Where to Begin?
When people ask me what the best dance programs are, my answer will always remain, “the ones that fit each individual student.” Some students are looking to double major or minor in other subjects while others want to dance all day. There are college and conservatory choices for every type of dancer in locations all over the world, including programs that emphasize or specialize in specific styles or dance-related interests. I spend time getting to know each dancer as people and artists and guide them through their research so they understand the different strengths and cultures each school provides. We create a plan and a timeline, which helps to relieve the stress of it all. While it’s most advantageous to begin by Junior year, I work with students where they are.
Guidance on all facets of the dance application process
Developing “Best Fit” School Lists
Exploring how to research and understand what different types of dance programs and degrees offer, such as a BA, BFA, BS or certifications.
How to plan and prepare for visits to dance departments or participate in online info sessions and open houses.
Identifying student strengths and priorities - fit goes both ways, so we look at both what the programs offer and what the dancer brings to the table.
Dance Resume & Photo Consult
How to use a dance resume format that is comprehensive and clear.
What to include and not to include.
Understanding what schools need or want from your dance photos.
Helping students select the best collection of images for submission.
Video Content Advising for Prescreens & Auditions
Helping students better understand key elements of video prescreen/auditions for each program, revealing important aspects about the priorities of each school.
Can include advising on dance technique and performance direction to create the strongest material possible.
Dance-oriented Writing Preparation
Guiding students on how to impart their dance-related story and respond to dance-specific essay prompts.
Individual preparation to help your dancer clearly understand and be able to communicate their individual goals or explorations in dance.
Review dance essays.
Interview Preparation
Guidance on dance-specific interview preparation.
Preparing students for in-person or online interviews to best articulate their genuine strengths and fit within a program.
Review potential interview questions and answers with student.
Summer Intensive Insights
Assist student in identifying the wide variety of summer/winter intensive choices and the individual considerations that make some a good fit.
All consulting is provided by Barrie through COPA, Inc.: College Options in the Performing Arts.
Success Stories
Over my many years in the field of dance, I’ve connected with with faculty and department chairs to better understand their programs and philosophy. I continue to visit colleges, attend performances, and speak with current/recent dance students to keep my knowledge up to date.
The students with whom I’ve worked have been accepted to numerous programs worldwide, from well-established schools such as USC, Boston Conservatory, NYU Tisch, SUNY Purchase, Pace University, George Mason University, Montclair University, Columbia Chicago, Chapman University, and Butler University, to newer programs such as Peabody and Nacho Duato’s Trainee program in Madrid.
“Barrie’s help was amazing. She has a great understanding of the dance world at the college level & beyond. She helped me understand my strengths & what schools would be best suited to them.”
-Mia, Student Dancer