Posted on June 23, 2008 in Dance, Education by adminNo Comments »

There are many different types of dance company auditions around the world. Dance companies have a tight structure, and pay and performance opportunities all depend on the level of the dancer. Companies can hold dance auditions for trainees, apprentices, and principal dancers. The goal for many dancers who try out for companies is to be a full time company member. This allows them to study in company classes, and be cast in many of the performances.

Dance company auditions are often open to the public. Sometimes they are by invitation only based on submitted applications and references. Company requirements for this may vary depending on the reputation of the company. Some of the most reputable companies include the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, San Francisco Ballet, New York City Ballet, American Theater Ballet, Chicago Ballet, Houston and many others.

There are also other types of dance company auditions. Modern dance company auditions are quite frequent in several areas of the United States. There are also very successful jazz dance companies, tap and step dance companies and hip hop dance companies. Whichever type of dance company you are auditioning for, you will want to research them thoroughly before you attend auditions.

Ballet Dance Company Auditions
Ballet dance companies can focus their choreography based on several different traditional methods. Dancers can come from schools, which taught either Cecchetti,
Russian Vaganova, Balanchine, or the Royal Academy of Dance techniques. Ballet dancers who study a little of all the various techniques can be well rounded and able to dance anything put before them at auditions.

Posted on June 22, 2008 in Dance, Education by adminNo Comments »

There are several different types of video dance auditions. The majority of these may be hip hop dance auditions, since many of the pop and hip hop artists have a slew of dancers around them in their videos. However, there are many opportunities for dancers who specialize in other forms of dance to find dance video auditions as well.

Video dance auditions can call for professional ballet dancers, dancers who specialize in cabaret, burlesque or Fosse styles of dancing, ballroom dancers and more. If you remember back to Princes video for Diamonds and Pearls, there was a ballet dancer featured in it. Some of Madonnas videos feature some dancing in the sexy burlesque tradition, which dates back to pre-WWI European cabaret shows.

Other popular artists have featured belly dancers, tango dancers, broadway dancers, and many others. Video dance auditions can offer a platform for dancers who wish to explore the creative side of some of todays top choreographers. They can also provide opportunities for dancers to take part in productions, which will be shown all over the world.

Searching for Video Dance Auditions
The best way for any dancer to learn about auditions is through an agent. However, some of us are not fortunate enough to have an agent, or we are trying to build up our resumes to interest some of the top agents. Another alternative is to search dance websites. There are many who offer memberships where dancers can have access to some of the latest audition postings.

Posted on June 21, 2008 in Dance, Education by adminNo Comments »

For those of us who do not live in New York, we can only imagine what it is like to attend New York dance auditions. Thousands of dancers audition for NY casting opportunities every week. It takes a lot of work to keep up with the high expectations of the people who are in charge of selecting those lucky dancers who make the cut.

New York dance auditions are often for stage musicals. Dancers who offer talents in singing, acting, as well as dancing have an upper hand over others. Continuous training is essential if you choose to take your career chances to the Big Apple, or anywhere else for that matter. If you read over some of the dance audition tips offered on various websites, you will find a major common denominator.

Attitude and professionalism plays a big factor for hopefuls attending New York dance auditions. Casting directors will choose someone with a great attitude over an amazing dancer with a bad one. It is crucial to always be on time, show up prepared to dance, and get along well with the other dancers. Learn to take criticism. No one is trying to attack you. Taking direction well is also a positive.

New York dance auditions are still usually open to the public. Film and television auditions are sometimes closed now, and are filled by dancers sent by dance agents. You can find open audition calls on the Internet. There are many dance websites with dance employment and audition postings.

Posted on June 20, 2008 in Dance, Education by adminNo Comments »

Some dance audition tips offer advice, which is really common sense, but it is surprising how many dancers seem to be unaware. One of the main things that will cause a dancer to be viewed negatively at dance auditions is when they are unprepared. Dancers should always arrive early enough to auditions to warm up, be properly attired, and have their dance shoes on. One of the biggest pet-peeves for choreographers is when they have to wait for a dancer to lace up their shoes.

Many of the dance audition tips, offered by professionals, stress the importance of being on time. Imagine arriving late to dance company auditions. Do you really think this starts you off on the right foot? Arriving late is not only disrespectful, but it can put the auditions behind schedule, and seriously hurt your chances of being cast.

Another of the most popular dance audition tips is to be warmed up for an audition. You can dance your greatest, but it wont matter if you pull a muscle at the audition. Warming up properly will also allow you to perform better. It is also important to stay warm while you are waiting for your turn to dance again. If you are asked to wait in the wings while another group performs, you should be stretching while keeping your ears open in case your name is called.

Attire Dance Audition Tips
The proper dance attire should always be worn according to the type of audition it is. Dancers who are auditioning for music videos, film and television should dress the part. Dancers who are auditioning for ballet companies may want to wear the traditional black and pink. No matter what dance clothing you are wearing, you will want them to be able to see your body and movements. This means avoiding too many layers or baggy clothes.

Posted on June 19, 2008 in Dance, Education by adminNo Comments »

The characteristics of east coast dance auditions are slightly different that west coast dance auditions. Some veteran dancers believe you should be aware of and prepared for these differences, but always remember the key to auditioning. You cant let yourself become overwhelmed. Bring what you have to offer, be prepared and do your best. Beyond that, you will get better at the business side with experience.

East coast dance auditions mainly focus around the stage. The east coast has the most ballet dance companies, professional theaters, and dance studios. Dancers who wish to do well at NY casting opportunities must be well trained, and constantly open to improvement. Dancers on the east coast can benefit greatly for possessing strengths in ballet, jazz and tap. Musical theater auditions on broadway, for example, usually require dancers to perform these disciplines.

East coast dance auditions are more traditional than commercial. Dancers from all backgrounds and of shapes and sizes can be seen on the audition scene. Choreographers and directors pay close attention to talent and training on the east coast. Doing one show with a choreographer gives you an advantage at the next audition you attend in front of them.

Postings for East Coast Dance Auditions
Finding dance websites with forum communities and audition postings for the east coast can be extremely beneficial. You can log on, chat with friends you have made from around the world, find out the latest audition and workshop information, and read articles written by other dance professionals. You can also find audition listings in popular stage magazines for New York and other east coast cities.