dance auditions

The Art Of Auditioning

March 10, 2015 by 4dancers

Ashley Werhun, Photo by Christopher Peddecord

by Ashley Werhun

Securing a job with a dance company is an intimidating task. I found the journey to be filled with uncertainty and more work than I ever imagined possible. Job openings are rare and available for very brief periods. Some opportunities you need to jump at the moment they open up and others you simply must create for yourself. Similar to the process of making art, there is no finite way to go about bridging the gap between student and professional.

Companies won’t pay for travel expenses to audition, and even once you’re there it’s hard to really be seen. Dancers must be bold and forge their own path. It’s a self motivated, often draining process, in which you must be self-assured.

Here are a few lessons that I’ve learned so far: [Read more…]

5 Steps to Building Confidence For Audition Success

March 18, 2013 by 4dancers

by Grier Cooper

Spring is nearly upon us and for many dancers this means it’s time to audition. *collective groan*. However much you may not like them, auditions are a fact of life for dancers and even though they can be incredibly stressful, they also offer incredible opportunities. So why not prepare yourself to shine in your best light and take advantage of those opportunities? The first logical step is preparing yourself mentally by building your confidence.

So how do you “get” confidence? I mean, it’s an intangible thing, right? It’s not like you can hop in the car and pick up a little extra whenever you’re running low. Actually, confidence is the gift we give to ourselves. How? By changing your mind.

1. Rewrite your story.

Oh sure, you say, if it were that easy I would have already done it. But what if it was that easy? Think about it: we all wander around with an internal tapes about our lives playing in our minds. Every waking minute we are telling ourselves a story. Have you ever stopped long enough to tune in and see what kind of story you are telling yourself? It’s usually not pretty. For most of us, the inner story sounds something along the lines of, “I’m not good enough” or “I could never do that”.

But if you are telling yourself a story all the time anyway, why not make it a good one, right?

It’s time to write a new story. A good story. An empowering story. And once we get that story straight, guess what will follow? Yep, you guessed it. Confidence.

So, take a moment to get clear about what you want. It may come to you as a vision or a feeling. Then begin to write your new story (also called an affirmation). There are only two rules to follow: your story must be written in the present tense (as if it is already happening) and must be simple, short and easy to remember, so it will stick. Let’s say you want an apprenticeship. Your new story might go something like this: “I am clearly and easily guided to take steps that move me ahead in my career.”

Once you’ve re-written your story it’s time to glue it in your brain. Repetition is key. Write your story on a piece of paper ten times every day. Repeat it to yourself throughout the day (although not while riding on the subway because people will think you are a crazy person). Sing it in the shower. Wash, rinse, repeat. Over time it will become your new story.

Affirmation queen Louise Hay on the power of thought:

2. Dress Sharp. [Read more…]

5 Tips For Dance Auditions

February 5, 2013 by 4dancers

by Catherine L. Tully

Many years ago when I was a full-time dancer I went to an audition I was especially excited about. A movie was casting dancers for roles–and the director was one I admired a great deal. I prepped for it, worked extra hard in class and outside of it for weeks, steadied myself mentally, and psyched myself up the best I could. When the day arrived, I felt totally ready.

After a short barre, a combination was taught and I picked it up right away. I was chosen to be in the first group, and positioned myself right in front. I performed it flawlessly. Things were going so well!

I got cut–on the first round.

I really felt crushed, and couldn’t understand why they had let me go. For weeks I beat myself up over it until a friend of mine heard my story and laughed out loud. “They wanted short dancers,” she said, “didn’t you read the notice?”

No, indeed, I had not.

What’s the point? Well, the point is, I hadn’t prepared properly–even though I thought I had. And there’s a lesson here too–sometimes you can dance perfectly–and just not be what they are looking for. It isn’t always your fault if you get cut. At times it comes down to a simple matter of genetics, or the preference of a particular director.

That said, with all my time in and around the dance world, I’ve picked up a few tips for auditions that I’d like to share with you today. Hopefully you will find something here to make your life easier the next time you try out for a gig. Here goes: [Read more…]

Audition Notice: Parsons Dance

May 9, 2011 by 4dancers

This is a courtesy post:

Parsons Dance is holding auditions for both male and female dancers this month on May 21st at 12 PM.

The audition will be held at New York City Center, Studio 5, 130 W. 56^th Street in New York City. Appointments are required and all dancers need to bring a headshot and resume for consideration. The company is looking for dancers with strong ballet and modern dance technique, as well as partnering skills – and a passion for dance.

More about Parsons Dance:

Parsons Dance is committed to building new audiences for contemporary dance by creating American works of extraordinary artistry that are engaging and uplifting to audiences throughout the world. The company tours regionally, nationally and internationally. Since 1985, Parsons Dance has toured an average of 32 weeks per year, to a total more than 235 cities, 30 countries, six continents and millions of audience members. Many others have seen Parsons Dance on PBS, Bravo, A&E Network, and the Discovery Channel. Millions watched Parsons Dance perform live in Times Square as part of the internationally broadcast, 24-hour Millennium New Year’s Eve celebration. In New York City, Parsons Dance has been featured at The Joyce Theater, City Center, New Victory Theater, Central Park Summerstage, Guggenheim Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art and The World Trade Center. For more information, visit parsonsdance.org.

Disclosure – Affiliate & Ad Info

Copyright Notice