fbpx




Dec 07

How to Nail the Audition

Our Charlotte Ballet dancers and teaching artists have been through many auditions in their careers, and they are here to share advice on how to make you feel more confident this audition season!

Don’t forget to pre-register to join us on the Charlotte Ballet National Audition Tour! Dancers will be considered for Summer Intensive 2017, Charlotte Ballet’s Pre-Professional Division, positions with Charlotte Ballet II and the UNC Charlotte Certificate Program. At our Summer Intensive Program you’ll enjoy a 3-5 week intensive with training six days a week where dancers ages 11-22 will work with renowned resident and guest choreographers. Find out when the tour will come to a city near you by visiting our Nation Audition Tour page.

TIPS FROM OUR DANCERS

web_sq-0874r_fix_lexi_johnston_013Lexi Johnston | When you go into the audition, try to let go of your nervous energy and treat it like a normal technique class. Try your best to relax, stay focused and show the teacher how much you enjoy dancing. No matter the outcome, the experience of auditioning teaches you a lot, so it’s rewarding either way!

Claire_BlogClaire Hutchinson | Don’t watch the other dancers. An audition is like a performance, so stay in performance mode and try not to get distracted. It will also be easier to dance your best if you are enjoying yourself. So have fun!

Drew_BlogDrew Grant | Don’t be late and make sure to pick appropriate attire. Remind yourself that it’s just class, the same you take everyday, enjoy it!

sarah_hayes_harkins_blogSarah Hayes Harkins | Don’t be afraid to register early and get up front!! Wear something noticeable and pretty in your hair, but also don’t over do it.  Pay close attention to details of the combinations, do it exactly how it is demonstrated to the best of your ability.

web_sq-fixr_0756-4205_elizabeth_truell

Elizabeth Truell | Dress to make yourself feel confident and beautiful. You should go in the front and don’t be afraid to show yourself. Most importantly, just enjoy dancing and show them your passion.

 

LaPointe_BlogSarah LaPointe  | Always present yourself as well put together and organized. This will show your professional attitude and bring an impeccable look to every audition you attend!

TIPS FROM OUR TEACHING ARTISTS

headshot_kati-hanlon-mayoKati Hanlon Mayo | Charlotte Ballet Academy Artistic Coordinator | My best audition tip is to be yourself, be confident and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there (even if you make a mistake.) Some audition classes can be quite large, and I am always attracted to enthusiastic, energetic dancers, dancers who seem to genuinely love what they are doing. Show your love for dance through your movement and your attitude. Move big, take chances and enjoy the learning experience of each audition. If you go into it with a positive attitude, you will be surprised how far that can take you.
sarkis-kaltakhtchian-2015-crop
Sarkis Kaltakhtchian | Charlotte Ballet Academy Artistic Vice Principal | Think of specific goals that you want to achieve during the summer intensive and research to find a school that offers those goals. There are so many schools and it can become an overwhelming audition process.

If you’re ready to put these tips to use and can’t wait to nail your next audition, check out our pre-registration for the National Audition Tour! To learn more about our Summer Intensive, visit the FAQ Page or contact Academy Program Manager RUTH GIBBS with questions!


RELATED ARTICLES
 

Our favorite parts of Summer Intensive

It seems like just days ago we were welcoming Summer Intensive students to Charlotte Ballet for five weeks. Training six

Read more

From the Dancers: Thoughts on Ohad Naharin’s Minus 16

Charlotte Ballet welcomes the return of Ohad Naharin's Minus 16 at Spring Works. See why our dancers love this work!

Read more

How a second performance of Dwight Rhoden’s The Groove impacts dancers

In 2012, company members Jamie Dee Clifton and Sarah Hayes Harkins performed in the premiere of Resident Choreographer D

Read more