This time of year is many dancers' least favorite. The constant pressure of pinning on a number, walking into a room and feeling like your future is on the line for the couple of hours can be demoralizing, especially when it feels like nothing is in your control. While it's true that you don't know what's going through the director's or teacher's mind, here are a few things you can do to give yourself the best possible chance to shine:
1.Be Prepared. Get directions to the studio where the audition is being held. Leave plenty of time to get there. Pack double of any clothes and shoes you'll need (if the dress code isn't on the website, it's a good idea to call ahead and check).
2.Rest. No matter how anxious you are, not sleeping won't help. Turn in at a reasonable time the night before the audition.
3.Warm Up. One of the best ways to beat your nerves is to keep your body moving. Do whatever stretches you normally do before class--it will help you calm down and get your mind "in the zone."
4.Listen. Many teachers will clue you in to what they are looking for in a specific combination. Respect their priorities. Maybe it's musicality or maybe they want to see you work out the nuances of an arm position.
5.Dance. It seems obvious, but it's all too easy to undermine your technique when you feel stressed out. Don't let it. You won't forget your technique in an hour. Smile and have fun!
Remember, too, that whatever the outcome of a particular audition, you've learned something valuable about what you excel at and what you need to work on.
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