Audition Don’ts!

Auditions are daunting prospects, so make sure your important day runs as smoothly as possible! Basic pointers like arriving on time, wearing the appropriate attire and paying attention are common sense, however there are a few other tips to heed too. Don't be unprepared: make sure you have the right shoes and spare shoes just in case. Pack a needle and thread, plasters, hair pins, knee pads, more clothes, music, sheet music, your CV, headshot, completed application form, water and snacks. You don’t know what might be required, so you must be ready for anything. Prepare yourself mentally and physically by getting plenty of rest the night before, eat an energy filled breakfast and warm-up your body before the audition. Don't be late! Leave home early and account for any possible mishaps on the way to the audition. If you want the job or the place, then you need to prove it. Things may go wrong but you need to show that you can still be relied upon. Being late is disrespectful to the other auditionees, not to mention the people holding the audition. Don't hide at the back. You shouldn’t be pushy or show off, but you need to present yourself as enthusiastic, polite and attentive. It is also important not to do your own thing - you may be able to do a triple pirouette, but if you have been asked to do a double then that’s what you should do, no matter how enthusiastic you are. You are being assessed on how well you pick up choreography, pay attention to detail, listen to and apply corrections, and adapt to different styles of dance. Saying that, don't forget to let your personality shine! You can only get so far with technique - be engaged, show emotion in your dancing where appropriate and be yourself in spoken interviews. Your personality will set you apart from the other dancers in the room.