Planning and Filming Your Recruitment Video

Creating a collegiate dance team recruitment video can be an exciting and daunting task and many do not know where to even start. A recruitment video provides the ability to showcase your talents, energy, and enthusiasm to join a particular program. In this blog post, we will give you quick tips and tricks to film, cut, and submit a video you feel confident about!

Planning Your Recruitment Video 

1. Define Your Goals

The first step in creating a recruitment video is to define your goals. What teams are you trying to be recruited to? What style of dance do you want to compete in? Are you looking for a game day only school? Do you need to learn any new skills before filming? Once you know your goals, you can start funneling down the kind of content needed for your video. 

2. Do Your Research 

Every collegiate dance team requires different skills, styles, and length of videos to be included in their recruitment submissions. All of this information can be located on their S2S profile or can usually be found on their teams website. If it is not listed, you can email the coach asking for details. 

3. Showcase Recent Film

Coaches want to see film that are recent and highlights the level you are currently at. Do not submit film from a few years ago as it will give coaches a false impression. If you do not have any recent film due to an injury, communicate that with them directly. 

4. Create a Storyboard

A storyboard is a visual representation of you and the contents of your video. It helps if you plan each shot and transition to ensure your video flows smoothly. Always open with an introduction and showcase your strongest styles and skills first! (unless directed otherwise) You want to grab their attention immediately!

5. Write out an introduction 

Coaches want to know you as a dancer and a person. Use the introduction to vocalize your background, unique personal story and your interest in the program/university. Do not wing an introduction. When you put extra thought and effort into what you want to say, it shows! 

Filming Your Recruitment Video 

Once you have planned, it's time to start collecting and shooting footage! Here are some tips to help you create a high-quality video: 

1. Use quality equipment 

You will want your video to be as professional-looking as possible and will require a camera, tripod, and a microphone. If you do not have access to professional equipment, you can use a smartphone camera and a stabilizer to capture stable shots. 

2. No background distractions

Choose a location that is visually appealing where the lighting is good and there is no distracting background noises. Backdrop should be as minimalistic as possible, with no other dancers in the frame. 

3. Record Good Audio 

Good audio is essential for a successful video. Make sure the audio is clear and not distorted. If you have background commentary in your video, edit it out or layer over a song of your choice. 

4. Keep Shots Consistent 

When filming, do not transition back and forth from vertical to horizontal as it's distracting for coaches. You should be able to see the dancer the entire time, head to toe, and should not be following the dancer as they move throughout. 

5. Dance harder than you think! 

Coaches want to see personality, energy and performance and it is your job to bring that to life coming from only a screen! Perform to the camera, make eye contact, and smile! Treat it just as you would for an in person audition, competition or performance.