BWW Blog: Claire van Bever - The Auditions Tips You HAVEN'T Heard

Every January, dance publications print their monthly issues with their covers screaming "Auditions Pointers!", and while these tips are often helpful, I have found that year after year, they are always the same. There are only so many times that you can print, "wear a bright colored leo, stand at the front, smile and nod to show your understanding of the combination", until inevitably every other girl in the class is also following those pointers and you don't end up standing out AT ALL. This is what I found to be true when I was auditioning for summer intensives and companies. However, an audition for an SI and an audition for a company are two entirely different experiences, so I'll try to point out when a tip works for both, or only works for one.

• Bring multiple dance photos. Not all auditions want a headshot and a first arabesque. Before audition season, I find it helpful to look at the audition notices of the places I am making a priority, and see if they have any specifics for photos. Then, you can make sure ahead of time you are prepared with all the photos you'll need. You don't want to show up with only a headshot when they asked for a full body shot instead! I also suggest bringing studio shots (as in a photo studio, if possible) for SI auditions. They look cleaner, and SI auditions are looking for the technique of your line in a photo. For Companies, stage shots are perfectly acceptable, as long as it is obvious who you are in the photo. You should always be the focus of the photograph!

• Be Creative. This is for photos mainly. As in, take more than just the standard headshot and first arabesque. I have found it handy to have a few contemporary shots just in case. This is especially important when auditioning for companies and college dance programs, which tend to go more contemporary. Show all the range you have; it's just as important as the skills you have already mastered. You want to show yourself as a dancer that can branch out and be versatile.

• Pack and Prepare. Before an audition, I pack my bag like I'm going to war. I take out dead pointe shoes, remove all the random Band-Aid wrappers lining the bottom and organize it like it's nobody's business. During an audition, you don't have time to decide which shoes you are going to wear, or find your energy bar you thought you stuffed in there before you ran out the door. Between barre and center, the teacher will give the ladies approximately 30 seconds to put on their pointe shoes. I kid! I kid! Its more like 45 seconds. This is true of SI AND Company auditions. To avoid being the straggler in the class, pick out the shoes you want to wear, and have your toe pads ready. If you tape your toes, you might want to tape them before the class begins. Some girls I know practiced taping their toes before barre in their regular classes, so it wouldn't feel strange during an audition. Packing your bag beforehand and preparing your stuff will help you feel more mentally prepared for the audition, and in return, you will probably me more relaxed about the whole process. At least, that is what I have found to be true.

• Dress the Part. Dance is a performance art, and part of that performance is what you are wearing. Before an audition, think carefully about the type of SI, School or Company you are auditioning for, and try to dress appropriately. For a classical ballet SI audition (or auditions for classical school and college programs) I find that a flattering leotard and pick tights works best. Make sure you pay attention to the audition notice! Some SI and Pre-Professional auditions will not allow you to audition in a colored leotard, but if they don't specify, feel free to wear your brightest colors! I would stay away from prints and leotards with strange straps or cut-outs, as they take away from your line. Also, when auditioning for SI or Pre-Professional programs, warm-ups and skirts should not be worn AT ALL. This is very different than a company audition, where individuality is stressed. When I was auditioning for companies, I tried to think of their rep, and the type of dancers they hire when I was picking out my outfit. For a more classical company I would wear a flattering leo and pink tights over, with a skirt. I would always bring black just in case though! You never know. For contemporary and College Program auditions I suggest either a unitard or a leotard and cut-off tights or shorts. You don't want to look too uptight, and be free to move in a more modern way without feeling like a bunhead. As for hair and make-up, do what you feel looks best on you. As for myself, I usually do a french twist and light make-up, but I've seen many girls at auditions wear red lipstick and rock it with confidence. It's all about showing yourself in the best possible light!

• Be Your Best Self. This one sounds obvious, but I feel like I have to say it anyway. In an audition, they WANT you to succeed! If you mess up a combination, the audition panel isn't thinking "Well, it's over for her now! On to the next one", because messing up a combination is normal! It happens to everyone. What's not normal is pulling a face afterwards and slumping off like you just fell to the floor. But wait! Falling to the floor is okay too! That also happens to everyone! Just get back up, smile and shrug and continue on with the combination. Things like that will show the audition panel what a great attitude you have. Having a good attitude and being a smart dancer are just as important as your technique, because it shows what you will be like to work with on a day to day basis. I cannot stress enough how important it is to be your genuine self in an audition. They can spot a phony, so don't feel like you have to grin ear to ear the whole class, as it's probably not doing you a whole lot of good. But, enjoy yourself! Show them how much you love to dance, because that's why all of us go through this painful process. Right?!