In-Person Audition Tips
Dear dancers and parents,
It's been a couple of weeks now that many of you have been engaged with the audition season; so many of my conversations with private clients and studios are about how to put their best selves forward. I thought I would share my two biggest tips for in-person auditions with you here - I hope you find them helpful!
Tip Number 1: Presentation and Body Language
It is crucial to give serious thought to concrete ways you will present yourself during your auditions. You wouldn't show up to an audition or competition in dirty tights or without having showered. Don't show up without a plan to present yourself; it's part of the package!
Dance is a non-verbal art form. Your only method of communicating your interest is through your body language and your face. Go through this checklist and note where you need to pay more attention starting TODAY so that your body language is saying the right things come time for that audition.
Eye contact equals engagement and interest. Be sure to start practicing making eye contact with your teachers and coaches if this is not normal or comfortable for you.
Smiling means you're glad to be there! Be careful about putting on your "I'm working" face; it's what will come most naturally because you are taking a class after all, but try to maintain a pleasant "so glad to be here" face. You don't need your performance face, but looking too focused and serious doesn't always translate well. They know you're serious; you're a ballet dancer.
No staring in the mirror. Having a lively engaged face means you can't be staring at yourself in the mirror. Remember, every audition class is not a class, but a performance. Not looking in the mirror is challenging and takes time to get used to; start practicing in your daily classes. Let your eyes go where your arms go; don't sneak a peek in the mirror! (I know, I know...) When you allow your eyes and head to dance with your upper body, it changes the dynamics of your dancing and helps decrease the amount of time spent staring into the mirror.
No slouching, leaning on the barres, or yawning. I know that sounds obvious, but sometimes dancers aren't aware of what their bodies are doing BETWEEN combinations. While you're learning the steps, stand with engaged posture and lively eyes. You are being evaluated throughout the entire audition, not just when you're dancing.
Tip Number 2: Put Yourself Forward
Too many dancers don't put themselves forward in an audition class for fear of appearing arrogant or pushy.
You may think that, if you're good enough, the directors will see you, no matter where in the room you happen to be. This simply isn't true.
Especially in a large audition, being seen is part of the process and if you hide in the back, you may not even get enough "face time" with the director(s) to be offered something.
Walking away from an audition wondering if anyone saw you is truly one of the worst situations to find yourself in.
Guarantee yourself that, no matter what, you will be in the first group, in the first or second line, at least a few times during the class so that you are seen.
Also, putting yourself forward means putting your BEST self forward: carry yourself with the confidence that you deserve to be there. Apologizing for your dancing is not necessary.
Whatever level of skill you have on that day, bring it and show it proudly. No one is expecting perfection, but they are expecting dancers who know how to present themselves, mistakes, and all.
Above all, it really does matter to show that you love to dance and to enjoy yourself during an audition. Try not to focus on whether or not you'll get in; instead, have fun, be playful, dance, and show them you're excited to be there.
If you haven't been happy with your audition results so far this season, maybe we should talk! I help dancers prepare for auditions all the time. Our first phone session is free of charge and can be scheduled here. Don't wait until the auditions are over: up your game now and see better results.
Merde!!
Elizabeth
