Dressing for Auditions

Last night, I had a typical "dancer stress" dream where I am in an audition and I'm in the front of the studio and I don’t know any of the steps—similar to the stress dream of being naked in front of a lot of people! It’s the worst, but anyway, because of that dream I decided that today was a good day to talk about auditions, mostly focusing on what to wear, since that’s the most fun!

But first, some general tips:

 You all know how to prepare yourself for class or a show, and auditions are no different.

• Eat nutritiously before: Something light but with sustenance and bring snacks in case you need an energy boost.

• Leave yourself plenty of time to warm up and familiarize yourself with the space. If you're running late or confused, it'll only make you more nervous!

• Be respectful, attentive, and courteous to the audition panel AND your fellow dancers. Spatial awareness is crucial—don’t run into people or crowd into small spaces; you’ll just look rude and pushy. 

• Be aware of your facial expressions and posture when you are waiting for your group to go. Don't hang on the barres or chat in the back. Your attitude really matters to panelists. They can see everything from the front of the studio!

• It is important to do a little research first no matter what company, program, or school you are auditioning for. Familiarize yourself with the basic history of the company or school, their repertoire or style, and the director or teachers. This way you won’t be caught off guard by the style of dancing, or nervous about who is on the panel of the audition!

Okay now let’s talk about what to wear!

• First, check to see if they specify a dress code, and if they do, obey it! You get no points for breaking the rules at an audition! But if they don't specify, feel free to have some fun.

• Choose something with clean lines. ShIrTs Or LeOtArDs WiTh LoTs Of StRaPs, AnD bAgGy PaNtS aNd CoVeR-uPs MaKe YoU lOoK mEsSy. Classic shapes or necklines and formfitting items are always better than cOmPlIcAtEd FaNcY oNeS. (Get my point?)

• Use color, but wisely! It’s to your advantage to be the only one in red against a sea of black, but it’s not to your advantage to be the girl in the tie-dye/cheetah leotard or neon outfit. If you’re going to wear color, pick classic colors that make you stand out for good reason, not because people think you look like '80's nightmare!

• Accessories: To wear or not to wear? I $@Y @cc3$$OrI3$ <@N b3  Ov3rWH3lMInG (I say accessories can be overwhelming... Don't you agree?). Flowers in your hair, sparkles on your face, big earrings, or ANYTHING that makes noise, is really unnecessary. They want to see you and how you dance, not your headpieces or jangling jewelry.

• Now what about your hair? Ballet auditions, obviously require your hair up and off your face. Keep it simple though. Too many braids or twists or large poofs in the front are just distractions from your dancing. Keep it neat and clean and they will focus on your dancing, not your hair! If you don’t have to wear a bun, style your hair neatly with no strays or fly aways. Also, make sure it is secure so you can really give it your all without worrying if your hair will fall out!

The reoccurring theme here for audition attire is simplicity. Less really is more in this case. I think my crazy fonts help illustrate that point. The cleaner and more put together your look is the more mature and professional you will come across. If you look ready for the part, they will notice. Wear something that represents you, but also shows that you are serious about dancing for their company or school. Save the CrAzY sTuFf for parties. Okay, I think you get the point. I'll stop now. Good Luck!