auditions for nutcracker

[Guest dancingostrich]

im auditioning for nutcraker tomorrow. I have made it 2 years ago. but last year i didnt. My friend who did make it said that i should of been in it because im a better dancer that some that did. From my perspective is that we have basicly the same tech. ability. we both have our little problems. but doesnt everyone? We were the only two who got advanced to an upper class out of our old class. (we are at the same studio i should add and were in the same class last year)

But now to my question. do you have any advice on how to make me more presentable. I realy want to be a oriental servent this year. I have improved on my tech. alot this last year. But i would like any tips that anyone may have. i would like them asap. thanks!

[Mel Johnson]

Look at it this way: We can neither see you, nor are we familiar with the part you want to dance. There is little chance of any of us giving you any specific advice that will help with your particular production.

 

All we can do is give the same general advice we have for all audition environments, whether for a school you want to attend, or a production you want to be in.

 

Relax.

 

Be yourself, both inside and outside of the audition room.

 

Enjoy the audition as a new experience.

 

If it's a class, work hard!

 

Smile!

[Guest dancingostrich]

Thanks for your advice.

 

Ill explain a little bit more about the auditions.

 

There are a little bit more that 100 girls that try out for each part. They take about 40 people for each part.

We learn 3 little combonations. one is an adagieo (sp) one is a character type dance and the last one changes from year to year on what type it is. We have an hour to learn them and do them at least 3 times. then we go into the room with the judges. we do it once with a piano player. (its they say its not judged) then we sit down and then in groups of about 10 girls we go up and do one combonation. After every girl has done that the judges usualy ask some people to do the combonation again. Next we do another combonation in the same process. After this they usualy have the first cut. Then if you are still there you do the last combonation in the same process as above. Once again the judges ask to see a some dancers again. after the judges have seen all that they want to they do the final cut. if you are there after this you are in the nutcraker!

 

I dont know if this would help at all for any more advice. I would like anything. little stupid things, i dont realy care. i would just like anyones opinion on what they do at and to prepare for that kind of an audition.

[Victoria Leigh]

DancingOstrich, first you have to realize that not everyone who auditons will get chosen, and that this is often based on not only technique, but the right size and look for a particular role. Assuming that you are the right size, and that you have the technnique, then the most important thing in an audition is to make them notice you. Make sure that you look your best, to start with. Do your hair particularly well, wear a flattering color leotard, warm up properly so that you will dance your best, and a little make up never hurts either

 

Be sure that you really learn and know the combinations, and then don't be afraid to show that you love to dance when you get the chance to show them! They like to see personality, and also someone who learns quickly.

 

A question about this production: Is it done by a school in your area? Is it your school or a different one? Is it a professional production which uses some students, or is it totally a school production? (By professional production I mean that the main roles are danced by people who are PAID to dance, and are members of a company where they are under contract.)

[Guest dancingostrich]

it is a professional production by ballet west.

[Victoria Leigh]

OH! Okay, that is great! And do you study at the School of Ballet West?

[Guest dancingostrich]

On the leotard thing....The student that dance in the accadimy have a uniform which is a black leotard. but this year they changed so every level has a different color. I am navy blue but i dont have one yet because i needed to order it and i havent got it yet. i do have a burgandy one from our recital. They both look nice on me. last year the majority of the girls wore black. do you think it would realy matter on what color it is???

 

I dont know why im so scared this time. i have tryed several times and even made it once, but not last year. I want to try to get all the "advantages" and tips i can get. (yes, i know even if i do all the great advice that you tell me, it doesnt mean that i WILL be in it. but it doesnt hert to know)

[Victoria Leigh]

The color of the leotard only matters if one color looks particularly good on you and you feel good in it! However, it could also help to be more noticeable if you were not in the same color as everyone else.

 

I'm not sure about Ballet West, but the roles for the students in our production at WB are strongly related to size. The dancers must fit the existing costumes But of course one also needs to look good and be able to do the choreography well for whatever part they are right for. So, the best advice is to be prepared. You have been around long enough to know the production, and you should know what they are looking for by now.

[Guest dancingostrich]

Thanks!

[Juliet]

I just got home from sitting through six hours of Nutcracker auditions.....

 

Do your hair neatly. No wisps.

Powder if you sweat a lot . Your shoulders and back too.

Smile; it doesn't have to be cheesy, just don't look as if you are going to the guillotine (even if you feel you are).

 

Make sure your elastics on your slippers are not going to break (and have a needle and thread if they do, or at least a safety pin!)

 

Try to wear tights with no holes.

Try to have your shoes clean.

Make sure the judges can see your number when you are finished with your variation (i.e. don't scurry away with your back to them.)

 

Realize that some selection is done based on size, costume type, type of technique required (i.e. if you are an expansive romantic type of dancer with beautiful port de bras, they are most likely not going to pick you for Chiinese.)

 

Try to dance with your whole body and try to look as if you love it.

Do not be nasty to other girls in the room or hallway; judges hear about everything....your behaviour in class. in past rehearsals, attitude to teachers, everything.

 

They are there rooting for you--remember this, please, and help them along!!!

[Guest Medora]

I have a question about the color of leotards for any audition. I have neard so many different oipinions on this subject. I don't really know how to word this, but is it better to wear a color that looks good on you even if everyone else in the entire room is wearing black (hypothetically), or would it be better to wear back to appear more academic? I would to present myself as well as possible, but in my opinion back is not the best color on me. I look better in pink and shades of blue. I just don't want to be the only one wearing a color in a room full of black leotards if the audition people would frown on it. I guess what I am saying is, what might they rather see? I mean the whole point is showing them what they are looking for, isn't it? And then there is hair. Is just a plain neat bun good enough, or is it nice to see something more unusual as long as it is neat and secure? I hope this sounds right and everyone understands what I am saying. Thanks!

[Mel Johnson]

If a dress requirement is stated by the advance material from the audition, then follow it to the letter. If not, then all bets are off, and practically anything goes, as long as it's not obscene or absurd. One of the things that may be being auditioned for might just be good taste!

[Guest Medora]

Are colors like non-absurd blues like light blue, royal, and copen and pink considered good taste? I guess I just don't knowis black shows better taste than a nice color or not

[Juliet]

If there is a dress code, follow it. If not, wear what looks good on you and what you are happy presenting yourself in.......the only colour I think would be vulgar is anything with neon!

 

Any sort of bun is fine as long as it is not scraggly and you are not shedding pins all over the floor.

Good luck!

[Mel Johnson]

Do those colors seem in good taste to you? If you're sure, then wear away! If not, then don't! This is part of your audition process.