Successful Auditions
a love hate
affair
If you want to
participate in summer programs, student performances, or dance companies you probably need
to survive the audition process first.
Do you dread auditions? Many of us don’t spend enough time
trying to perfect our auditioning techniques so we thought some tips and encouragement
would help.
Scared of the Unknown?
We all are, which
is why dancers are often intimidated by auditions. The easiest way to overcome audition
fear is to become knowledgeable about the audition process. Once you understand what to
expect, and what is required of you, you’ll find it easier to focus on your dancing.
Auditions take many different forms so make it a point to find out, ahead of time, what
is expected of you. You need to know:
- if you are required to take a resume, biography and photos
- if the company expects you to have a prepared dance piece to perform
- what shoes to take
- if the audition will be structured in a class form or if you will be dancing
individually
- how long the audition will take (so you can make arrangements)
These questions can all be answered with a phone call to the company, but be sure to
read the advertising and literature that you have on the audition first. You will make the
best impression if you arrive well prepared so be confident and thorough when requesting
the information. Please don’t expect answers on the day of the auditions, as most of
the ancillary staff will be very busy.
If you are required to perform your own dance piece be sure to ask how long should it
be, what style of music should you use, what should you wear, and so on. If you need to
call the company again for this information, do so. Be well prepared when ringing them
again so you can gather all the information required in two phone calls or less.
You are now well on your way to conquering the unknowns about this audition. A few more
thoughts...
The
R Word
Dancers often fear
rejection. I suggest that you go to auditions, initially at least, simply for the
experience. In fact, tell all your dancing friends that you are going for the experience.
Even if you aren't selected you will still be successful in your goal of gaining audition
experience. Neither you or your friends can be disappointed with that!
After the audition put this experience to good use. What did you learn? Need to work
more on your technique or stage presence? It may be something simple like getting to the
audition earlier next time to get a good front position or to warm up. Identify the
problems and get to work overcoming these holdbacks. You now have time before the next
audition to work on perfecting these things.
When you learn from your experiences, success is one step closer. Welcome auditions as
a fabulous opportunity to demonstrate what you know as well as a valuable opportunity to
grow. With this attitude, each audition will be successful.
Be brave when auditioning. The more you audition, the closer you’ll get to
perfecting your auditioning technique -- just like any other technical aspect of dance, it
takes practice.
Learn
and Grow
Keep learning from your audition experience and it will only be a matter of time before
you are offered the position you are striving for. Success is exciting and is a nice
reward for all your hard work, but I ask that you not forget to help others through
audition fears too. Remember, if you can teach the technique it means you must
really know it!
I can’t wait to hear about your audition experience. So ... what did you learn
from your last audition? |
