Auditions can be a scary process, but its important to remember that all you can do is your best. The judges and coaches only want what is best for the team. With that said, if you are looking to move to the next level, here are some tips and tricks to nail your audition:
1. Take your practices seriously
Of course, we want to joke around and have fun with our friends but paying attention and taking practice seriously is the number one way to improve. Do everything you can full out, pay attention, ask a lot of questions, and take what you learn home. You can’t expect to get better overnight, so don’t wait until audition clinics to start taking things seriously, by then it may be too late!
2. Dress for success
Who cares if you show up in baggy sweatpants and holey shoes? The judges and coaches, that’s who. How you present yourself makes a big difference. It shows you care. Make sure that if there is a dress code, you follow it. If there is no clear dress code, wear form fitting leggings/shorts with tights and a plain colored shirt. Your hair should be in a tight, smooth ponytail or bun. Consider wearing some eye shadow or colored lipstick to make yourself stand out.
3. Arrive on time and ready to go
Try to arrive 15 minutes early so you are ready as soon as auditions begin. Consider warming up and stretching before auditions start. Most times auditions will give time for this, but it often is not much time. To have the best audition possible, give yourself adequate time for stretching. Arrive dressed with your hair and make up done. Running around at the last minute to finish your hair and make up and get your tights on will cause you stress before the audition even starts.
4. Make yourself noticed
Stand in front. Don’t hide in the back corner. If you know the answer to a question, say it. If you have a question, ask it. If there is no dress code, consider wearing a brighter colored shirt or a fun hair piece to give the judges something to remember. However, make sure you are not being noticed for the wrong reasons. You don’t want to be the dancer that gets called out for marking the routine or talking over the instructor.
5. Eat a good breakfast
Audition days can be exhausting. Make sure you fuel up your body to get the best out of it. This includes getting a good night sleep, having a healthy breakfast, and bringing lots of water and healthy snacks to the audition with you. While that chocolate mocha with an extra shot of espresso may sound tempting on an early morning, it is probably not the best way to have your body perform its peak. Rather, a heathy bowl of oatmeal and some orange juice are a better way to prep your body for the long day ahead.
6. Have fun!
It’s easy to get so nervous throughout auditions that we forget the most important part of dance, to have fun! While it is important to listen to the instructors, you are still dancing. If you’re auditioning for a dance team, that should be exciting for you! Judges like to see that you enjoy dancing, so take a deep breath, try your best, and smile!