balance : variations : audition central

These are just some tips I have picked up over the years which have helped me through auditions; I hope they do the same for you. Feel free to send in your own tips to: balletbalance@gmail.com and your tip will be added at the next site update.

The month before

Preparation can never begin too early, and it is always better to over-prepare than under prepare.

Work out. Pilates is a great way for dancers to build nice, lean muscle. Working out also improves your stamina throughout the day, especially during class — you will have lots more energy.
Attend additional ballet classes. If at all possible, take a class from an instructor you've not had before. This will help prepare you for the audition because the instructor will be unfamiliar to you and you will get different kinds of barre and centre combinations or possibly learn a new technique or style. The new instructor will typically make you work harder in class.
Break in your pointe shoes! If you have brand new shoes, you'll want to start this earlier, depending on what you like your shoes to feel like. I personally switch shoes on my feet from week to week. I put an "R" on the right shoe, and an "L" on the left, and every other week because I don't like soft spots on my shoes; it also makes my shoes last longer. For more info on pointe shoes, visit the shoe guide.
Order leotards and tights, if you need them. Don't wear tights with a big gaping hole through your knee, or a leotard that is too lose or too tight. You want to look your best for the audition. Depending on where you get your dancewear, you might have to order earlier than just a month before the audition. Black is always a safe color when choosing a leotard for an audition and is a staple item in nearly every dancer's wardrobe.
Get letters of recommendation. Ask teachers and colleagues as soon as possible so they have enough time to write an awesome letter for you. Don't forget to tell whomever you ask why you need the letter, i.e. "Hi, Ms. Ballet teacher, I have an audition at XYZ Dance Company, and I was wondering if you would be able to write a letter of recommendation for me." Your auditioner might require specific information in the letter of recommendation, so if that's the case, don't forget to tell you teacher!
Make hotel reservations, if you are driving long distances or staying overnight.

The week before

Confirm your audition time. Or, if it is an open-call, make sure you have the right place and time of the audition. Call the studio where the audition is being held just to double check; relying on solely the Internet can be risky.
Confirm hotel reservations, if you have any.
Gather all the forms you need. This includes letters of recommendation, audition paperwork, headshots or other photographs required for the audition (a passport or Visa might be required if you are auditioning in a foreign country). Make sure you pay the audition fee, whether online or, bring cash to the audition site to pay (call about writing a check, some sites may not take checks). Fill out everything; if you have questions, call the place where you are auditioning. Get an "Audition Folder" just for these things to help you stay organized.
Make one last push in all the dance classes you have during this week. Tell your teacher you have an upcoming audition, and ask if he or she could critique your work during class.

The night before

Prepare for an audition the night before just as you would for a major test or exam. After all, an audition really is just a test, and if you come prepared, you'll have nothing to worry about.

Pack your dance bag. Check it twice, make sure you have everything you need: shoes, leotard, tights, hair ties, hairbrush, clips, pins, hairnets, hairspray, deodorant, etc. Be sure to follow attire requirements! You might consider bringing a combination lock, if your audition site has lockers.
Pack your audition folder. Be sure that you have all the forms filled out completely.
Eat a healthy dinner, but don't stuff yourself. Avoid soft drinks and anything with caffeine.
Go to bed an hour early. You might not be able to fall asleep right away, but just lying down on your bed will relax your body and ease any tensions you might have.

The day of your audition

Eat breakfast. Have citrus fruits, or yogurt — something with natural sugars that will give you an energy boost you need for the audition, and consequently, for the rest of the day. Drink water or juices with lots of vitamin C, NOT COFFEE OR TEA! Again, avoid caffeine.
Bring a valid ID (anything issued by the government, like a driver's license, passport, military ID, will probably work, but not Social Security Cards) especially if you are more than 18 years old.
Arrive at the audition site at least an hour early. Chances are there are more forms you have to fill out, fees to pay, etc. You also want to have enough time to properly warm up; a good warm-up can take from 15 minutes to a half hour.
Use the bathroom. I know, it sounds really silly, but do it before you leave, and at the audition site before you go inside the studio. Using the bathroom will relax your nerves and empty you out at the same time!

In the audition

Find a spot at the barre where YOU are most comfortable (by a window, at the end, or in the middle). During barre, the auditioner will circle around the room and look at everyone equally.
If the auditioner comes over to where you are standing at the barre for a demonstration, get out of the way and let him or her use the barre. This is just courtesy, and common sense.
During centre, get up front. You'll have a better view of what the combination is, and show the auditioner you are confident.
Never "mark" the arms. If you screw up doing your footwork, at least your arms will be correct, and that's what the audience sees anyways. Mark the steps, but not the arms.
Smile! It's another confidence thing, and it shows everyone in the room that you love dancing and performing--that's why you're auditioning, right? ;)
At the end of the audition, thank both the auditioner and the pianist.

If you'd like to add your own tip to this page, email Abby at
balletbalance@gmail.com and your tip will be added at the next site update.