Auditions

[KitriSpanishDancer]

I just wanted to know: What do people for shows or companies look for in dancers at auditions? These would help me greatly if I knew. Thanks!!

Edited July 16, 2003 by Mel Johnson

[Mel Johnson]

In ballet companies, the director is looking for dancers who can perform the type of repertory he wants or has for his company. For shows, he wants to fill specific parts. It's as simple as that.

[balletstar811]

As the days fly by and my time of graduation draws nearer (in 2 years! ) I become more and more worried. (I am almost 16!) I just went to class last night for the first time in a while (right now it's open class, until the 4 week intensive starts beg. of Aug.), well, since June 13 to be exact. That's a really long time, I know. I wanted to go earlier, but something kept coming up, and my parents couldn't take me. Up until last night, I had been stretching nearly everyday and working at barre in my basement. Yet, last night, I felt like I lost everything I gained this past year. I was performing terribly (to me, at least) -- was fidgety in balances, pirouettes weren't executed with precision, i was wobbling in adagio. It was ridiculous! Anyway, I did trail from the point here- I need to reach the professional status by the time I leave my studio (Draper, you may have heard of it) and audition for companies. Right now, I do not have exceptional technique. My turn-out feels far from perfect, and though I am flexible, my extensions are low (only over 90 degrees). I am really, really beating myself up lately. I don't know what I should do, as I know very well company directors are looking for dancers that are near perfect at auditions. I feel the only thing I have going for me right now is really good artistry and great musicality. I feel I could be a radiant Kitri and the most dramatic Juliet. I love to act. Yet, I will never get there if I am not first perfect in the technique area. I am far from perfect and am becoming more and more worried as time runs out. The clock is ticking so much faster than I am improving. What do you recommend to make me become the very best dancer I can be in two years? (TURN-OUT, EXTENSIONS!!!)

[Victoria Leigh]

Balletstar, first, two years is a LONG time! Don't get the cart ahead of the horse. Just stay in classes and work hard and build your technique. I must say, though, that I find it strange that you are not at an SI at this time. Being off from early June until Aug. is NOT a good thing. The summer is the time to really make lots of changes and progress, while you are not in school.

[balletstar811]

I agree, Ms. Leigh. No auditions come near Rochester! The closest are usually in NYC, and my parents refuse to drive 6 and a half hours just for an audition, yet my mother says to me "You really should be in an SI next year". I know it is a long time, and therefore I am taking open class Tues., Thurs., and Sunday. That's all that is offered until August

 

My parents are constantly saying "I don't know..." and "I don't know if you'll make it..." and "Don't eat this or that..." It's quite discouraging to be told I can't make it all the time. Plus, is two years long enough to improve extension and rotation considerably???

[Victoria Leigh]

Balletstar, I don't know if two years is long enough or not because I can't see you. There is just absolutely no way I can say.

 

About the auditions. Many schools accept video auditions. We have had quite a number of students from Rochester here at WSB over the years. I don't think we have any this year, but we have in the past. Send me a video for next summer

[balletstar811]

The problem is, where would I tape the audition? Who would make the combinations? Draper discourages SI's for those not in level 6, so I don't know if I could ask any of my teachers to help me

[Victoria Leigh]

Balletstar, at your age you should be approaching the top level, and your teachers should be willing to help you make a video for auditions. ASK. But not until closer to the time you will need it, like maybe in January, after NUTS is over!

[Victoria Leigh]

Balletstar, I just got word from one of our Ballet Moms that NYSSSA does hold auditions in your area. That is a very good program, held in Saratoga and is only for NY State residents. It is reasonable and very good! Check it out

[balletstar811]

Oh, thank you Ms. Leigh!

[balletstar811]

I would love to come to the WSB to receive your expert teaching. If I can make a video in like Decem,ber or something, I could indeed send it there. My mom is only woried about how students must cook their own food. I think I could handle that, though. I'll have to read the write ups on the SI thread on WSB and see how that was for most people.

[Victoria Leigh]

I have had no complaints so far this year, balletstar! They all seem to be doing just fine with it. The older students I know prefer it that way, as they dislike cafeteria fare. The younger students are learning, and I think this is a good thing.

[Guest dancer04]

I went to WSB last summer and I enjoyed being able to cook my own food.

[KitriSpanishDancer]

u guys kind of forgot about my question

[Mel Johnson]

We didn't forget about you, dear. We answered your question. It was put in very general terms, so it got a very general answer. Auditions provide directors with personnel who can do the work that the company or show does.

 

If the question were less general, as: "I'm auditioning for a production of Swan Lake, and the parts available are Act II and IV corps, the Spanish dance, the Hungarian dance side couples, and the first girl in the pas de trois. What can I expect to be asked to do?" Then the answer would be more specific. Or if it were, "I'm auditioning for the Sacramento Ballet. What is their repertoire like?" That would be another thing. Any answer is heavily dependent on the question which is asked.