Looking for dance audition help? To stand out in a dance audition, prepare for what that audition asks for, show up neat and ready, adjust quickly when the panel changes something, and let your love of dancing show. Auditions feel like a big moment the first time you step into a studio, and they still do after years of classes. At Nan’s School of Dance in Raleigh, we work hard to keep the studio feeling like a family, a place where dancers at every level get support. Here’s how to get ready.
At Nan’s, the big audition of the year is Company Evaluations, held each June for dancers who want a spot on the Company Team. On the first date dancers learn a routine and practice the required skills. On the second they perform both for judges, who score each dancer by number, not name. The Company information packet has the dates and details.
1. Preparation is key
Getting ready means more than practicing your steps. Find out what the audition asks for and prepare for that.
For Company Evaluations, that means the routine you’ll learn on the first date and the skills on the Company Evaluations Outline, so practice those skills ahead of time. We love creativity and expression at Nan’s, so letting your own style come through, within what the audition asks for, can help you stand out.
Physical preparation
- Conditioning: keep up a regular conditioning routine so your body is in top shape. That means strength training, flexibility exercises and cardio.
- Technique classes: go to class regularly to sharpen your dancing skill. Focus on your turnout, straightening your legs and lifting your chest. Ballet is the basis of technique, so a ballet technique class for preteens and teens will help the most.
- Rehearsal: practice your audition piece full out until you can perform it with confidence and feeling, instead of running the steps on autopilot.
Mental preparation
- Visualization: picture yourself succeeding. Imagine doing every move cleanly and hearing good feedback afterward.
2. Understanding the audition panel
When a panel decides what makes a good dancer, perfect technique is only part of it. They’re looking for dancers who bring something special to the stage. At Nan’s, we love dancers who carry our family spirit with them and cheer on the dancers around them. That kind of support and enthusiasm makes a strong impression on the panel.
3. Presentation matters
First impressions count, so look neat and follow the audition guidelines.
Unless the audition says otherwise, follow Nan’s dress code: fitted dance attire, with your hair secured and out of your face. That way the panel can see your movements clearly.
4. Master the art of adaption
Panels notice dancers who can adapt. Be ready for last-minute changes or new requests from the panel. If you can adjust quickly and still dance well under pressure, you show them you’re professional and that you bounce back.
5. Connect emotionally
A dance tells a story, and the audience should feel it. Use your face and body language to show the emotion behind the dance (here’s more on how facial expressions carry a performance). At Nan’s, we believe dance can express complicated feelings and bring people together, so let your performance reach the people watching you.
6. Feedback is a gift
Be open to feedback, during the audition and after it. A correction doesn’t mean you failed. It’s something you can work on. Thank the person who gave it, then use it to get better. Our post on growing from competition critiques has more ideas.
7. The power of networking
Getting to know people in the dance community can lead to new opportunities. At Nan’s, we encourage dancers to support each other and build friendships that last outside the studio. Talking with other dancers can also tell you what different panels look for in an audition.
8. Stay true to yourself
While you’re working to stand out, stay yourself. Let your love of dance come through when you perform. A panel can tell when a dancer is really enjoying the moment and when they’re just going through the motions.
Every audition teaches you something, and we’ll be cheering for you at each one. Prepare well, learn what the panel looks for, present yourself neatly, adapt to changes, connect with your audience, take feedback, make friends and stay yourself. Those habits will help you stand out in auditions and in everything else you do as a dancer. Nervous about dancing in front of a panel? These tips to manage stage fright can help!
Reach your goals with Nan’s School of Dance
At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.
We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!
Don’t forget to register!
From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at (919) 803-6044 to hold your spot!
*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Want to read more about dance?
Take a look at some of our other articles about performance & competition.