Contemporary Dance Practices BA

An application is not valid until the applicant has submitted the application and paid the application fee. Applicants must submit the following documents: 

1. Certified copy of degree certificate(s) and programme / course transcript(s) (PDF) (Mandatory)
Applicants should have finished a Matriculation Exam or comparable degree, and it is preferable that they have finished Secondary stage in dance or comparable education.  

If applicants have other certificate/s that they want to submit, please attach them to the electronic applications under „Diploma/Transcript 3“.  

2. Portrait photo. (Mandatory)
Attach to the electronic application under „Other documents“. 

3. Cover letter (PDF). (Mandatory)
Applicants must state the reasons for the application, goals, vision, and more in a short text, maximum 2 pages. Attach to the application under „Statement of your objectives and expectations regarding the studies“.  

In the cover letter applicants must address the following questions: 

• What is it about dance and performing arts that inspires you? 

• Why do you want to become a professional dance artist?  

• What do you want to gain from studying Contemporary Dance practices at IUA? 

4. Two Video Tasks. 
Attach to the electronic application under „Links.“ 

4.a. 2 minute video – Physicality Task:
Show us your moving body. We want to get to know your physicality, your technical knowledge and movement qualities. Your dance can be learnt material, your own choreography or improvised dance. 

4.b. 1-2 minute video – Creative Task:
Film your own short solo reacting to one of these titles: 

• Cycle 

• Dreaming landscape 

• Electric 

• Uncanny 

Practical instructions for video recording:  

• The submitted recordings must be unbroken, i.e. it is not allowed to join two or more recordings together and no special effects. 

• It is important that the recording is of good picture and sound quality. 

• The recording equipment must be stationary during shooting. Vertical or horizontal shooting is optional. 

• We want to see only you in the video (not dancing with a partner or group). 

• Make sure that we see the whole body for the entire duration of the video. 

• You are welcome to use music but no props. 

How to share your video recordings: 

Note: Videos are received through an unlisted YouTube link. Applicants are responsible for the links being active. 

Name the videos after this formula: 

• Full name of the applicant – Course applied for – Task name:
  e.g. “John Doe – Contemporary Dance Practices – Creative Task”  

• Copy the two URL’s and insert them into the “Links” section in the electronic application.  

Here is an introductory video on how to upload an „unlisted“ YouTube video. 

5. Additional material
Applicants are welcome to include excerpts of their creative work; images, drawings or poetry. Maximum 2 pages 

Note: Applicants are asked to monitor the application process through the communication/application portal. All communication will be conducted through the portal and IUA staff will notify the applicant if some necessary supporting documents are missing.

Step 1 

• Application opens: October 5th 2026. 

• Application deadline: January 25th 2027. 

• All applicants will receive an email with the results by February 12th 2027. 

Step 2 

• Selected candidates will receive an email with detailed information on two additional assignments (a contemporary dance phrase and an additional creative task). 

• Applicants taking part online will submit these assignments through an unlisted YouTube link via email before February 17th 2027 and participate in a 45-minute group assignment online on February 19th 2027.

• Applicants attending in-person will show these additional assignments and participate in a 45-minute group assignment on February 20th 2027.

• Interviews with the audition committee will take place online or in person on February 20th and February 21st 2027.  

Letters with the results of the committee will be sent via email to the applicants before March 3rd 2027. Applicants who are offered admission must confirm their placement before March 17st 2027 by paying a registration fee (non-refundable). If it is not paid on time, the IUA will assume the student has declined their placement. 

The Dean of the Department of Performing Arts appoints a three-person audition committee. The committee’s responsibility is to select individuals they believe are qualified and competent to take advantage of the education offered at the Contemporary Dance Practices. The conclusion of the committee should not be interpreted as a judgment of the applicant’s artistic talent. The committee’s work is confidential and individual applications won’t be specifically reviewed. The committee’s decision is final and can’t be referred for review elsewhere within the university.  

Components evaluated by the audition committee include:  

• Physicality and body awareness: Examination of the applicants’ skills and potential in physical work with time and space. Terms include alignment and flow of movement, coordination, musicality, dynamics, and ability to embody ideas in movement. (Step 1 + 2)  

• Technique and artistry: Applicant’s ability and understanding of movement as a creative and expressive medium. (Step 1 + 2)  

• Creativity: The ability to present ideas and channel them through creative means. Curiosity and confidence in ideas and presentation is evaluated. (Step 1 + 2)  

• Work Ethics: Applicant’s attitude towards work; curiosity, independent approach and initiative. Applicant’s collaborative ability: How they work with guidance and input from others. (Step 2)  

• Performativity: Applicant’s awareness and mindfulness towards performance with respect to time, space and context. Ability and potential to use the voice in a creative way. (Step 2)  

• Communication and Critical Thinking: Applicant’s ability to express their thoughts and comments on their choices and the tasks they meet in the application process. (Step 2) 

General admission requirements are a matriculation examination, a final examination from an upper secondary school at the third qualification level, a comparable examination from a foreign upper secondary school or a minimum of 60 ECTS credits from a recognised university. Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of diplomas and a certified copy of a curriculum vitae.  
 
Admission to the school may be granted to applicants who possess knowledge and experience that is considered sufficient preparation for a bachelor’s degree at the school. See „Exceptions from general admission requirements“ for more information  
 
Admission committees evaluate applications based on submitted documents as well as interviews and/or entrance exams in the relevant fields. The Dean of the Faculty appoints an admission committee for each study programme in consultation with the Head of Department, and the admission committees work according to procedures that are presented to applicants.

Admission to the school may be granted to applicants who possess knowledge and experience that is considered sufficient preparation for a bachelor’s degree at the school.

Applicants who do not meet the general admission requirements may apply for an exemption if they have completed, for example, numerous credits at the upper secondary school level, completed other final exams such as at the 4th qualification level or have other preparation that can prepare the applicant for university-level studies in the relevant study programme.  

Applications for exemption from the general admission requirements are assessed by academic staff within the relevant department. Decisions on exemption applications are final. 

When assessing applications, consideration is given to a combination of factors, including grades in upper secondary school studies, education in the arts, further education, work experience and participation in community work. Each application is examined separately, and the overall combination of these factors may influence the outcome. Applicants are encouraged to explain anything they believe may be of benefit to their application for exemption from the general admission requirements.

Admissions committees evaluate applications based on the submitted documents as well as interviews and/or entrance exams in the relevant fields. The Dean of the relevant department appoints an admissions committee for each study programme in consultation with the programme director. Admissions committees work according to intake procedures that are presented to applicants. 

All Contemporary Dance Practices students must be proficient in both spoken and written English.

EU/EEA candidates English language level will be assessed during their interview. 

Non-EU/EEA candidates are required to provide proof of English language proficiency. Please contact our department coordinator (ellenhk@lhi.is) for further information. 

Application fee

Applicants pay an application fee of ISK 5000 when submitting an application. The application fee is not deducted from the registration fee, even if the application is approved and is non-refundable.

Registration fee

For EU/EEA students the annual registration fee is ISK 100,000.

For non-EU/EEA students tuition fees apply. Further information about tuition fees