How to Stand Out at Your Next Audition

Aspiring ballerinas go through tons of auditions. Auditions are required for the academic year at prestigious ballet schools, ballet summer intensives, ballet companies, and performance opportunities. After studying ballet from ages two to eighteen, I have attended more auditions than I can count. Therefore, I thought it would be helpful for me to tell you my key tips for standing out at any ballet audition.

Tip 1: Arrive Early: Every audition has some sort of sign in procedure. After you sign in, you have to get a number and pin it to your leotard. If the audition consists of a ballet class, you are usually allowed to go into the studio early to warm up. Arriving early gives you time to pin your number on, warm up, and mentally prepare for the audition. You are not going to perform to your best ability if you first walk in to the audition at the same time the instructor does.

Tip 2: Strategically Pick Your Spot at the Barre: Some ballet schools or companies will place you in number order. If this is not the case, you need to strategically pick your spot. Stand at the barre that is closest to the front. By standing here, there is a better chance that you will be seen more often. Many auditions have a table of artistic directors and instructors placed at the front of the room. Often, these people do not walk around the studio during the barre section of the audition. Therefore, standing at the barre that is closest to the front will ensure that they see you. Also, be sure to stand in a spot that gives you enough room. You do not want to be squished in between other dancers. Be sure that you have ample space to perform each exercise to your fullest.

Tip 3: Stand in the Front: After barre exercises, most auditioners want to see dancers do center combinations. Similar to barre, you want to be in the front of the room for center work. The auditioners can see you better if you are in the front and it also shows them that you want to be there. If you hide in the back of the room it looks like you are not confident or not interested.

Tip 4: Never “Mark” Combinations: When the instructor is teaching you the combination you need to follow along with him or her. Do not “mark” your arms or legs. The instructor and auditioners are still judging you even when the teacher is showing you the combinations. Even if every other dancer auditioning is “marking” the combination, do the combination full out. This will help you stand out and show the auditioners that you are constantly trying.

Tip 5: Be Aware that You are Always Being Watched: When it is not your turn to do a combination, be aware that the auditioners will still be looking at you. Never sit down, lean on the barre, talk to other dancers, or just stand there. Always work the combinations on the side of the room. You do not want to look lazy or disrespectful.

Tip 6: Thank the Instructor Personally: Often at the end of the audition, the instructor will be thanked as a group by all of the dancers. This is led by the pianist or other artistic faculty usually. When the audition is over take the extra time to go up to the instructor and personally thank him or her. This will help the instructor to remember you. This might also spark a conversation between you and the instructor.

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