Preparing for Dance Auditions
You can kick higher than your head, split in the air, do the obligatory 32 fouett?s, make a perfect 6 o'clock pench?e, and execute exquisite pointe work, astonishing time steps, and the flashiest new hip-hop moves. You have all the training, technique, and determination needed to become a professional dancer. But you've undoubtedly realized that's not all it takes.
Establishing a successful career in the professional dance world today — whether in a ballet company, on the concert stage, on TV, or on Broadway — requires a detailed, up-to-date knowledge of many different aspects of the performing arts industry. You need to know how to dress, behave, and perform in dance audition situations; how to prepare and present photo/resumes and video recordings of your work; how to get an agent; as well as how to eat right and maintain proper body weight and overall physical fitness.
It's also important to be familiar with the work, philosophies, and movement styles of today's leading choreographers. Since a dancer's performing career is typically very short — and many dancers eventually find themselves moving, over time, into different dance-related jobs — it's important to always consider what happens afterwards and prepare for it. It may mean a move into choreography, or work as a teacher, dance historian, critic, journalist, designer, or arts administrator.
LINKS
What's Your Specialty
College guide to the performing arts, including interviews with dance students.
Finding Work in Today's Musicals On and Off-Broadway
The high level of technique required of all performers can prove a daunting challenge to a dancer trying to make a career on Broadway.
Keeping in Shape with Choreographers
How dance-makers nurture their creative craft.
Where Choreographers Can Work Out
Places where a choreographer can try out material.
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