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For latest alums of the competitors scene, skilled dance auditions can appear intimidating: As a substitute of a trophy, you’re vying for a doubtlessly career-defining alternative. However the course of may additionally really feel acquainted. In some ways, life on the circuit has been getting ready comp children for skilled auditions all alongside. Right here’s easy methods to greatest leverage your competitors expertise in an audition setting.
Discover Calm within the Chaos
On audition day, dancers encounter a myriad of recent faces—from the artistic group and audition screens to choreographers and assistants—and infrequently must navigate unpredictable schedules and eventualities. If you happen to’re acquainted with the hectic, anything-can-happen surroundings of a contest weekend, take consolation in the truth that you already know easy methods to discover calm within the chaos. “Interacting with the backstage competitors managers, lecturers, and fogeys is an opportunity to discover ways to keep cool and talk your wants professionally,” says dancer Sissa Pressure, who judges for Dancers Inc. and All Out Dance Competitors and can also be director of operations at Industrial Dance Intensive, a company that teaches business abilities for aspiring professionals.
Terry Lindholm, founder and president of Go 2 Expertise Company, says he typically seeks out dancers with comp backgrounds for that cause. “Once I evaluate company submissions, I search for individuals who have competed, as a result of I do know they’ll have expertise navigating stress, adrenaline, and adapting to mishaps and challenges associated to reside efficiency,” he says.
Stand Out…Whereas Additionally Mixing In
After competing solos rising up, New York Metropolis–based mostly performer Maci Arms discovered easy methods to activate her stage presence shortly and exude confidence in entrance of an audition panel. “To achieve each conditions, it’s important to belief your self, and your coaching, to make the one shot it’s important to carry out your greatest,” she says.
However whereas auditions and competitions share a full-out mentality, Lindholm recommends taking a extra refined method within the audition room. In that setting, “there’s a stigma about how competitors dancers facially over-perform to get presentation factors,” he explains. “Within the skilled world, we prioritize authenticity, and love seeing dancers’ pleasure and distinctive spark shine by.”
At auditions, as an alternative of channeling comp-solo power, take into consideration the team-focused high quality of a gaggle routine. On professional jobs, “most of the time, you’ll have to mix in with different performers,” Lindholm explains. “We want artists which might be assured, but in addition tremendous group gamers.”
Select Your Lane(ish)
Unsurprisingly, comp-kid versatility is a significant asset in audition settings. Because of the big variety of types they carried out and abilities they discovered throughout their competitors days, each Pressure and Arms have been capable of guide a spread of gigs, from business industrials to traditional musical theater reveals.
However versatility has its limits, too. “If a gig is in search of skilled ballroom dancers and also you’ve solely taken a couple of lessons, you possible received’t land the function,” Lindholm explains. Construct in your jack-of-all-trades base by leaning into one or two types you’re significantly expert at or drawn to, amping up your coaching in these genres and itemizing them prominently in your resumé. “Profitable professionals are continually engaged on their versatility, however additionally they have a transparent sense of the place they match into the business and what they will guide,” Lindholm says.
Finally, do not forget that—like competitors judges—casting groups are simply folks with subjective opinions. “Competing helped me develop the thick pores and skin you want as an auditioning skilled,” says Arms, who attends or submits self tapes for upwards of 20 auditions a 12 months. “It’s important to keep assured even if you happen to don’t ‘win’ or ‘guide,’ and love what you’re doing it doesn’t matter what.”
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