Ten tips to help you nail your next dance audition

Dance auditions can be both competitive and nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, mindset, and skills, you can set yourself up for success.

To bring you the best advice, we've consulted with Transit Dance Faculty and Alumni who have years of knowledge and experience on both sides of the audition table. With their insider tips, you can learn how to stand out from the competition, increase your chances of success, and tackle your next dance audition with confidence. So, get ready to take your skills to the next level and make your mark in the dance industry!

1. Research the Company or Production
Before attending any dance audition, it's essential to do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company, production, choreographer, or casting director. Learn about their style, aesthetic, and the type of work they produce. This information can help you tailor your preparation, wardrobe, and performance to match their expectations.

2. Dress for Success
When it comes to dance auditions, your appearance matters. It's important to dress to impress and showcase your professionalism and style. While choosing fitted and comfortable dancewear that highlights your technique and physique, you can also make a statement by wearing a bold color that sets you apart from the crowd. Avoid overly distracting clothing or jewelry that takes away from your performance, but don't be afraid to add a touch of personality to your outfit. By choosing the right clothing, you can feel confident and perform your best, while also standing out and making a lasting impression.

3. Showcase Your Professionalism and Personality
In dance auditions, it's not only your technique and skills that matter; casting directors are also interested in your personality and professionalism. They want to know that you can work well with others as part of a team. So, in addition to being friendly, approachable, and confident during the audition process, make sure to also show your best self in rehearsals. Be punctual, respectful, and ready to take direction. Chat with fellow dancers and make positive connections, but also be mindful of the fact that you are being assessed on your ability to fit into a team. A positive attitude and strong work ethic can go a long way towards casting decisions. Therefore, always strive to showcase not only your on-stage skills but also your off-stage persona to make a lasting, positive impression.

4. Be Confident in Your Ability
While technique is essential for any successful dance audition, casting directors are also looking for confident performers who can bring their unique style and personality to the table. Make sure to practice your technique regularly and perfect it so that you can perform with precision and confidence during auditions. Take ownership of your strengths and let them shine, but be careful not to come across as arrogant as this could work against you. By striking a balance between confidence and humility, you can show the casting directors that you are not only technically skilled but also a pleasure to work with. So, step into the audition room with confidence and give it your all!

5. Be Adaptable to Changes
At dance auditions, there may be last-minute changes to the choreography or routine. Be open and adaptable to these changes, as it shows your ability to learn, adapt and perform under pressure. Not adapting to these changes may imply inflexibility and a lack of willingness to work with others.

6. Take Feedback Positively
Auditions are not only an opportunity to showcase your skills, but also a chance to receive constructive feedback. Take any feedback you receive positively and learn from it to correct any flaws and to improve in the future.

7. Be Yourself 
It's easy to get caught up in trying to present yourself as perfect or ideal for a particular dance role or company. However, it's essential to remember that being yourself is what sets you apart from the rest. Embrace your unique style, personality, and technique. Authenticity is essential to success in any artistic field. Always stay true to yourself, and be confident in yourself and your abilities. The more you embrace who you are, the more you will stand out in any dance audition.

8. Listen 
Listening is an essential skill in any dance audition. Pay attention to feedback from choreographers and casting directors and take notes if necessary. You may also need to follow directions, cues, and counts during the audition or rehearsal process. Listening can help you improve your technique, learn a new dance style, or understand the vision of the production team. Being open to feedback and making adjustments as needed is an excellent way to show you are a team player and willing to learn and grow as a dancer.

9. Be Prepared 
Being prepared is essential for any dance audition. Make sure you have all the necessary documents, such as your resume and headshot, to hand to casting directors. Ensure that your attire and dance shoes are appropriate for the audition, and practice to ensure that you are familiar with the requirements of the audition. It's essential to arrive early, giving you time to prepare and mentally warm up before the audition.

10. Have Fun 
Dance auditions can be nerve-wracking, but it's important to remember why you started dancing in the first place - because you enjoy it. Dance is a form of creative expression and should be enjoyable and fulfilling. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your skills and perform in front of professionals in the industry. Try to let go of the pressure of the audition process and enjoy the moment. Dancing should be fun, and remembering this can help give you the confidence to perform at your best. When you have fun, it shows in your movement and can help you stand out during auditions.

In conclusion, standing out in dance auditions is about combining technique, personality, adaptability, versatility, and a positive attitude. By keeping these tips in mind and continuously practicing, you can increase your chances of success and leave a lasting impression on the audition panel. Most importantly, don't let the pressures of the audition process get to you. Keep pushing yourself to improve and always remember to enjoy the journey.

Auditions are taking place April 29th and July 22nd, 2023. Register your spot here