Dance Auditions
Helpful Advice on how to Pursue Your Dancing Career!

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Got major dance auditions coming up? Preparing to find a job in dance? Let me guide you so you can pursue your ambition to make ballet your career!

Dancers looking for a job in a dance company start off by putting together a Curriculum Vitaes (CV). A dancer's CV is intended to "wow" the directors and immediately grab their attention to make them want you in their company.

CVs should be well set out and easy to read. You should aim for them to be concise and snappy. You want to convince directors you will be a valuable aspect to their company!

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Directors will want to know your dance background. This will include where you trained, with dates, and your capability in a range of dance styles.

Ballet companies today don't just have entirely classical repertory. Director's will also be interested in any major roles you have performed and awards you have won.

Height is something to think about when auditioning for ballet companies. Companies are very particular about height and often it is not always about just your ability, but whether you would fit into their company with the rest of the dancers.

On average, companies like women to be 158-173cm (5'2" to 5'8") and men to be 170-193cm (5'7" to 6'4").

Included in your CV should also be a range of photographs and, if possible, I would advise for them to be professionally prepared - you want to impress the directors!

They should include a head shot, a full length portrait in dance wear and a shot that shows a good dance pose. For women, this should be on pointe or an exciting jump. For men, catch an impressive jump or show a good line. Have someone with you whilst taking the photos, probably your teacher, to get their advice.

DVDs are becoming very handy these days and directors could ask you to send one. A DVD should show off strong technique with classical lines and extensions.

It is best to include pirouettes, adage and arabesque extensions, grand allegro work, beats for men and pointe work for women. A solo or a pas de deux can also be useful to display performance ability.

Together with your CV should also be an accompanying letter requesting for dance auditions. The letter should be short, polite and absolutely relevant to the company you have approached. Companies are usually swamped with requests so do not be surprised if you do not get some sort of reply!

Make sure you have lots of copies of your photographs or DVDs as it is very rare to get them back!

Good luck!

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