4 Things Dancers Can Do Now to Prepare for Auditions in 4 Months
I know, I know…you’re just getting back into the swing of things with a new season and I’m over here already putting a bug in your ear about audition season.
I also know after many years of auditioning myself and coaching dancers through auditions that the last thing you want to do during an already hectic Nutcracker and holiday season is scramble to prepare.
Start to check these four things off your list now to give yourself the breathing room to approach auditions cool and collected this season!
Determine what a successful career in the dance industry truly looks like for you
Before you dedicate a vast amount of resources to auditions, you need to get crystal clear on what matters to you in a dance career. Reminder: there are thousands of different ways to become a professional dancer. As an aspiring dancer, it’s only natural to focus on what you know, such as aspiring to follow in the footsteps of other dancers from your studio or dancers you follow on social media. While this may be the right path for you, I don’t recommend blindly going along with the crowd. To forge your own path, you’ve got to define your core values and determine your “must haves” when pursuing a job in the dance industry.
Now is the perfect time to work through The Intentional Career Handbook - your guide to pursuing your dream career in the world of professional ballet. The handbook walks you through everything you need to think about as you embark on your dance career. With over 50 guided question prompts, you will dive deep into determining what matters to you in a dance career based on your individual core values!
Research, research, research
Now that you’ve got your career goals nailed down, it’s time to find companies that you align with. You may not land your end-all, be-all dream job right off the bat, but you’ve got to start somewhere! I encourage you to make a list of at least 50 companies that you plan to audition for - that’s right, 50.
Auditions are a numbers game and the more you get out there, the more likely you are to get a “yes”. This doesn’t mean you have to travel to 50 auditions - but I want you to send out your materials to this many companies at a minimum. If you’re having a hard time coming up with 50 companies, your thinking might be too narrow - check out this blog post for advice on expanding your scope while still staying true to your goals.
(Psst. The Intentional Career Handbook I talked about earlier also comes with a Dance Company Database complete with over 600 companies across 6 continents to make it easy to find what you’re looking for. This just keeps getting better!)
Do a thorough audit of all tangible items
For most companies, the first step in the audition process is sending in your materials. This includes:
✅ Cover Letter
✅ Resume
✅ Dance Reel
✅ Headshot
✅ Dance Photos
From there, the artistic staff will review your materials and decide if they want to see more by inviting you to attend an audition or even take company class. (While you can also attend open calls, this method of being prescreened often leads to much better results). Not only are companies looking for impeccable technique and artistry - they’re also looking for a dancer who shows professionalism and the ability to follow directions. I promise you that compiling these materials is going to take more time than you think. Starting now will give you the time to truly put together a stellar audition package that you will feel proud and confident about sending out.
(Not sure where to start? Grab your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide - your complete guide to auditions full of actionable steps that will save you HOURS of work so you can get back to doing what you love - dancing!)
Receive ongoing mentorship
As a former professional ballet dancer, I understand how difficult navigating a dance career can be. It can feel overwhelming and insurmountable when you're first starting out. I’m sure you have so many questions tumbling around, making you dizzier than any fouetté combination.
Preparing for audition season isn’t just about the physical work - it’s a mental game too. You need someone on your side to help you work the mindset blocks that will inevitably pop up. To hold you accountable to keep going even in the face of rejection. To come prepared with fresh ideas and perspective for when you’ve hit a dead end.
That’s where I come in! As a Dance Career Mentor, I help dancers find intention and clarity in their career goals, demystify the world of professional ballet, and put a strategic plan in place with actionable steps. Schedule a no-strings-attached Complimentary Career Consultation to determine if 1-1 mentorship could be the missing piece of the puzzle to achieving your dance career dreams!
Remember that audition season is a marathon, not a sprint. You can’t just run 26.2 miles out of the gate - it takes time to build the stamina and endurance needed to make it to the finish line. The time to start is now!
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
