Audition tips they don't teach in ballet school.

     I've been approached by several dancers asking to know how to prepare for an audition, and what exactly is expected of you. In this post I have written out a clear guide to preparing and presenting the best possible "you", so you'll be able to dance without any limitations. Please share this post with any dancers who are auditioning, or teachers whom you think could also benefit from sharing this with their students.  

    It makes me dumbfounded that in ballet school you are expected to dress, look and dance exactly the same; where many dancers leave with little confidence, and few mental preparations towards knowing what they can specifically offer to a ballet company. But let me share with you that every single dancer is unique, and by the intentions of this post I wish to hand the power into your hands in order to trust that where you end up is exactly where you need to be. 

    You may think it's impossible to audition right now as theatres and travelling seem frozen, but even in this current pandemic I have seen companies posting auditions. This time has allowed employed dancers to realign their priorities; perhaps older dancers deciding to embark on their new journey, leaving positions available. Now, more than ever, is a good time to audition. 

Preparation in the weeks before:

1.) Write a list of 50 things you love about yourself. 

    This may seem like a lot, but it doesn't just have to be physical things; it can be a moment you're proud of, or something you've accomplished. This is about finding your authentic self so you can walk into the audition, or film a video, and look entirely comfortable in your own skin. 

2.) Discover your strengths, and learn how to highlight them. 

     https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register

Take this free test and learn what your ultimate 5 strengths are. Adapt them to become an asset in any ballet company. You are not just chosen on your dance, you are chosen for you, and it's vital to know what you have to specifically offer. From those assets, write a cover letter explaining what you can bring to a team.  

3.) Create a mantra. 

Based on the above, create a mantra that you can repeat in your mind every morning, or in meditation, and out loud in front of a mirror. 

For example: "I am Joe Bloggs. I am strong, determined and worthy. I am entirely deserving of dancing in a ballet company which will give me the possibilities to grow as a dancer and a human being."

You can create anything as long as you fully believe in it.   

4.) Spend time with the right people.

Share you audition plans only with the people who are going to uplift you, believe in you, and truly want the best for you. The people you spend your time with are a reflection of you, and so make sure they motivate and inspire you to be the best you. 

5.) Do your research.  

That's not just following the chosen company and all of their dancers on Instagram.

It's looking at how long the ballet company has been running. How long the director has been in his/her position. How many shows they perform. What's their working day like. What do they perform. What the turnover of dancers is like. Who funds the shows. What their audience is like. What the salary/ possibility of promotions are. What the vision of the company is. What influence the arts have on that City. What your rights are as an artist in that Country. What facilities does the company offer. What happens when you get injured. 

Does that all suit you? Have you been in similar conditions before? Can you truly visualise yourself there amidst all those circumstances?

I believe every dancer has a different experience everywhere they go, but it's fundamental you have a very clear idea of what you're heading towards.  

Presenting on the day: 

  I would highly recommend , if you can, taking company class as you'll be seen more and get a much clearer idea of what it's like working there. Don't be afraid to message dancers in the company on Facebook to see if they can take you inside, or give you a bed for the night! Please dancers if you're reading this always be open to helping a fellow dancer out when you can! 

1.) Be Present. 

    As you enter your new environment notice how people act towards you. What are the changing rooms and studio like? Are they clean and do the workers respect them? Your body will be feeling different so put your mind inside of it. What does it need right now? Tune in with all of your senses, what do you smell, see, taste and feel? In the audition, if you feel nervous, repeat your mantra. Be precise and focused. 

2.) Interact. 

Smile and say hi to the other dancers when you can, and picture yourself there on an every day basis. I have always found it helpful to appreciate the dancers around me and compliment them in an audition setting. It may be a competition to get one job, but ultimately doing that has made me feel good and naturally drawn the right kind of people towards me. 

If you get the chance to have an interview with the director, approach them as an equal. They need you just as much as you need them. If you can't be there try calling them, depending on your confidence on the phone. I've known dancers to get jobs that way, when they've gotten no email reply. 

It's really important that you look at the people there. Is the director and repetiteurs good to themselves, i.e. what do their eyes tell you/ do they look healthy? If they seem unkind, it's likely to mean they're not going to be nice to the people around them either. Can you handle that? Are the dancers healthy and happy? Can you relate to them and be inspired by them?

If there's one dancer that seems approachable, can you get some of the answers from the research part above? Being interested in them is likely to have a positive effect on you. 

3.) Award yourself. 

After it's all over treat yourself. You've just put your body under an enormous amount of pressure and you deserve to thank yourself for it! Relax and love yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone and taking a chance to leap into a new opportunity, into a new life! 

I'm not claiming that all my tips will suit everyone and get you into your dream company, but I believe these mindset skills will gravitate people into entering what they truly deserve, and where they need to be, surrounded by the people that are right for them. 

Any other questions I am here and more than happy to help. Don't be afraid of reaching out. 

Lastly, I'm going to leave this here, an opening for contracts to ENB's new season: 

https://www.ballet.org.uk/opportunity/artists-corps-de-ballet/ 

So now you can apply all of those newly learnt skills and go for it! I dare you! 

Photo: Unknown. Taken from my personal Pinterest album: Ballet