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what to expect at a dance company audition?
i am auditioning for a dance company next month- not pole related. just a regual contemporary dance company that is starting up.
are there any dancers here that can tell me what to expect?
i guess they are going to make me piroette and learn a tiny choreo?
thanks
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8 Replies
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typo correction: "regular" not regual… whoops
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I think that’d depend on the company. The dance companies I’ve worked for (not as a dancer, to be clear) did first-round auditions by having potential dancers take company class.
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This thread makes me so happy! I’m newish to pole so haven’t been able to contribute much to these forums, but I know about this!
They may or may not take you through a warm up. Get there early so you can do your own just in case. They’ll then teach you one or two combinations, then have you break down into groups to show it. They’ll put you in place, and have you do it once or twice through so they can watch everyone in your group. They’re looking for technique, stage presence and how fast you can pick up choreography.
Some tips.
1. Get there early! They’ll probably take you in the order you get there, and I personally find waiting horrible. You cool down and work yourself up, and its just not good.
2. Be friendly. You’re auditioning for a team, not a solo. They won’t want a diva on their company, so be a team player. Don’t try to intimidate anyone, and be nice to everyone. You never know who knows who in the dance world.
3. Most important, your audition begins the moment you walk into the building and ends when you leave. Be on time, walk with confidence, smile, be attentive, be ready to respond to requests.
4. Wear something you’re comfortable in, and practice your hair style. (Fixing your hair during a combination can be distracting).
5. Don’t lie on your résumé. They might ask for special skills, like tumbling or flexibility or turns. You might have to show them, so write what you can definitely do.Don’t take things personally. Maybe they want a company of all blondes, or all dancers over 5’10. Some times it can be a look or type and have nothing to do with your skill.
Have fun! At the very least, an audition gives you a chance to perform. You’ll make connections, see lots of interesting sights, and you can show off your skills. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
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sweet! thanks you guys.
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update: i went to the audition and WAS AWFUL!!
After everyone signed in and recieved a stick on number, we warmed up while waiting to learn the dance. The owner taught us the first 2 eight counts- we did it as a group- i got it, no problem- hooray, i was feeling pretty good. Then she taught us the next 2 eight counts…we did those as a group… i’m still doing good.
Now… here’s where everything started going downhill for me. We kept learning new 8 counts, but never stringing them together!
For the life of me, I could not remember any of the previous stuff- it was basic stuff, but so many things, taught so quickly, I just could not keep up. I was the only one in the entire group that did not know the moves. I was behind on every eight count and looked quite comical. I was surrounded by seasoned jazz, lyrical, and ballet dancers, who had no problem picking up the choreo!! So I tried to do my best for an agonizing hour, then I quietly ducked out and left early. I was embarrassed but I was also glad I went. I laughed histerically all the way to my car at how funny I must have been.
so- thats what happened 🙂 -
Hey Katana
Never leave early, as you can never be sure what the people who are watching are looking for or what they might see in you.
I've hate auditions myself. If I'm interested in a company I find out if they are teaching classes anywhere. Going to class they witness you and you get a chance to interact without the pressure of an audition starring you in the face. Also taking class affords you a chance to pickup on the movement style they might be looking for.
Again never leave early. Once in NY, I tagged along with a friend who was a really excellent dancer, one of many at the audition. For the life of me, one person leading the audition took an interest in how I was attacking the movement he was giving. All I can remember was being singled out with comments like "You, what are you doing? Show me that again." Oh well my goose is cooked, I thought.
A few days later a letter arrives "We'd like to offer you …". Never give up.
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thanks stoney 🙂
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At least it was a learning experience! Take more classes and try again!
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