Audition Advice

If you are auditioning for PDC, a studio company, a class level, a professional dance company or production, or college dance program, here is some advice.

“There are no auditions, there are only performances.” 

—Janet Bookspan

Here are some links and articles with some advice for auditions:

http://atthebarre.net/10-secrets-to-a-successful-dance-audition-2/

http://www.dancespirit.com/news/exclusive-audition-advice/

http://www.danceadvantage.net/audition-tips/

http://www.musical-creations.com/tips/auditioning/10-tips-successful-dance-auditions/

https://www.bostonconservatory.edu/sites/all/files/career_services/audition_tips_dance.pdf


I particularly like the part of this article's advice for "during the audition" http://www.dancedream3.com/perform-now/dance-audition-tips.php

TIPS DURING THE AUDITION…

1. Don’t audition next to your friends. You will be tempted to talk and you may dress or dance too similar to your friends. You want to stand out, not blend in.
2. Don’t hide in the back. Stand in the front only if you are confident you know the material. Don’t be rude or pushy, but also stand your ground. Be confident. Never stand in front of the teacher!
3. Memorize names (Instructor, Assistant, Choreographer, Director, Producer etc…)
4. Don’t change/add/remove clothes once audition process has begun
5. Use your dance etiquette
• Never sit down
• Don’t lean on barres/walls
• Do not talk during audition
• Do not turn your back to the Instructor
• Don’t chew gum
• Do not bring in a cell phone
• Clap for other dancers auditioning
• Clap to thank the Instructor at the end of the audition
6. Focus on the material being shown. Learn quickly. Watch for all details. The goal is to get everything correct in one showing.
7. Begin all exercises well. Finish them well.
8. Don’t “mark” audition material unless asked
9. Do the steps exactly as asked (examples: don’t do a triple pirouette if they specifically asked for a double, don’t kick the leg 160º if they asked for the battement to be 90º)
10. Pay attention to directions (examples: “numbers 1-5 go first”, “odd numbers exit to the left” etc…)
11. If you have to ask a question, ask quickly and clearly. Try to avoid asking questions by listening to others and watching. Only ask questions during an appropriate time. Say “thank you” to the Instructor if they answer your question. Don’t ask a question that has already been asked!
12. Learn to recognize the beat and phrasing quickly. Find the beat immediately and prepare yourself for the tempo of the movement.
13. Stand tall with your arms to your sides. Don’t cross your arms or put them in your pockets. (This will make you look more confident and you will not risk covering your audition number).
14. Be expressive in your face. Smile, be graceful, be passionate, be energetic etc…
15. Don’t look at the floor while you dance.
16. Don’t make a “face” or bad expression if you mess up… pick up the choreography and keep going!
17. Continue to review your choreography when other groups are auditioning. Keep it fresh.
18. Be prepared to freestyle/improve. Know what you are good at. Don’t try new “tricks” in an audition.
19. Don’t talk while waiting to audition outside or when you are exiting. Be listening for tips/clues (“the floor is slippery”, “they will want you to growl”, “they are only looking for 3 dancers” etc…)
20. Show the audition panel that you are exactly what they are looking for. Believe in yourself!