Preparing for a Dance Audition
Researching a Role or Show, Preparing a Selection, and What to Wear
Dec 14, 2008
Before any audition, a dancer must prepare themselves mentally, physically, and even emotionally in order to make sure they are ready for the task at hand.
Dancers who are prepared in advance for their auditions will stand out to the judges and staff. Whether auditioning for a role in a show, a position in a dance company or a spot on a dance team, preparation can make all the difference.
Before the Audition - Research
- You can learn more about the particular show or company by searching online by the show's title. For example, a Google search for the musical A Chorus Line results in the website for the current tour, a Wikipedia article defining the show, and information from the Internet Movie Database. Music can be downloaded from iTunes or other music file libraries, and videos of many shows can be found on YouTube. With so many resources now on the internet, there is no excuse for not being prepared.
- It is also a good idea to find out what the auditioning staff wants to see. If the information is not provided in the audition materials, regarding what specific traits or talents they are seeking, you should contact the company or theater, or go to any workshops that they may offer.
- Some auditions, especially for ballet companies, may require you to be accompanied by a pianist. You should photocopy your sheet music and tape the pages together in order, so that the pianist does not need to turn pages. You must speak to the pianist before your audition begins, to discuss tempo, cuts, or any other special instructions.
- Dancers should arrive at an audition with a concise resume, highlighting the best things they have done thus far in the dance community. Your resume should never exceed one page. It should list your name, contact information, roles you have performed, and where and when you have performed them. You may also wish to include your teachers' contact information, as well as any choreography or teaching you have done. Most dance auditions will require a full-body photograph in dance clothes, although some may require a head shot. You should contact the company for clarification, if needed.
Before the Audition - Prepared Pieces
- If you are asked to prepare a selection for the audition, choose carefully. You should bring something that shows you to your very best advantage. The piece should be one minute in length at the most, unless you are told otherwise. Remember to bring two copies of the CD, just in case.
- Pyrotechnics, or fancy tricks, are only interesting to the auditioners if they are securely and magnificently performed. It is always better to be slightly less ambitious, and to perform your piece cleanly. You must know your dance thoroughly; rehearse it well so you are confident with it. You should also choose a song that is in your range, not too young or too old for you and your abilities.
- If the auditioners should cut you off before you finish your prepared piece, it does not mean that they are not interested in you for the part. It could mean that they know they like you. Many times, they will be able to tell whether they want you in their production from the moment you walk out onto the floor or stage. Keeping this in mind, you should not put your best moves at the end of the piece. It is always smarter to start with your best material, and keep their interest throughout the selection.
- When a dancer is asked to prepare a piece in advance, the auditioners are not only looking for their dancing abilities, but their creativity as well. Choreography is almost always copyrighted, or it is understood to be copyrighted. If you take a dance from a music video, movie, etc., AS IS, and use it as your audition piece, you are stealing. If you are unsure of choreographing something for yourself, you should ask someone for help, or take that already-choreographed piece and sufficiently change it to match your style or ability. The people you are auditioning for are familiar with the videos, and they will know if the piece is not your own.
Before the Audition - Deciding What to Wear
- You should be sure that what you are wearing is neat and clean. You should leave the tights with holes in them, and the sweatshirt you've cut into your favorite neckline shape, at home. Dancewear is designed to show the line of your body, and that is one of the most important things the auditioners are looking for. Legwarmers, oversized sweaters, and sweatpants, while comfortable and warm, hide your body line. Dancers wearing these items in an audition will probably be ignored. If you wear warmups while waiting to be called in, be sure to remove them before being asked to do so.
- You should dress appropriately for the particular audition you are taking. If a uniform is suggested for a dance school or apprenticeship program, be sure to wear it. It is a good idea to wear something that helps the auditioners identify you (a certain color leotard, for example); however, you shouldn't be overly flashy.
- Hairdos and makeup should be flattering and appropriate to the situation. If you have to keep re-doing your ponytail after every excercise, you will be noticed, but not they way you intended to be. Your hair should be secure before you enter the audition room or stage. Also, small earrings are acceptable, but all jangly jewelry should be left at home.
- Appropriate footwear must be worn for every audition. Ballet slippers, pointe shoes, jazz shoes, tap shoes, sneakers, or bare feet may be expected. Inform yourself in advance by contacting the company.
By following these tips before going to an audition, you will be more prepared, and therefore more confident, when you arrive. For more information on what to do during the audition, please see this next article, "Attending a Dance Audition". Break a leg!
The copyright of the article Preparing for a Dance Audition in Ballet/Jazz/Tap Dance is owned by Terry Finch. Permission to republish Preparing for a Dance Audition in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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