5 Audition Tips Every Dancer Must Know!

I've been on many auditions, some big, some small, and I always walk away gaining valuable inside information that I wouldn't have known had I not gone.  Recently I attended Clear Talent Group's open dancer call audition (more like another type-cast call-but that's neither here nor there), and I couldn't help but notice the amount of dancers who had it together and those who clearly didn't.  So, because I'm ya girl and I wanna look out for you, I decided to put together a list of 5 tips you should know so you don't fall into the "No" category before you even walk through the door!  Enjoy...

1.  Come Performance Ready!

That means your wardrobe, hair, and make-up better be on point like you're about to go on stage and perform "Single Ladies" with Beyoncé!  Invest in a hairstyle that will make you stand-out (in a good way)!  Use false eyelashes to make your eyes pop!  Color in your eyebrows, pucker up your pout with a rouge lip color, buy the biggest, most blingin' earrings you can find, and most importantly, dress for the job you want!  Not too scandalous, but make sure to show 'em what you're working with :)

2.  A Well Presented Package is Key!

Not only is it enough to look presented and well polished, but your resumé and headshot must be on the same caliber as well.  Remember, whatever you turn in to be judged, is a representation of yourself, your style and how seriously you take yourself.  There are some things you should feel okay investing in.  That's business cards, a great head shot, and a dope pair of shoes ;)

A Good Resumé:

• Clear
• Well-Organized 
• Up-to-Date
• Kept to One-page
• Written in Black Ink on Plain White Paper
• No Color Paper or Resumé Paper!
• My Favorite: Southworth Fine Business Paper ($4.99 @ Walmart)

A Good Head Shot:

• Printed on Good Quality Photo Paper-I can't tell you the amount of head shots I've seen printed on regular printer paper!  I was like OMG are you for real right now?!  There's 2 options:
• Print it yourself: go to your local Wal-Mart (or it's equivalent) and buy a good quality photo paper.  My favorite is Kodak Ultra Premium Photo Paper, and it only costs $5.49.  OR...
• Go to a professional printer at Kinkos.  You can pick your paper, and they make the prints in no time.  All for under 5 bucks!

Example of Headshot

• Captures Your Natural Self.  Your headshot should be a real and recent image of you.  There are many instances where people's photos look nothing like them in person.  Don't let this be you!  Not only are you confusing yourself, but you are confusing the people who are auditioning you!
• I suggest taking a new headshot once every 6 months (depending on how often you are auditioning and working).

3.  Free Yo Mind!

Auditions are a crazy whirl-wind of emotions and actions, all balled up in a few hours.  It's very important to free yo mind of the distraction, energy, and tensions around you.  Yes, there will be haters, and yes, there will be those who will try to take you out of your chi.  But remember, you are there for one reason...to bring home the bacon!

4.  Don't Be Your Worst Enemy!

Although it is important to focus and get your mind on grind mode, don't let the thought of doing your best consume you to the point to where that is all you are thinking about.  Once you start getting into your head and your nerves start to take over, you've already began to cloud your mind with negative thoughts as opposed to keeping your eyes on the prize.  So what if you miss a step!  Shake it off, smile and keep dancing.  Nine-times-outta-ten no one will even notice!

5.  It's all in the Eyes!

As soon as you step foot in the audition building your game face better be on!  You only have 2 minutes to make an impression, so make it a good one.  In fact, a choreographer knows who they will hire in the first 5 minutes of an audition (if that) just by the look in your eye!  Make sure to look approachable, let your eyes tell the story, and make your presence known, but whatever you do, DO NOT LOOK DOWN!  There is nothing on the floor that can help you, and it makes you look self-conscious and unsure of yourself.  Own the moment, command your audience's attention, and leave your heart out on the dance floor.  

It's your future, so get it in!!

xoxo