition

Audition Registration Form

Registration for Fall 2026 is not open yet

NOTE: all dancers, regardless of audition type, must fill out the audition registration form linked above

In-Person Auditions

Auditions will consist of a ballet class (barre and center) followed by a contemporary section. Dancers who want to be considered for pointe pieces are encouraged to wear their pointe shoes for the entire ballet class.

If you are unable to make it to the in-person auditions, you also have the option to submit a video audition.

Video Auditions

Submit to columbia.ballet.collaborative@gmail.com titled, "VIDEO AUDITION: [Name]" by the day of the in-person audition.

Please send any combination of the following that you feel best showcases your talents. For example, a dance reel w/ excerpts of past performances or rehearsals, excerpts from technique class, and/or an improve recording. Pointe work is recommended for those who wish to be considered for pointe pieces.

Casting is up to the discretion of choreographers. Students are not guaranteed casting and can only be cast in up to 2 pieces.

New Dancer FAQ

  • Each piece rehearses for 2 hours on Saturday or Sunday. Dancers may be in up to 2 pieces. 

  • We usually hold rehearsals at Bridge for Dance (2726 Broadway 3rd Fl), which is about 15 minutes walking from campus. 

  • At the beginning of each semester we have an audition for that semester’s gala performance. For more details on the audition processes visit this page. All dancers must audition in the spring semester even if they performed in the Fall Gala. At any time in the year, students are welcome to come to our free open ballet class. 

  • CBC is Columbia’s oldest ballet club focused on cultivating new works. We work with professional choreographers to create new works and offer choreography opportunities for students. CBC is also the only club to perform works by George Balanchine. Columbia Repertory Ballet (CRB) performs established repertoire from the classical ballet canon as well as contemporary repertory work. Columbia University Ballet Ensemble (CUBE) produces a full-length classical story ballet each semester. CBC and CRB have auditions at the beginning of each semester and casting is not guaranteed. CUBE also has an audition and will cast every dancer who auditions. The time commitment for each of the clubs is similar. It is possible, and common, to participate in multiple ballet clubs as clubs coordinate rehearsals and shows to avoid overlap.

  • No. CBC performs neo-classical and contemporary ballet both on and off pointe. We also present at least one contemporary work each semester. 

  • CBC makes an active effort to avoid conflicts with the other ballet groups. CBC will also not conflict with the dance department Rehearsal & Performance class. Our dancers are often able to participate in other dance groups such as CoLab, Raw Elements, Orchesis, and more in addition to CBC!

  • Our gala performances are cast by audition only and casting is not guaranteed. Most of our dancers have trained extensively in ballet technique throughout high school or are former pre-prefessional or professional dancers. Those with less experience are welcome to attend our open ballet class which ranges in level from complete beginner to intermediate/advanced.

  • No. CBC gives no preference to a dancer's major or involvement with the dance department. 

  • Participation in gala performances, the Outreach Program and the Student Choreographic Fellowship open to current students at any Columbia University school (including Barnard, masters students, and GS students). Alumni of any Columbia University schools are welcome to attend our open ballet class. Those unaffiliated with Columbia can get involved with CBC through choreography or other artistic collaborations.

Please feel free to contact columbiaballetcollaborative@gmail.com with any additional questions.