Audition Guide for Dancers.
Posted by: Jozef Varga on 28.Nov.2010 08:10
Dancers are movers we go where our art takes us. Nomads searching for happiness in the wide world.
It happens every year from December till about March or April that most companies are scheduling their open auditions. Thousands of dancers are nervously preparing trying to find the best place. Some are looking for their 1st job others are looking for new challenges.
Key elements are timing and presentation.
Step one create a CV put down accurate data and do not forget your height, weight, age, nationality, gender and contact (otherwise it’s hard for the companies to contact you back). This way you might save yourself a few pointless journeys.
Compile your best dance photographs and choose at least 2 to add to your CV and a nice profile picture! Companies want to see how your body looks like so don’t cover up too much because they will think you are trying to hide something.
Create a presentation video. Don’t make it long, only a few minutes. Companies have to go through hundreds of applications so they don’t have time to look at long videos or read long text CV’s.
You can create your CV here by following our guidelines to make sure your CV will meet the requirements of the companies.
Than public audition or private audition?
Well, I strongly advice for a private audition if you have the possibility to do so. Most companies accept private audition requests from already professional dancers specially in higher ranks. Most students are obligated to attend public auditions.
Read the audition conditions carefully!
Some auditions are by invitation only so you need to pre-register and wait for the invitation. To some auditions you can just arrive. Most of them have application deadlines, don’t miss them. Even if there are no official auditions posted for certain companies usually you can contact them privately. Most companies are always in a look out for new talents. Also see if you are suiting the company’s dance style.
Some companies offer temporary contracts for certain large productions. Sometimes it’s a great opportunity to integrate the company on a full time basis later!
Once at the audition...
Be on time! Present yourself well (don’t be sloppy) girls not too much make-up, you are not on a stage performance! If you are early you can pick a better place at the bar so you can be more visible! Be attentive and relaxed. I know it’s hard but calm concentration is the vibe you want to project. Work hard at the class but don’t brake yourself a là barre! You will be too tired at the center and trust me the decisions are mostly made there.
If you are taking a private audition…
Don’t be pushy standing in front of principal dancers of the company etc. I would advice you to ask politely where you can stand at the barre and pick a nice midrange spot at the center. First line is an absolute NO! But also don’t hide behind people. Nobody likes pushy people and people around you should become your future colleagues. Show that you are a good team player but don’t joke around too much and stay focused.
After the auditions be patient.
Most companies don’t know yet at the time you are auditioning if and how many vacancies they are going to have. Sometimes dancers change their mind late so often towards the end of the season there are still some opportunities to get a great position! If you did not hear back from a company just call back after a while and see! Sometimes applications get lost and mixed up!
Big advantage is if you actually know somebody from the company or staff. In the dance world it still goes the old fashion way who knows who!
Hope those few thoughts help you.
Good Luck!
Register on NetworkDance and you can crate your CV and apply directly to auditions!
It happens every year from December till about March or April that most companies are scheduling their open auditions. Thousands of dancers are nervously preparing trying to find the best place. Some are looking for their 1st job others are looking for new challenges.
Key elements are timing and presentation.
Step one create a CV put down accurate data and do not forget your height, weight, age, nationality, gender and contact (otherwise it’s hard for the companies to contact you back). This way you might save yourself a few pointless journeys.
Compile your best dance photographs and choose at least 2 to add to your CV and a nice profile picture! Companies want to see how your body looks like so don’t cover up too much because they will think you are trying to hide something.
Create a presentation video. Don’t make it long, only a few minutes. Companies have to go through hundreds of applications so they don’t have time to look at long videos or read long text CV’s.
You can create your CV here by following our guidelines to make sure your CV will meet the requirements of the companies.
Than public audition or private audition?
Well, I strongly advice for a private audition if you have the possibility to do so. Most companies accept private audition requests from already professional dancers specially in higher ranks. Most students are obligated to attend public auditions.
Read the audition conditions carefully!
Some auditions are by invitation only so you need to pre-register and wait for the invitation. To some auditions you can just arrive. Most of them have application deadlines, don’t miss them. Even if there are no official auditions posted for certain companies usually you can contact them privately. Most companies are always in a look out for new talents. Also see if you are suiting the company’s dance style.
Some companies offer temporary contracts for certain large productions. Sometimes it’s a great opportunity to integrate the company on a full time basis later!
Once at the audition...
Be on time! Present yourself well (don’t be sloppy) girls not too much make-up, you are not on a stage performance! If you are early you can pick a better place at the bar so you can be more visible! Be attentive and relaxed. I know it’s hard but calm concentration is the vibe you want to project. Work hard at the class but don’t brake yourself a là barre! You will be too tired at the center and trust me the decisions are mostly made there.
If you are taking a private audition…
Don’t be pushy standing in front of principal dancers of the company etc. I would advice you to ask politely where you can stand at the barre and pick a nice midrange spot at the center. First line is an absolute NO! But also don’t hide behind people. Nobody likes pushy people and people around you should become your future colleagues. Show that you are a good team player but don’t joke around too much and stay focused.
After the auditions be patient.
Most companies don’t know yet at the time you are auditioning if and how many vacancies they are going to have. Sometimes dancers change their mind late so often towards the end of the season there are still some opportunities to get a great position! If you did not hear back from a company just call back after a while and see! Sometimes applications get lost and mixed up!
Big advantage is if you actually know somebody from the company or staff. In the dance world it still goes the old fashion way who knows who!
Hope those few thoughts help you.
Good Luck!
Register on NetworkDance and you can crate your CV and apply directly to auditions!
Henrik from TightsandTiaras.com