When performing dance auditions, you must first be confident in your training.
You have worked hard to get to an audition and you cannot leave what ultimately
got you there. You are qualified and no audition will throw a routine or
move you can't do into the steps they teach, they'll wait until the production
to make you do the impossible steps.
When you perform, make sure your outfit does not distract the casting director
from your bodies form and skill. If you have a big pair of dangling earrings
on, the casting director will see your picture later and think "earrings"
not "dancer".
What to wear to a dance audition? Neatness goes a long way. Make sure your
outfit is in good condition and clean. Whichever kind of dancewear you choose,
make sure it displays the bodies shape. Baggy clothes or sweats will take
away from the contours of the body, which the person holding the audition
is looking for. Make sure that whatever you decide to wear complies with
the part, or type of production being auditioned. If a uniform is requested,
make sure to wear it. For women, black tights and pink leotard are very
standard. For Men, black tights and a white T-shirt, tucked in, is standard.
The more modern the piece, the brighter and more creative you can be. Remember
to bring different types of shoes as well. For Ballet, bring technique shoes,
and for women, bring point shoes. Other styles of dance may call for different
footwear (tap shoes, jazz shoes, sneakers, or even barefoot.) Make sure
to enquire about the footwear you should bring.
When you arrive at the dance audition, come prepared with a resume. Your
resume should include your name, contact info including a fax number, styles
of dance you can perform as well as productions you have danced in prior.
Attaching a headshot never hurts and a black and white 8x10 picture is fine.
The format for dance auditions can vary. On auditions referred to as "Open
Calls" or "Cattle Calls" the first round of auditions are usually in groups.
During group auditions, you will be taught steps to perform and that will
be the content of your audition. If you are part of an audition like this,
make sure to be on time. The more performers involved, the busier and more
hectic the audition can be. You should arrive with enough time to get the
scoop on how the audition will work and be able to prepare. If you are rushing
until the moment your audition starts, you will not be as mentally or physically
prepared as necessary. When you enter the audition room, hand over your
resume, follow directions and pay attention. If you are disruptive or not
paying attention, this will be a fault. A dancer viewed as problematic during
the audition will be viewed as problematic during the production. Once the
audition has started, remember your technique and do your best.
Look like you're having fun. Dancing is as hard and trying on the body as
any full contact sport. What makes it harder than most sports is dancers
use the same amount of exhilaration, but also have to look happy and energetic
while doing it.
When your performance is over exit politely and don't ask the audition director
how you did or when you will find out if you received the part. Just exit
the room and wait around a few minutes for any announcements. If you were
part of a group audition and did well, you may be called back for a private
audition. If this happens, your dance audition went very well. If it didn't,
still be proud that you faced yet another audition and keep practicing.
Find Dance Auditions now.