Distressed Dancer asks for advice!
A long-standing fascination with the way dancers book jobs inspired Grover to start some honest dialogue about it.
I AM SO WORRIED!
Dear Grover,
I'm 21 and have been dancing since I was 9. I'm teaching hip hop at a studio near San Diego. I love it. I'm so happy I've found something to be passionate about. Dance means so much to me. I'm ready to do whatever it takes to make it as a professional. BUT I'M SO WORRIED ABOUT AUDITIONS! I don't know what to expect! Will I have to choreograph my own dances? Will I have to get up and perform by myself? Please help me.
Worried
Dear Worried,
The passion you've got for dance is written all over your message. You can rest easy about doing your own choreography. At most auditions, the choreographer and assistant(s) teach everyone a specific combination that they expect to see performed. Depending on the availability of time the choreographer will break down the combination, offer direction, and give dancers an opportunity to ask questions about it. After several times through, dancers are usually positioned into groups of 5-8 for the performances.
It's not unusual for choreographers to ask for repeat performances or give individual corrections. Solos are rare. When they do happen, it's usually to illustrate how strong the performance can be. Occasionally, dancers are invited to "freestyle" at the end of a combination. This, too, happens in groups.
Following performances, it's customary to do a first "cut" to determine which dancers will continue and which won't. This is the moment of truth. Reconciling the cut can be challenging, especially for newcomers. In time, experience teaches us that not being chosen is a natural part of the process. Don't be surprised when, you, too, acquire the ability to exit the room knowing each audition is another learning experience.
The best suggestion I've heard about walking into auditions: 'Avoid feeling needy. Walk in feeling generous. Be fully present. Bring all that you have. And feel good about giving it away.'
Your questions are always welcomed around here. Especially on iDANCE2. It's homebase for dancers willing to support each other. Take advantage of that opportunity.
If you're serious about a career, you'll need tools. Develop an effective demo reel. More and more.... bookings are secured from them. You'll need agent representation. Again, iDANCE2 and MEET OUR BOOKERS are where members are getting introduced to agencies and getting discovered as working dancers. If you want to get into the game instead of watching it from the sidelines, make use of the tools in front of you.
Good luck,
Grover D.
