It’s that time again dancers! Audition season is officially upon us! Audition season is one of the most hectic, and somewhat stressful, months in a dancer’s life. If you’ve been in the industry for some time now, you may have learned how to balance it like a pro! However, if you’re new to auditions, don’t fret because today we’re going talk about some ways to prepare and some pointers to help you with your next audition!
“ORGANIZATION IS KEY!”
Audition season is always a busy time of year and if you’re planning on going on multiple auditions, staying organized will avail you so much! Consider getting a planner to write down the dates of all your auditions and their times. This way you won’t have your head full of dates that you must remember, and you can prepare for each audition as it comes. On the day of each audition, make a checklist of all the things you know you will need to pack for the day. Your list should include things like extra clothes, a light snack for any kind of breaks that you may have in between and water! Never, ever forget water! One of the biggest benefits of making packing lists is that it gives you some peace of mind in knowing that you have all of your ducks in a row and you never have to worry about forgetting anything.
“FIND OUT WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING FOR”
This was something a former teacher of mine discussed with me before I went on my very first audition. It’s always smart to scope out the job you want and take notice to what they may be looking for and after you find these things out, bring those elements to your audition. If you’re auditioning for the Rockettes, for example, they may be looking for someone upbeat and positive that is able to bring a lot of character to the choreography. By focusing on those elements and putting them into your audition performance, you can really make an impression. However, don’t overdo it. Even if your called to bring a certain character to the choreography, always remain natural and authentic. Forced personality is something that employers can smell a mile away.
“ALWAYS EAT THE DAY OF YOUR AUDITION”
Eating breakfast before an audition is essential to a productive audition day. If you don’t have any kind of nutrients to fuel you while you dance, you won’t be able to give your best in the audition because the only thing you’ll be thinking about is how hungry you are. Having a light breakfast the morning of will give you the fuel that you’ll need without having something too heavy on your stomach. My favorite light breakfast for auditions or even just a long morning of dancing is a medium sized bowl of oatmeal and a banana. And while you can choose whatever meal you’d like, eating is an essential part of any audition day. Trust me when I say that your body will thank you for putting it first and preparing it for your big day!
“THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM!”
It’s always wise to get to your audition early. That way you can have ample amount of time to sign in, fill out any forms that they need you to sign, get your audition number and get yourself warmed up and stretched for the day. Make sure you have your things packed and ready to go the night before so that you can grab them quickly before you leave. Arriving early also gives you time to gather your thoughts and mentally prepare for the audition, which is equally as important as any physical preparation that you have done.
“BE CONFIDENT, NEVER BE AFRAID OF THE FRONT AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS, FREESTYLE!”
Confidence is another major key to auditions. Not only does it increase your chances of being seen by the judges, it also benefits your state of mind while you’re auditioning. Always be sure of yourself, your ability and what you can do! Approach each combination with surety, an open mind and never be afraid of being in the front. It assures that you will be seen, and it will give you a clear view of each combination that is being taught. If you don’t understand a part of the combo, don’t be afraid to ask questions! It’s a sure way to know that you’re doing everything correctly. And if you happen to forget a piece of the choreography or mess up, just add in a little freestyle in its place! It may not be in the choreography but it’s a lot better than just standing there! Messing up during an audition is something that no one ever wants (bold) to do but the reality is that sometimes it happens and if it does happen, just get your groove on and WORK IT!
And in all this preparation and busyness, the most important thing to remember is to have fun! Weather you get the job or not, you will always have the experience, which is something that is just as good as booking the job! It’s another notch that you can put on your dance belt and something you can look back on and grow from! I hope these tips help you as you prepare to venture out into the dance world this audition season! I will see you next week for part 2 of From the Top’s Audition Series!
Keep Dancing!
-Lexi
FROM THE TOP! 