Frequently Asked Questions
What/when is Carnaval?
Carnaval is the annual Latin cultural show organized by the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS). The show is named after the grand festivals of music and dancing that occur throughout the world on the eve of Lent (Mardi Gras) with the most popular carnavales being the ones in Brazil. Our show features several dances as well as a skit. We hope to introduce the WashU student body to the vibrant and lively traditions of Latin America while also raising awareness of issues pertinent to the Latino community today. We have over 150 student participants each year, and our show regularly sells out in Edison Theater. The 2017 show will be on March 31st and April 1st.
I was in (dance) last year! How can I choreograph it this year?
Thanks for the interest! Whether you were in a dance and loved to do it, saw one you'd love to choreograph, or want to bring something new to the table, now is the time! No formal experience is needed! Choreographer auditions are typically held in November. We ask that you prepare a 30-45 second routine to show us your style along with some ideas for this year's show.
Past dances include: Bachata, Belly Dance, Caporales, ChaCha, Cumbia, Flamenco, Folklórico, Hip Hop, Lambada, Latin Jazz, Lyrical Latin Fusion, Mambo, Merengue, Reggaeton, Salsa, Samba, Tango, Tinkus, West African, and Zapateado. And if you're interested in a dance not listed, don't fret! We change dances each year, and we're always more than willing to debut new dances!
Past dances include: Bachata, Belly Dance, Caporales, ChaCha, Cumbia, Flamenco, Folklórico, Hip Hop, Lambada, Latin Jazz, Lyrical Latin Fusion, Mambo, Merengue, Reggaeton, Salsa, Samba, Tango, Tinkus, West African, and Zapateado. And if you're interested in a dance not listed, don't fret! We change dances each year, and we're always more than willing to debut new dances!
What should I do to prepare for auditions? What are they like?
No dance experience is necessary to audition! The choreographer(s) of each dance will spend the first part of the audition time teaching you everything you need to know in order to do the actual audition. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early for your audition and we also recommend wearing comfortable clothing and shoes that you can move in.
Auditions will be January 24-26th. Specifc audition times will be announced shortly.
When you arrive at the basement floor of Lopata House, you will be directed to either two tables. One table will be for those who have not pre-registered online and you will be directed to register there. After registering, or if you have already pre-registered, you will be directed to the second table. There, the ALAS Exec members manning the table will ask you your name and assign you a number on a sticker label. You will then be asked to have your photograph taken. Once you have done this, you will be asked to wait until you are instructed to enter the audition room with everyone else.
Auditions will be January 24-26th. Specifc audition times will be announced shortly.
When you arrive at the basement floor of Lopata House, you will be directed to either two tables. One table will be for those who have not pre-registered online and you will be directed to register there. After registering, or if you have already pre-registered, you will be directed to the second table. There, the ALAS Exec members manning the table will ask you your name and assign you a number on a sticker label. You will then be asked to have your photograph taken. Once you have done this, you will be asked to wait until you are instructed to enter the audition room with everyone else.
If I am chosen for a dance, what is the time commitment like?
Each dance team is required to rehearse at least twice a week for a total of about 4 hours. The week and a half leading up to the show will require some longer time commitments with technical runs and dress rehearsals. Participating in a dance is a significant time commitment and we ask that you take this into consideration. That said, choreographers are generally flexible in working with everyone.
Can I audition for multiple dances/Can I participate in more than one dance?
You can audition for as few or as many dances as you want. However, it will only be possible for you to be chosen for 1 dance (rank your preferences thoughtfully!) This is because rehearsing for 1 dance is a significant time commitment and because we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to participate in the show.
Can I act in the skit and also participate in a dance?
Yes. We encourage anyone who is interested to audition for an acting part in the skit. Our skit is a full length play and we are looking for a diverse set of actors to bring it to life!
I have a conflict with an audition. Will there be make-up auditions?
The decision to hold make-up auditions is entirely up to the choreographer(s) of each dance. It is your responsibility to contact the choreographer(s) of the dance you are interested in to ask if they are having make-up auditions. Choreographers' emails will be up soon.
Will there be callbacks?
The decision to hold callbacks is up to the choreographer(s) of each dance. They will most likely inform you at auditions if they anticipate needing callbacks. Any callbacks will be on the Friday after auditions and an e-mail will be sent out early that day once the callback numbers are posted on the ALAS website. It is your responsibility to check the website and remember your number to see if you have been selected for a callback.
How are dancers selected?
Dancer selection involves matching your ranked preferences to choreographers’ preferences. Your first choice dance will be asked if they would like to select you. If yes, then you are chosen for that dance. If no, then your second choice dance is asked, and so on. If none of your 3 preferences select you and you checked the box on the registration form saying that you are open to being in any dance, all remaining dances will be asked if they want to select you. Thus, if you audition for more than 3 dances, there is a chance that you could be selected for a dance that was not one of your 3 ranked preferences.
How do I change my dance preferences?
If your dance preferences change after your auditions, simply fill out the online registration form again with your new rankings. The deadline to change your dance preferences is Friday after auditions at 11:59pm.
It is suggested that you actually rank your first choice first instead of rearranging your preferences because you think it will give you a better chance one way or another. By ranking your preferences by your strongest desire and putting your first choice first, choreographers have more power to select you.
It is suggested that you actually rank your first choice first instead of rearranging your preferences because you think it will give you a better chance one way or another. By ranking your preferences by your strongest desire and putting your first choice first, choreographers have more power to select you.
When will I find out if I was chosen for a dance?
You will be notified of any decision by the night of Sunday, January 29th. If you do not receive an e-mail informing you of a decision by then, send an e-mail to [email protected].
My question isn’t answered on this page. Who can answer my question?
If you have a question that is not answered on this page, please contact the Carnaval Chairs, Anabel & Romulo, at [email protected].