Chicago Dance Gazette

Emily Stone in first arabesque, a commonly used photo for auditions. *

Inside Scoop: Prepare for Your Next Audition

Audition season for summer programs and dance companies is already in full swing. Auditions are an intimidating experience for anybody—from the 11 year old auditioning for her first summer program, to the seasoned dancer looking to join a company. Armed with a little knowledge, you can boost your confidence and audition performance. This month we focus on audition tips for young dancers looking for a summer dance program.

Knowledge is Power:

Before you go to your audition, learn as much as you can about the program you are auditioning for. This will aid you in finding a program that best matches your desires as a dancer. This will also help you prepare for the day of the audition.

Magazines such as Pointe, and Dance Spirit (available at Chicago Dance Supply) publish annual issues packed with information about summer programs auditions. These magazines will often give you information about audition location, date and time, what you are expected to bring to the audition, such as a headshot and what types of dance you will be required to perform. Information to consider when choosing a summer program includes location, cost, duration, whether housing is available, and what types of classes will be offered.  

Before the Audition:

Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before the audition and that you are maintaining a healthy diet. Do not give in to the temptation to crash-diet if there is going to be a weigh-in at the audition. The amount that your performance will suffer if you are not well-nourished far outweighs the few vanity pounds that you might manage to shed.

Arrive Early:

If your audition class is at 10am, don’t waltz in at 9:45am and expect have things go smoothly. Most audition postings will tell you how early to arrive—usually one hour before the scheduled class time. Many auditions involve a sign-in process where you submit a headshot or resume, and receive your audition number. The more dancers at the audition, the more chaotic and lengthy this process can be.

Another advantage of arriving early is that it gives you time to settle in to your surroundings. Auditions can be very intimidating. You might have to travel to a studio that you have never been to before, and be with dancers that you don’t recognize. The more time you have to get acclimated the more confident you will be during your audition.

Even though most auditions include a full warm-up, don’t go into class cold. Auditioners might be observing the quality of your dancing with the first step you take. Leave enough time to go through a familiar warm-up routine. This will prepare you to perform at peak as soon as the audition begins.

Arriving early will also help ensure that you get a good place front and center at the audition. It is common at auditions that there is not enough barre space for all the dancers—don’t get caught having to hold on to a folding chair in the very back corner of the studio where nobody can see you.

Proper Attire:

Be sure that your dancewear is clean, well-fitting and that it complies with uniform code for the audition if there is one. Make sure your hair is secure and out of your face. You appearance should be neat and tidy. Auditioners will not be impressed if you are tugging at straps, pulling up your pants or tights, or brushing your hair out of your face in the middle of a combination.

If you will be required to perform multiple forms of dance such as pointe, jazz or modern, bring all of your shoes into the audition studio with you.

Be Confident and Be Yourself:

An audition is your moment to show your stuff. Now is not the time to be shy and hide in the back row. Make yourself seen! Be proud of all your hard work and let yourself shine.

Stay within your comfort zone. Of course you want to pull out all your best tricks for an audition, but if you can’t perform a clean triple pirouette in class, the day of the audition is not the time to attempt it! Auditoners will be much more impressed to see you perform clean, consistent doubles than to see you falling out of sloppy triples.

Let your personality and artistry show in your dancing. Let’s face it—there are a lot of technically competent dancers out there. Show the auditioners what you have that they won’t find in any other dancer.

Be Courteous and Respectful:

Remember that your personal behavior is being observed in addition to your dancing. During the audition, listen quietly and attentively to directions—refrain from fidgeting or talking to other dancers. Even outside the audition studio, be polite to your fellow dancers, parents, and the audition staff. Impress the auditioners and your peers by not only showing them what a great dancer you are, but what a wonderful human being you are.

Next Month: Audition tips for dancers seeking positions in companies and shows. Be sure to check out this month’s issues of Pointe Magazine and Dance Spirit Magazine, filled with information on over 150 company auditions!

*Studio courtesy of Joel Hall Dance Center, Chicago

2/14/06 email us at Chicago Dance Supply