Dance auditions are never easy. You probably feel nervous, and you have a panel of judges and peers looking at you and weighing whether your dancing will fit with the performance, dance company or dance school you are auditioning for. It is perfectly natural to feel jittery before auditioning, and your anxious energy will become adrenaline during the audition, allowing you to pull off a more dynamic performance than you would without nerves.
Prepare Yourself
Double-check the requirements for the audition; make sure you've filled out the application completely. Get plenty of sleep the night before and create a schedule for yourself the morning of the audition that allows you to relax. Auditions can be mentally and physically draining, and you'll need your energy during the day. Pay special attention to details in the application, such as fees and dress codes. If they don't have a dress code, wear something that will make you feel comfortable and like yourself; this will help boost your confidence during the audition and make you feel like you're more at home. Make sure you have water to drink, hair pins and extra hair elastics, moleskin and the right shoes for the audition.
Be Prompt
Arrive at least half an hour before the audition in order to get settled. If you've never been to the audition location before, an early arrival time will allow you to check out the space and settle into an alien environment. Stay focused on yourself during this time and don't pay attention too much to the other dancers. If you want to make small talk with them, you can always do that after the audition. Use your time effectively by warming up your body and remaining calm. It helps to bring comforting music to listen to while you're stretching; this will help you block out the other dancers, who may intimidate you, and will also relax you and get you excited about dancing.
Be Attentive
Don't be shy about asking questions. It's most important you know the routine the instructors are teaching and are able to pull it off as perfectly as you are able. Don't be afraid of standing in the front when the instructors are showing the group choreography. You want the best vantage point for you to learn the steps and being able to ask questions. Standing at the forefront of the group shows that you have self-assurance in your abilities.
Keep Positive
All you can do in the end is try your best. Keep this in mind when you're dancing and remain confident and upbeat. Judges also look for a dancer's general demeanor and how enthusiastic they are about dance. Trust in your own talent. If things don't go your way during one audition, know there will always be other auditions and that the audition process will get easier over time. Oftentimes, during performance-related auditions, judges are looking for specific physical attributes, such as waist measurements and the hair color. Don't take their decision personally. The audition process isn't perfect, and you won't be chosen every time. Instead, commend yourself for auditioning, putting yourself out there and take the audition as a learning opportunity.
