Company auditions 😱

[Lifeafterballet]

My DS is just about to fly off to his first company audition 😬 This is a whole new ball game for us. Is there anyone who can kindly give us some advice, guidance, experience of going through this etc. Xx

 

[Dancing unicorn]

Good luck to your ds🍀🍀

[Hambleton]

Don't dress like a student, or wear any sort of 'school uniform'.  Get him to have a look on Instagram or whatever at the Company's company class and copy what they are wearing so he looks like he would fit right in and make an easy transition from school to company. Might not make a shred of difference, but at least he will look the part, which may help him feel and act the part, I think

 

[Pas de Quatre]

Actually at a RBS event (teachers' day) some years ago we were told the opposite. A graduate year student had gone for an audition dressed as if already a company dancer. This had elecited a phone call to RBS asking them to remind their students to dress correctly!

[Hambleton]

Probably my DS lol

[Guest]

Is this to audition by joining in with Company Class? If so, be totally respectful of the other dancers and don't be pushy. If all dancers attending the class are auditioning then don't hide at the back - show that you are confident and positive and have learnt the material.

 

Hands on hips is never best body language, even if it is comfortable!  

 

Research the style of the company. Is it very ballet? - look like a ballet dancer. Is it more contemporary? - style yourself appropriately. 

Edited January 13, 2019 by Darlex

[Pas de Quatre]

No Hambleton, don't worry, the student mentioned was female!

[meadowblythe]

Based on DS' experience:

 

You may need music for a solo (he turned up without and had to blag it using spotify!) 

 

Don't underestimate the time needed between flights (was taken through the back of Rome airport at full out run  to catch a flight by a kind desk attendant)

 

Spare shoes etc as per school auditions

 

Don't just chat to the people you know (there's bound to be someone)

 

Don't underestimate the time to get from the airport/train station to the audition.  Check out the transport in advance and where to buy a ticket.

 

Drink/whatever in case you end up taking classes back to back or doing more than you expected

 

Think about facial hair (boys!) and hair style (boys!) - if you are going for a corps role (lets face it most are if leaving school) you need to fit in.

 

If auditioning abroad even "hello" and "thank you" in the local language will help you connect to local company members - obviously recognising numbers up to 8 can be useful too ...

 

 

[invisiblecircus]

On ‎12‎/‎01‎/‎2019 at 19:35, Pas de Quatre said:

Actually at a RBS event (teachers' day) some years ago we were told the opposite. A graduate year student had gone for an audition dressed as if already a company dancer. This had elecited a phone call to RBS asking them to remind their students to dress correctly!

 

You can dress correctly without looking too studenty though. If you look at dancers taking company class, you'll see a lot of tatty accessories, ripped warm up leggings, leg warmers on just one leg etc. You don't want to do any of that, but you should also not wear school uniform. Also, if you're taking company class, you'll find a lot of the dancers start off the barre work wearing lots of layers then gradually peel them off as the class progresses. If you're auditioning, you need t make sure that yu're fully warmed up before the class starts so you can be in just your leotard and tights/ unitard right from the beginning.

[Hambleton]

48 minutes ago, invisiblecircus said:

 

You can dress correctly without looking too studenty though. If you look at dancers taking company class, you'll see a lot of tatty accessories, ripped warm up leggings, leg warmers on just one leg etc. You don't want to do any of that, but you should also not wear school uniform. Also, if you're taking company class, you'll find a lot of the dancers start off the barre work wearing lots of layers then gradually peel them off as the class progresses. If you're auditioning, you need t make sure that yu're fully warmed up before the class starts so you can be in just your leotard and tights/ unitard right from the beginning.

 

Good points! 

 

[Emma northmore]

Hi all, so if joining company class dress cleanly but not too student like. Take all garbage off after plies even if the rest of the company are covered. Be mindful of were the dancers like to stand etc! Hang about afterwards, ask to watch rehearsal, make friends then ask if you can join in the next day too!😉

 

Open auditions are a minefield and much talent gets missed. These days ensure your video has been checked by numerous teachers before sending. Many are missing out on auditions due to poor videos.

 

Check their height preferences before wasting money flying as unfortunately they don't always check this before inviting you!!

 

Be warm, dressed in a stylish outfit that suits your colouring and make a you feel confident. An energised, confident presence will definitely help. Remember it's personal preference by directors good luck!