Auditioning in the dance world is a unique skill, often considered an art form in itself. Even incredibly talented dancers can find themselves overwhelmed and unable to perform their best under the pressure of an audition. Throughout my journey, from summer intensive auditions to professional dance company auditions and college program auditions, each experience has been a valuable lesson. The most crucial realization I’ve come to is that in many ways, every day is an audition. Opportunities for recognition and advancement are constantly present, and someone is always watching.
My recent winter break was filled with a significant round of auditions. As I approached graduation, the opportunity to audition for European dance companies became a reality. This intense period of searching for the next step in my dance career felt strikingly similar to the college audition process. Reflecting on these experiences, I realized that the most effective audition tips are rooted in lessons learned over years of practice and performance. It’s taken me four years and numerous auditions to fully appreciate these insights!
Dancers traveling to auditions
While traveling across Europe for various Dance Auditions, my friends and I frequently crossed paths, each of us pursuing different opportunities.
Empty theater stage awaiting dancers
During my travels, I had the inspiring experience of attending a Berlin Philharmonic performance thanks to a friend from a past summer program. Being surrounded by such accomplished artists just before my auditions was incredibly motivating.
My audition for Juilliard initially felt like a long shot, similar to entering a lottery. While my teachers and friends were supportive, the notoriously competitive audition process led to low expectations for advancing beyond the initial rounds. Furthermore, Juilliard was the final audition in a series of 24 auditions I undertook during my senior year. Having poured my energy into auditions for ballet companies, Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) college programs, and dance certificate programs, I arrived at Juilliard feeling completely drained. However, on that particular day, I danced purely for myself. I stopped trying to anticipate what the panel wanted to see and instead immersed myself in the joy of the moment, reveling in my own movement and the potential to connect with the observers. Early in my freshman year, I shared with a faculty member that I had been told I was an unlikely candidate for acceptance. Their response was impactful: “You are meant to be here. We don’t make mistakes.” Those words liberated me, allowing me to truly begin my artistic journey.
Post-audition vegan meal in Basel
There’s nothing quite like a satisfying meal after a demanding audition! Nerves often make me forget to eat (except for chocolate, my reliable audition snack). This delicious vegan meal was from a restaurant in Basel.
Since that pivotal Juilliard audition, I have continually strived to find that delicate balance between acknowledging the lack of control over the final decision and maximizing my ability to communicate authentically through my body. To move forward and convey my genuine passion through dance, I must remain true to myself.
Friends exploring Place Stanislas, Nancy, France
Exploring Place Stanislas in Nancy, France, with friends Mio, Chase, and Sean, helped me reconnect with myself amidst a demanding audition schedule.
In every audition, whether it’s a large cattle-call audition or a private audition across various locations in Europe, Canada, and the U.S., or simply entering a new environment, I aim to recapture the essence of authenticity and enjoyment. Being true to oneself means having no regrets, irrespective of the audition outcome. In fact, the moments following an audition result are incredibly significant. One can choose to become complacent with victory, neglecting further growth and ignoring weaknesses, or allow rejection to crush their spirit. I consciously choose to view each dance audition as a learning opportunity and a valuable experience, regardless of the result, and to appreciate the entire journey.
Aerial view of NYC after travel
After 17 days of constant travel for auditions, returning to NYC felt wonderful!
