Join Us
Prospective Company Members
Click below to access our 2020 Virtual Audition instructions:
VUPointe Ballet Theatre provides members with the unique opportunity to perform in full-length, professional quality productions through a student-sponsored university organization. VUPointe company dancers perform works by a variety of different choreographers, and are often given the opportunity to choreograph on other company members. Dancers are also able to experience the administrative side of the organization by applying for positions on our Executive Board. Most importantly, VUPointe provides close comradery with fellow Vanderbilt students who share our love of dance.
If you are passionate about ballet, VUPointe is the right place for you on campus.
Auditions
Auditions are held at the beginning of every Fall semester. Audition announcements will be posted on our website in August (and will also be posted on our company Instagram and Facebook pages). We welcome dancers of all skill levels to audition. While the audition may contain a pointe portion, pointe experience is not required to become a VUPointe member.
If you hope to join VUPointe after auditions have already passed, please feel free to message us on social media or email anyone on our Executive Board. We are happy to arrange for you to drop in during one of our scheduled rehearsal times for an independent audition.
Executive Board
VUPointe is run by our Executive Board, which is comprised of six VUPointe company dancers. The Executive Board is reelected every year, and members are encouraged to apply for positions every February.
This opportunity is a valuable way for dancers to learn business and administration skills, make changes to company processes, and have greater say in company matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have pointe experience to be a VUPointe member?
- No! Pointe experience is not required for VUPointe membership.
What is the time commitment for VUPointe?
- The time commitment varies depending on your roles in a performance. On average, you can expect a time commitment of 2-3 rehearsals per week, which each run for about 1 hour.
Am I required to be in all VUPointe performances if I am a member?
- Before casting has been assigned for a performance, you may choose to opt out of that performance if you believe there are extenuating circumstances that will prevent you from attending rehearsals or being in the performance. This is common with dancers who choose to study abroad for a semester.
Are there member dues?
- No! Our organization runs through Vanderbilt University funding and ticket sales. VUPointe members do not pay dues, but are required to supply their own dance shoes. Dancers are able to apply for Experience Vanderbilt funding to be put towards the cost of pointe shoes.
What is the VUPointe attendance policy?
- Dancers are expected to attend all VUPointe rehearsals that are scheduled for their role. Dancers are allowed up to four excused absences, which must be noted on the Conflict Document prior to the release of the rehearsal schedule.
Our full attendance contract can be downloaded below: