EDCM
Auditions2026-10-27T11:06:44-04:00

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

AUDITIONS

The École de danse contemporaine de Montréal trains creator-performers in contemporary dance. It holds auditions annually to recruit young talent who will join the Professional Program in Dance-Interpretation (DEC 561.BB), a three-year program beginning in August 2027.

Attire and equipment: Candidates must attend the auditions wearing appropriate attire: fitted dancewear, etc. Changing rooms are available to participants. Classes take place barefoot or in socks.

For the presentation of the solo, it is necessary to send an audio track in advance in MP3, ACC or WAV format and bring an audio track on a cell phone. Costumes and stage props are not permitted.

Transmission of results: All candidates are informed in writing of the results of their first round audition by video. The results of the second round audition will be communicated in writing at the end of the audition process. We ask candidates not to call to obtain their audition results.

Limited enrollment: Twenty candidates will be invited to register for the program and a certain number of qualified candidates will be placed on a waiting list. These candidates will be contacted if any of the initially accepted candidates decline.

KEY DATES

  • Application or video application deadline: January 31, 2027
  • First round audition by video: after registration
  • Second round audition: February 19 and 20, 2027 in Marseille and February 27 and 28, 2027 in Montréal
  • Transmission of final decisions: Less than one week.

You will be redirected to a secure platform to complete your registration. If you don’t already have an account, please create one by selecting the “Guest” option.

FIRST ROUND AUDITION BY VIDEO

The first round of auditions takes place entirely by video. To participate, candidates must first complete the application form and pay the audition fee.

Once payment has been confirmed, they receive a link to a preparatory video outlining the exercises to learn and the instructions to follow when filming their audition.

Candidates must follow the instructions provided in the preparatory video, film their audition accordingly, and submit their video by email.

EDCM encourages candidates to begin the process as early as possible, rather than waiting until the January 31, 2027 deadline. Registering early gives candidates time to receive the instructions, learn the exercises, and prepare and submit their videos before the deadline.

Here is an overview of the exercises featured in the audition preparation video:

Déliés au sol

Pliés

Tendus and dégagés

Adages

Grands battements

Chaînés

Petits sauts

Grands sauts – Tempo 1

Grands sauts – Tempo 2

Contemporary dance improvisation (2 minutes)

Contemporary dance solo (2 minutes)

SECOND ROUND AUDITION

The second round audition consists of six stages and takes place over 2 days.

Candidates selected following the first round by video are invited to participate in the second round in person.

Marseille: February 19 and 20, 2027

Montréal: February 27 and 28, 2027

1- Fondamental Technique class

The technique class runs for one and a half hours, during which the jury assesses the candidates’ physical potential, level of mastery of contemporary dance technical elements and talent.

The level of difficulty of the combinations in the technique class for the second round audition is higher than that of the first round audition.

2 -Repertory class

An excerpt from the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal’s choreographic repertory is taught to the candidates.

3- Improvisation class

The structured improvisation class is designed to evaluate the candidates’ potential and artistic qualities. In doing so, the jury pays particular attention to:

  • their originality
  • their personal expression
  • their openness to the instructor’s directions

4- Composition class

The composition activity is a collaborative exercise aimed at creating, in smaller groups and collectively, a short choreographic study, while assessing participants’ ability to interact with other members of the group.

5- Solo

Each candidate must present a two-minute contemporary dance solo to the jury. It may be a personal creation or a work by a choreographer. For the presentation of the solo, it is necessary to send an Mp3, AAC, or WAV file in advance and bring the audio track on a cell phone. Costumes and stage props are not permitted.

6- Individual interview

The interview is intended to determine the candidates’ motivations and personal objectives. It is also an opportunity to answer their questions and clarify certain aspects of the program.

Whether or not they are accepted to the second-round audition, all candidates are informed in writing of the results of their first-round audition. Candidates selected are invited to participate in the second round in person, which takes place over two days. Attendance at the second round audition is mandatory for the entire duration of the audition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Some useful information regarding the audition process.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria focus on five main areas.

Physical Potential

  • Posture
  • Mobility of the torso, legs and pelvis
  • Neuromuscular control and tone
  • Coordination
  • Efficiency of movement

Technical skills

  • In-depth knowledge of the basic vocabulary common to modern, classical and jazz dance techniques: pliés, legwork, turns, jumps, adages and floor work
  • Ability to move different body segments harmoniously
  • Ability to orient oneself in space
  • Ability to dance to music at different tempos
  • Dynamics
  • Ability to dance while integrating a variety of physical qualities
  • Memorization

Creativity and originality

  • Ability to explore a personal movement vocabulary
  • Ability to interact with other dancers, space and music without losing their own exploration in movement

Personal expression

  • Expressiveness
  • Ability to express oneself through improvised movements
  • Ability to express sensations, emotions and ideas through movement

Open-mindedness

  • Listening
  • Sensitivity towards others
  • Demonstration of active listening and openness
  • Experimentation
  • Willingness to try new experiences

FAQ

Dance courses (all styles), choreography courses, participation in competitions, any involvement with amateur dance companies, other art courses or training, other arts practiced (music, theatre, etc.)

Administrative fees of $50 apply for the first round audition registration. There are no additional fees for the second round audition.

Yes, you can reapply to the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal. Please note: due to the number of candidates auditionning for EDCM, we are unable to send individual evaluations to the candidates.

Yes! Provided that your basic technique is satisfactory and you meet most of the admission criteria.

Although there is no official age limit, the evaluation committee does take into account the age of candidates in view of the reality of a career in dance at the end of the three-year training program.

Photo: Juan David Padilla | Dancer: Nora Paquet

Go to Top