We're nearing audition season. Whether your auditioning for a dance team, cheer team, play, or a job (sometimes we call these interviews), here are 15 tips to help make sure your audition is on point!
1) Be Prepared!
Be prepared for anything. No two auditions are ever the same, so be ready for different scenarios. Whether that be a solo, group class, different styles—you never know!
2) Dress Appropriately
Wear dance attire that is comfortable, appropriate, & you feel confident in. Form-fitting clothing is more appropriate for most dance auditions so the judges can see your lines. Always look professional but also have something that helps you stand out. This can be a brightly colored piece or something that is uniquely you. Have the right shoes & hair style for the style.
3) Do Your Research
Research the company or production you are auditioning for. If it’s a show, make sure you’d seen it a few times so you’re familiar with the style and characters. If it’s a college, reach out to professors and tutors for information about what they’re looking for. Research success stories of people that have done what you’re hoping to achieve and look for tips. Get as much information as you possibly can!
4) Display Your Audition Number Clearly
Most auditions you’ll be given a number at a check in table. Make sure to have safety pins to pin it to your leotard or shirt. Memorize your audition number as well! They will call out numbers of people instead of names, so know what yours is.
5) Warm Up!
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to make sure you have time to properly warm up. Stretch (both moving a holding) to make sure your body is ready. You probably won’t do a warm up together, so it’s up to you! You can listen to music in headphones to help calm your nerves and get your head ready. You can also chat with other dancers to make new friends and network.
6) Use the Buddy System in Auditions
Having a dancer alongside you is a huge advantage in auditioning. It will help you feel more comfortable and confident. Plus, an extra set of hands for hair and make-up touch-ups is always nice!
7) Pay Attention to Technique
Often, the first rounds of a dance audition will be something technically sound such as ballet or contemporary. Make sure you focus on executing movements with precision, alignment, and control. Paying attention to small technical elements also shows that you are prepared. The judges or casting directors notice these things!
8) Your Audition Starts at the Door
The second you walk into an audition, your audition has begun. Make sure you are ready and “on” as soon as you walk in.
9) Stay Focused
There may be lots going on all at once at an audition. There may be many people, lots of groups, and everyone vying for the front. Make sure to stay focused the entire time so you don’t miss important instructions or information.
10) Go All Out
Auditions are much quicker than you may anticipate. Don’t take your time for granted. Make sure to go all out the entire time. Effort and determination is something that can’t always be taught, so judges will be looking for those that naturally have it.
11) Be Ready to Improvise
Whether you are asked to improv or just forget a combination and have to just go with it, be ready to improvise. The best dancers still do make mistakes, but they’re the best because they know how to keep going once they do. The best way to get better at improv is by doing it often.
12) Be Positive & Enjoy Yourself
Confidence is key in an audition. Make sure to walk in with a positive attitude and mindset and believe in yourself. Show the judges that you are excited and happy to be there. Show them that you are a strong and capable dancer. Don’t forget that dancing is FUN! Auditions can be serious and stressful only if you let them be. So don’t forget to enjoy the process and appreciate the experience you get to have.
13) Be Yourself
There is no one better at being you than YOU! Don’t forget to be the best version of you when you audition. Highlight what you are best at whatever that may be.
14) Remember Your Manners
After the audition is over, it is polite to say thank you to the judges, choreographers, or anyone else involved with the audition. Always collect all of your things and never leave trash behind.
15) Learn From Every Audition
Each audition is a learning experience. Miss Beth always says, “Sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.” No matter the outcome, make sure you learn and grow as a dancer because of it. Take time to reflect on what you did great, what you could do better next time, and what you learned from the experience. No matter what, be proud that you auditioned and put yourself out there- it takes a lot of guts!
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