Merce Cunningham Explains...
How To Get Inside the Mind of a Dance Director

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"If the dancer dances, which is not the same as having theories about dancing or wishing to dance or trying to dance, everything is there. When I dance, it means: this is what I am doing."

— Merce Cunningham (b. 1919)

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Here Cunningham explains how important it is to dance from within, from your soul and show your love of dance. In all ballet auditions, the directors want to see your passion for dance.

In every dance company, the director will be looking for a certain edge in the dancers. That extra flair that makes you worth putting into their company. But what is it they want?!

When auditioning for a company, the directors will always be looking for dancers who pick up work quickly and accurately. They will want dancers who can grasp changes of tempo and who could mix in easily with their company.

The auditions can sound a bit like a knock out game, and there's often another level to come after the class... for those fortunate ones who survive the class, that isn't always end! They could then additionally be given repertoire to learn which could be contrasting style, such as neo-classical or contemporary. It's been known for dancers to also show a solo or even 32 fouettes to see technique and professionalism.

If you've always wondered what it is exactly the company directors look for in auditions, here's some faults which directors most commonly notice...

Listen carefully and be the one to correct these common mistakes!

1. Lack of musicality

2. Poor Coordination - especially in the arms

3. Limited ability to do other styles of dance

4. Being disorganized - turning up with no pointe shoes/incorrectly dressed/ wearing dirty shoes

5. "Doing" not "Dancing" - Just going through the motions

..... Hold onto the disciplines that you have been trained and remember the etiquette of this profession!

In classical ballet companies they will expect you present yourself with the essence of a classical dancer. Make an occasion of the audition and look your best!

Make sure you mark the work as it's taught and always do the arm movements full out. This will draw eyes to you and make the panel notice you.

Here's some more guidance on auditions, and trust me, directors would be giving the same advice! .....

1. Enjoy! We want to like you!

2. Be yourself. Dance with your whole body, not just your legs. Show your passion for dance!

3. Do not avoid unfamiliar steps. Show your fighting spirit by attempting everything with your absolute all.

4. A minor slip up will not jeopardize your chances

5. Take care of personal cleanliness and what you wear... everything matters!

Merce Cunningham says, "You have to love dancing to stick to it." - Remember this during all your dance classes and bring your passion for dance into all ballet auditions!

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