Good variations for an audition?

[mcjagger]

My about to turn 13 year old daughter is going to be auditioning soon for a Performing Arts high school. Any ideas about an age appropriate ballet variation for her to audition with? Thanks in advance.

[Victoria Leigh]

Mcjagger, there are so many variations, but selecting one for a dancer we do not know and have never seen, is really not optimal. Her own teacher knows her best, and should know the right variations for her. It's really more about technically appropriate than age appropriate with classical variations. None of them were created for children, but, if the young dancer has the technical and artistic capability to execute them, the teacher is really the one to know that, or to find one that can be adapted for her.

[CeliB]

I would also say be guided by your child, as I know my DS was once advised by his teacher to do a variation that he did not feel ready for, and ended up putting in a poor performance. He was particularly upset with himself for not having the certainty to trust his own instinct over his teacher's advice.

 

So better to do a simpler piece well and with artistry than one that is more technically advanced but the child is not comfortable performing. It may seem obvious but given my son's experience, perhaps not!