Read This Before Your First Audition!

If you are preparing for your first audition or are anxious because you don't know what to expect, you have come to the right place! This will give you everything you need to know before going into your first audition.

CHOOSING WHERE TO AUDITION

There are a few important things to think about when deciding where to audition. First, if going away to a program is a priority for you, I would recommend casting a wide net of programs that you are auditioning for. There are many amazing programs that are not as competitive as the most popular or prestigious schools in the United States. Some schools I would recommend adding to your list based on my experience auditioning would be Cincinnati Ballet, Ballet West, Carolina Ballet, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Also, think about auditioning for programs in cities you are interested in traveling to. Although I think the program itself should be a priority over its location, there is no harm in researching a program in a particular city where you have family or want to travel to. If international programs interest you and are a possibility for your family, they could be a great way to experience a new culture while receiving top-quality training. I would also recommend researching the faculty at various schools to see if you are interested in working with anyone in particular. Many schools (especially smaller ones) invite guest faculty for their summer intensives, so research that as well.

RESEARCHING PROGRAMS

The first thing you should do to prepare for an audition is to research the program you are auditioning for. What do I mean by this? If the school informs you of the adjudicator (teacher) at your location, research their training and performance background, so you have an idea of what to expect. Some programs, like Boston Ballet, will usually tell you who the adjudicator is, while others won't. Next, research the style of the school, for example, if the school is classical, Balanchine, Vaganova, or somewhere in between. For example, schools like Pacific Northwest Ballet, Miami City Ballet, the School of American Ballet, and various smaller programs will give a Balanchine style class. The Balanchine technique has a few key differences from the classical technique, such as taking off for pirouettes from a straight back leg. Sometimes adjudicators will ask you to adapt differences like this in the audition, and others will allow you to turn the way that you are most comfortable. This brings me to my next point, of asking questions in an audition. If you have a specific question about a combination and you are sure that your question hasn't been already specified by the teacher, it is generally fine to ask the question. For example, a question about turning from a bent or a straight back leg could be a good question if the teacher hasn't already commented about that. Next, find out what the dress code is for the audition. Sometimes the dress code will be a black leotard and pink or skin tone tights, while other times it will be any solid colored leotard. If it is allowable to wear a colored leotard and you have one, I would recommend doing so. Personally, wearing my favorite leotard helps calm nerves a bit and makes me feel more confident. Also, wearing a recognizable color could make you more easily identifiable.

What should you expect?

Usually, when you arrive at your audition location, you will be able to warm up in a different studio than the one where the audition will take place. If there is not another studio, you will be able to warm up in a hallway or area outside of the studio. I strongly recommend taking the time to do some relevés and other stretches so you feel ready to take the class. At some auditions, you will be lined up to put on a number outside of the studio, and at others, this will happen in the studio where the class will occur. Always bring your pointe shoes, flat shoes, and water bottle into the studio with you, and nothing else unless specified by the school you are auditioning for. It is best to leave your dance bag and cell phone outside.

How to Present Yourself

It is very important to present yourself in a clean and professional way for auditions. This means wearing tights that aren’t ripped and having tight and slicked-back hair. I would recommend wearing a simple style leotard without many straps or a particularly low-cut front or back. It is most important to wear something you feel most confident in. Also, light makeup is perfectly acceptable for an audition, but I would caution against wearing heavy stage makeup or a red lip. It is important to show respect to the adjudicator by saying hello if you get the chance and thank you after the audition, but don’t ask for feedback after or try to engage in a social conversation. It is important to maintain a good attitude in the audition by showing respect to your peers as well, but avoid engaging in side conversations during the class. Just remember you want to look as professional and respectful as possible, so practice usual ballet etiquette during the class.

Be confident!

I know it is easier said than done, but try to ease your nerves going into the audition by being confident in your hard work and your abilities. Putting yourself out there in this way is extremely difficult, so be proud of yourself for your bravery. Remember that you can only do your best, so try to remember corrections your teachers have given you, but also try to enjoy the class and have fun dancing.