13.3 Dance Audition Strategies

Musical theater auditions demand versatility in dance styles. From ballet's precise positions to jazz's energetic isolations, tap's rhythmic steps, and contemporary's expressive movements, dancers must master a range of techniques to succeed.

Preparing for auditions involves physical and mental readiness. A thorough warm-up, positive visualization, and proper nutrition set the stage for success. During the audition, quick learning, adaptability, and showcasing unique strengths are key to standing out.

Dance Audition Preparation

Dance styles for musical theater

Top images from around the web for Dance styles for musical theater

• 

  File:Jazzart Dance Theatre - 69185.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Contemporary ballet - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Jazzart Dance Theatre - 69185.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Contemporary ballet - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Dance styles for musical theater

• 

  File:Jazzart Dance Theatre - 69185.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Contemporary ballet - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Jazzart Dance Theatre - 69185.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Contemporary ballet - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Ballet incorporates positions of the feet (first, second, third, fourth, fifth), movements like plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe, grand battement, and combinations such as adagio, pirouettes, allegro
• Jazz features isolations (head, shoulders, ribcage, hips), kicks, leaps, turns (jazz pirouettes, chaîné, pencil turn), grounded movements, syncopation, and style-specific techniques (Fosse, Horton)
• Tap includes basic steps (shuffle, flap, ball change, cramp roll, time step), emphasizes rhythm, syncopation, and musicality, and incorporates advanced steps like wings, pullbacks, and complex combinations
• Contemporary and modern dance involve floorwork, contractions, releases, inversions, partnering, weight sharing, improvisation, and personal expression

Personal audition preparation routines

• Physical warm-up consists of cardiovascular exercises (jogging, jumping jacks), dynamic stretches targeting major muscle groups, and joint mobilization and isolation exercises to prepare the body for dance
• Mental preparation includes visualization techniques and positive self-talk to boost confidence, breathing exercises to calm nerves and focus, and reviewing audition material and personal goals
• Nutrition and hydration involve eating a balanced meal 2-3 hours before the audition, staying hydrated throughout the day, and avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar to maintain energy levels

Dance Audition Execution

Quick choreography learning techniques

• Active listening and observation involve paying close attention to the choreographer's instructions and demonstrations and watching other dancers for visual cues and timing
• Memory techniques include chunking choreography into smaller, manageable sections, associating movements with lyrics, counts, or music cues, and mentally rehearsing the choreography during breaks
• Adaptability and spatial awareness require adjusting to different styles and tempos of choreography, maintaining proper spacing and formations with other dancers, and quickly incorporating corrections and notes from the choreographer

Showcasing strengths in auditions

• Confidence and stage presence involve maintaining good posture and eye contact, projecting energy and enthusiasm throughout the audition, and embracing individual personality and artistic choices
• Highlighting unique skills means incorporating personal strengths (acrobatics, hip-hop, ballroom) when appropriate, demonstrating versatility and range in movement quality, and taking calculated risks to stand out from other auditionees
• Professionalism and etiquette include arriving early and well-prepared (headshot, resume, appropriate attire), treating everyone with respect and courtesy, and graciously accepting feedback and thanking the audition panel