Have you ever noticed that some people seem to breeze through
auditions? Have you ever asked yourself what they know that you don't?
No matter how confident those folks seem, they are probably as nervous
as you are. Everyone is a little tense at audition time. The secret of
appearing calm is to prepare yourself as well as you can, try to do
your best, and then accept the results for what they are: just another
learning experience, another step in your career. You will attend many
auditions during your years as a dancer; it is certain that you won't
be chosen in all of them, so don't fret. It happens to everyone.
What to wear
The first rule is to look your very best. Neatness definitely counts.
Be sure your outfit is attractive, clean, and in excellent repair. An
audition is no place for tights with holes or the sweats you've cut
into your favorite neckline shape. Dancewear is designed to show the
line of the body, and that is certainly one of the things the people
running the audition are interested in. Leg warmers, oversized
sweaters, and plastic pants, while comfortable and cozy, hide the very
line being looked for. The dancer wearing them will probably be
ignored. If you wear warmups while waiting to be called, be sure to
remove them before being asked to do so.
It is most important to dress appropriately for the particular
audition you are taking. If you are auditioning for a school or tv show and a uniform is suggested, be sure to wear it. For my audition for SYTYCD, I went in full Industrial Bellydance costume and the judges loved it. Only a small handful of dancers actually went in the costume of their style of dance. I was quite surprised as I really wanted to stand out and I feel that only a bellydance costume can show the full extent of our amazing art.
Hairdos and makeup, even the haircut,
should also be flattering and appropriate to the situation. No one will
notice the mouse at the back whose hair is unkempt, or the person who
is trying to fade into the woodwork. Wear
light makeup if it is appropriate to your age group; small earrings are
acceptable for those with pierced ears. Leave all jangly jewelry at
home, unless of course you are choosing to audition in full costume.
Be sure you are equipped with appropriate footwear as well. I recommed taking some soft and flexible jazz shoes or bare feet may be expected. Inform yourself in advance and
come prepared.
What to Bring
Come to an audition prepared with a concise resume highlighting the
best (or in some cases the only) things you have done thus far. The
resume should never exceed one page and should be certain to list your
name, address, telephone, fax number if you have one, the roles you
have danced, and where you danced them. It might also include your
principal teachers and any choreography or teaching you have done. If
at all possible you should have an 8 x 10 glossy photograph of
yourself. Most people prefer a full-body shot in dance clothes,
although some require a head shot. Black-and-white is fine.
And of course, your music. Be sure to check what formats they can accept the music and if there are any copyright requirements. For SYTYCD, most of my bellydance music was not able to be used due to the authors not lodging it with the correct bodies in Australia. Due to this audition being for a TV show, it was important that the music I used was not infringing on any copyright issues.
What to Do, and What They Are Looking For
It is obvious that you bring to every audition the sum total of all
the work you have been doing in class and in performance. Your
technique isn't suddenly going to change during the audition, so all
you can do is your very best. The first rule is to pay close attention
to what is being shown and what is being asked for. This is not the
moment to be a choreographer; do the combination as it is given. But
dance it as fully as you possibly can! You are demonstrating your
discipline, your ability to take direction, and, most of all, your joy
in moving.
If you make a mistake, try again; certainly don't give up and go to
the corner to sulk. Keep your face alive but don't paste on a smile.
The facial expression usually takes care of itself if you concentrate
on performing fully. Also, be polite to your fellow dancers; no one
wants a troublemaker.
Sometimes the person giving the audition has a particular body type
or "look" in mind. If the auditioners know exactly what kind of dancer
they are looking for, there isn't much you can do about it except smile
and be a good sport. Don't take it as a personal insult, and remember
that you may very well cross paths with the auditioner at a later date,
when a dancer of exactly your own type is being sought. If you are asked to prepare a selection for the audition, choose
carefully. The worst mistake you can make is to bring something that is
too long; brevity is greatly appreciated. Choose a selection that shows
you to your very best advantage. Pyrotechnics are only interesting if
securely and magnificently performed. It is better to be less ambitious
and to shine in what you do. This is the moment to exhibit all of your
performing skills. Know the dance thoroughly; rehearse it well so you
are confident about it. And bring two copies of the cd, properly cued
up, in case something goes wrong. It may be helpful to have your own ipod along as a backup, if you have one. One thing the judges were quite adamant on in this audition was lip singing to the song. It was strongly discouraged and you don't realise how much you do it until you are told not to. Try to withhold so they are concentrating on your movement only. It also reduces the stress for you trying to remember lyrics etc.
I asked several seasoned professionals what they look for when
choosing dancers. All of them, no matter what their area of dance,
answered in a similar vein:
People who love to dance.
Dancers who bring quality to their movements.
Someone who can take the phrase and make it his or her own without changing the steps or the intent.
A dancer I want to watch, who captures my attention.
Discipline with poetry.
If you have an audition coming up and you want to run anything by me, my phone / email is always on. :)
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