Guide to Performing Well at Dance Auditions
Posted: Thursday, April 22, 2010
by Suzy O'Connor
Models Direct
People in the entertainment industry know that two of the most important things to do before any kind of audition is to research and prepare for the role you're going for. Here, modelling agency Models Direct offer some tips on how to perform well in dancing auditions and some of the qualities the casting directors will be looking out for.
What the ‘judges' are looking out for:
• Posture and body alignment. Good posture and alignment help dancers keep their balance, as well as looking more professional. If you need to improve your posture, have a go at Pilates.
• Stage presence. The persona you have on stage is just as important as your technique. You need to show your energy, focus, emotion and confidence on stage, not to mention a dazzling smile. A person with a big presence but who needs help with their technique may be more likely to be given the part over someone who is an excellent but reserved dancer.
• Musicality. Do you have a good sense of rhythm?
• Recall. It's more than likely that you'll be asked at some point in the audition to learn a dance routine with the other people there. You purposefully won't be given much time to learn the sequence so the casting directors will be able to see how quickly you can pick the steps up as well as observing how you follow instruction and work with other dancers.
Before the audition
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Eat a healthy breakfast to boost your energy levels for the day.
• Don't stress yourself out worrying about the audition, just make sure you do your best. You won't get every part you audition for.
• Psych yourself up for the audition so you're ready and raring to go when it's time to perform.
• Remember to stretch! Make sure you arrive at the audition location with enough time to do this.
Some extra tips
• Even if you're nervous put on a brave face and give the ‘judges' a big smile. It's much better to watch a dancer who looks like they're enjoying themselves.
• When you're in a group being taught the audition routine, stand at the front of the room rather than hiding behind the other dancers. This will make you seem much more confident.
• If you're unsure about a step or combination, request that the choreographer goes over it again. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it shows that you're interested, paying attention and eager to perform well.
• Models Direct advise that you don't change any part of the routine that you're taught at the audition. It could be misconstrued as arrogance, or an indication you've forgotten the steps.
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