Whatever you are auditioning for—whether it’s for a dance company, a major performance, or a placement within your dance school—dance auditions will always bring out the butterflies you never thought were there. Even the most seasoned of dancers still feel overwhelmed in front of the panel.
But while dance auditions can be nerve-racking, being sufficiently prepared will help the big day go more smoothly. Here are tips you should keep in mind for every audition you should prepare for.
Ace Your Preparations for Dance Auditions with These Tips
Adopt a fit and healthy lifestyle.
It’s so important to take care of your body not just the day before the dance auditions but every day as a dancer. You want to be in peak physical shape, so stay on top of any injuries as soon they appear. Start focusing on eating whole foods rather than processed foods as much as you can, drink plenty of water regularly, and sleep a good 8 hours to keep yourself energized for your classes and workouts. Increase your cardio health through running, biking, or swimming. Lift weights to increase your strength for partner work.
Being in good shape will show judges that you are your best self during dance auditions. Make sure you eat a good breakfast before going to the venue, and eat it early enough!
Be serious about training.
Attend dance classes in different styles consistently. If you have access to classes with other teachers, it’s worth taking them. If you get too used to one teacher’s style of choreography, having to learn a whole new way of learning may distract you. Challenge yourself always by taking classes and workshops with as many different choreographers as you can to learn the art of picking up new movement fast. Even looking up YouTube videos helps!
While practicing, take training seriously until your technique is in its best form. Perform each combination to its fullest potential and take corrections in stride, applying them immediately. This will help condition your body and mind to the strictness and spontaneity of dance auditions. Practice until you pick up different routines quickly.
Research what you can about the auditions.
Know what you are auditioning for. Learn as much as you can about the role or company you are auditioning for beforehand as well. Some dance auditions may require a dance résumé as part of your audition requirements. When preparing a résumé, make sure you highlight your strengths and recent accomplishments. Be sure to mention where you have trained, whom you have studied with, and what relevant experiences you have. Most importantly, include your contact details.
Wear appropriate, comfortable clothing.
Find out if there are any required items of clothing, and then dress the part. Body-hugging attire that shows your physique, preferably in a color that you are comfortable with, attracts attention. You want to stand out! Bring the correct dance shoes as well.
Be focused and disciplined.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the audition begins, maybe even earlier. You will appreciate having the extra time to check out your surroundings if you are not familiar with the location. Use the time to warm up, stretch, and get focused. Try not to notice the other dancers as they arrive since they may make you nervous. Concentrate on preparing yourself, both physically and mentally. You will have a better audition if you are relaxed and ready.
Also, be polite, pick up choreography quickly, ask questions if you need to, listen to instructions, and be respectful. All these things are expected of a professional dancer, and it’s in your best interest if you present yourself as a pro from the beginning.
Grab a spot in front.
Don’t hide in the back! Make sure you are somewhere you can be seen. Judges will be watching the room to see who learns the combinations the fastest. Show them that you can learn the routine quickly and independently. Sometimes judges will pick dancers who are the quickest learners, not necessarily the “best” dancers.
Standing in the front of the room also means you’re confident. Dancers who prefer to stand in the back are often followers, relying on the front row of dancers to guide them through combinations. Show the judges that you are a leader.
Don’t forget to have fun.
You’re here because dancing is your passion, remember? If you are preoccupied with competing and comparing yourself with other dancers, you’ll feel devastated if you won’t make it. Treat every workshop as an audition and every audition as another fun workshop. If you apply this mind-set as a dancer, you’ll realize that being yourself and dancing your best every time will be what matters.
Remember that you won’t be selected every time, and rejection doesn’t mean that you are a bad dancer. Judges are often looking for specific qualities: a specific height, a certain hair color, etc. Never assume that you were rejected because of lack of talent or technique.
Smile and show judges how much you enjoy dancing. People enjoy watching dancers who love what they do. Every time you clear your mind of negativity, dance auditions will be easier in time.
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Good Luck!
As you can see, preparing takes time and commitment. Follow these tips to prepare for a dance audition and get the confidence you need to succeed. But don’t just do so for every time you’re about to audition. As a dancer, you should be preparing consistently.
So are you ready to audition? Browse all these opportunities waiting for you at Explore Talent. Good luck!
