Good Guys Do Win
When is
perfect technique not enough?Dancing can be so competitive that sometimes its quite frightening. Positions are
so limited in performances, dance schools, companies and summer schools that often we find
ourselves competing against our friends. Even worse, the selection criteria can appear
quite bazaar! Sometimes when people are selected that we know are not as strong at dance
we ask ourselves ‘why them?'
This, I believe is where the good guys win!
It's
in the Mix!
Being selected is usually
about being the best person for the position and not always about being the best dancer.
Perhaps we should examine what makes the person ‘right for the job.’ The
selection criteria could include items that you might not realize are important. Questions
like:
- who is the most committed to this position?
- who will be easy to work with?
- who deserves this opportunity?
- who will take instruction and criticism well?
- who will be well prepared?
- who is highly motivated?
- who will make a good team member?
- who will be available for the length of the project?
- who will pitch in when the going gets tough?
Often the answers to these questions are connected to your reputation and how your
personality is demonstrated at the auditions. The pushy or forward person at auditions may
demonstrate commitment to the position but may not be easy to work with. This person may
not make a good team member. Yet the dancer that works hard to master the choreography and
still finds time to help out another person may qualify in all areas.
On many occasions I have selected dancers on their potential and not on their actual
dance ability at that particular time.
And
in the Depth...
I’m not suggesting you become ‘an angel’ at auditions and spread your
goodwill, but that you examine your audition personality and reputation in an effort to be
represented accurately at auditions. Find ways to demonstrate your commitment, team play
and eagerness both at auditions and with the dance community.
The dancer who is auditioning for the same position for the fifth time is demonstrating
traits that will be viewed positively on our criteria list. As is the dancer who laughs at
their mistakes but shows determination to ‘get it right.' The ‘snooty
dancer’ is simply demonstrating that they can dance and that they are ignoring the
other selection criteria.
Most people at an audition can dance. It is those that demonstrate the right criteria
that get selected. May the good guys win!!!
Oh, and also please remember, don’t burn your bridges. You never know who is
going to be on the selection panel. But that is a whole new topic best left for another
time.
So tell me, which good guys have been winning lately?
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