5 Top Tips For Your Dance Audition
Being a dancer, there are many auditions which will come our way, this is my reasoning for sharing my previous audition experience and most importantly my key audition tips!
1. Preparation
Preparation isn't just important when it comes to turns such as pirouettes or fuetes, when it comes to an audition, there is no such thing as preparing yourself 'too early'.
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail" - Benjamin Franklin.
There are numerous tasks which you could undertake! For example, if the particular audition was for a musical which involved tap dancing throughout the show, such as "Anything Goes" or "Thoroughly Modern Millie", before your audition you could rehearse advanced tap steps or research the show you will be auditioning for, in order to have a better knowledge of what you could be performing.
2. Appearance
For any dance audition, your appearance is key - from your ballet bun to your pointed toes! Be certain your outfit of choice is appropriate for the audition, in addition to looking neat and tidy.
As far as hairstyles are concerned, I'd say go with any hairstyle that keeps your hair out of your face, in order for the casting director or panel to have a clear view of your facial expressions throughout your performance.
Personally I would recommend a classic ballet bun which is tight, slicked back with hairspray or gel and jam packed with hair grips. Dance shoes are also important, make sure they are in good condition so there are no incidents of ballet shoes with snapped elastics or tap shoes with toe/heel taps coming loose!!
3. Individuality
Audition rooms are usually full to the brim with people as everyone is fighting for the same spot. When in a space like an audition room or dance studio, you need to stand out from the crowd. Make yourself unique.
In an audition scenario I express myself through wearing something which brings out my personality.
Wearing a hair accessory or a coloured leotard (if possible) is a great option. It will be easier for the director or panel to spot you and find you within the competitive atmosphere.
I don't think resorting to OTT make up would be a good option for originality as most directors want to view YOU, not somebody covered in tons of make up. Stick to natural make up with either a light lipstick or a simple, classic red.
4. Performance
Usually within auditions, you will be instructed to perform a particular routine which you will learn on the day and asked to perform the routine in small groups of 4 or 5.
Whilst performing, be certain to project from your chest and most importantly be confident in everything you do, don't let your nerves get the better of you. Before you start, take a shoulder roll and a deep breath to feel more ready to perform.
5. Outcome
If you do not receive a positive answer after the audition process then do not be disheartened. It may feel like the end of the world at that moment but believe me it's not. I myself have been unsuccessful at various auditions but I soon learnt that in this industry, you have to pick yourself back up and keep going until you achieve your goals.
To conclude my blog, I'd like to say that I hope my 5 audition tips will be useful for other dancers either now or in the future. One last piece of advice to take on board whilst you're preparing for your dance audition... "You're only as good as your last performance" so make it count and may it be the performance that the director or panel will remember!
What advice would you give to help prepare for an audition?