Ballet Auditions
Finding a Job!

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Dancers go through their whole life auditioning for the best parts, the right school and, more seriously, to find a job for their future career.

This page is all about the auditions to find a job. If it sounds a bit intimidating, don't be put off! If you reach this stage of taking ballet up as your career, you'll be well ready and experienced by this time!

The ballet auditions process for dancers trying to find a job can be pretty tedious and grueling. Through what can seem like a never ending procedure, you just have to be patient and persevere.

All ballet dancers have to remember just because one company didn't want you, it doesn't mean that's the end. Dancer's have to keep strong and keep believing!

Here's some advice on how to approach the auditions -

First of all, dancers have to bear in mind that they will not be suited to every single ballet company that is out there.

This could be stylistically or physically and also whether the repertoire is right. You don't want to waste your money on auditions that you know won't be right.

Photo sourced from balletwest.org

If you are deciding what company you are suited to, then watch the company dancers perform and ask yourself - Am I up to their standard? Could I fit in with the dancers?

You have to be realistic and decide whether your abilities would be truly appreciated and seriously considered by the director of the company.

It's always a good idea to keep friendly with your dance teachers and look to them for guidance. Your teachers will almost definitely have useful contacts and will support what's best for you.

Keep your eye out on the internet websites, or various dance magazines that will inform you of the ballet auditions. These useful sources will warn you of the dates, times and venues for upcoming auditions.

An open audition can consist of over 400 dancers so you can gather why it might be such a tough procedure!

In these open auditions they will number the candidates and sometimes even get rid of dancers before they have even done a plie! This is because the director is usually spoilt for choice and so they tend to gradually eliminate dancers as the class goes on.

Photo sourced from nyb.org.

Sometimes if you are lucky, students are invited to take a company class which is seen as a private audition. If this is the case, it is important to confirm when you should arrive, where you should go and who to go to before the class.

Whether you go to an open audition, or a private audition, it's essential to remember you are being looked at from the moment you enter the building.

You have to be on your absolute best behavior because everything will be remembered, first impressions are very important! This includes your body language, your courtesy, your respect, your alertness in class... AND your work ethic!

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