AUDITIONS

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are MINE. When you pass through the waters, I WILL BE WITH YOU; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned…For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…” Isaiah 43:1b-3a

Auditioning is a huge part of being a ballet dancer. From a very young age, the audition experiences begin. From auditioning for roles in the Nutcracker, to summer intensive programs, to colleges and universities, and for ballet companies, auditioning is part of it.

I remember when I did my first few auditions I really did not understand what I was auditioning for. Naive, I know. I was young! I just thought, “This is kind of fun!” I was not putting any pressure on myself because I did not realize what I was auditioning for or who the judges were. I just had fun with it and danced! Somehow, by God’s grace, I got into a couple of different summer programs, and thankfully, my mom was brave enough to finally let me go to one. Thank goodness for moms, dads, and teachers who have a better understanding!

The older I got, really, the more nervous I became at auditions. Auditions are hard because we cannot hide behind stage makeup, lights, live music, and the applause of the audience. It is literally just us simply in our leotard and tights, the sound of a piano, a number on the front of our leotard, and a panel of judges sitting at the front of the room. It can be exciting, nerve-wrecking, scary, intimidating, and thrilling all at the same time!

Looking back, there are a few things I might have done differently….particularly with the company auditions. So I just want to encourage you with these little tidbits to help you in your auditions:

~ PREPARE – As your audition approaches, prepare PHYSICALLY by taking class, stretching, drinking lots of water, and fueling your body with energizing foods (between hunger and fullness of course….my motto!)
Prepare MENTALLY by practicing picking up combinations quickly during class and by practicing paying attention so that you get the combination the first time. Prepare SPIRITUALLY by taking some walks with the Lord the week of and just talking to Him about the upcoming audition and praying for His help and guidance during the audition.

~BE WELL RESTED – Protect your body and your emotions from unnecessary stress the week or two leading up to the audition by simplifying your schedule as much as possible and by getting plenty of rest at night.

~LOOK THE PART – Although an audition is in the form of ballet class as opposed to a performance, make a little extra effort in your appearance. Wear a leotard that you love and that makes you feel beautiful, wear your hair in a way that makes you feel beautiful but most importantly, be sure that it is totally secure so that it does not come down during the audition. Put on a little makeup so that you look natural but polished. Wear pointe shoes that are comfy and supportive, but not super scuffed up and dirty. Be thoughtful in your appearance.

~DON’T LOOK AROUND AND COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS – That is a tough one. It is so tempting to compare, but all it does is chip away at your confidence. Have you ever seen a racehorse? They wear blinders so that they cannot see the horses next to them. All they can focus on is the finish line. Put your blinders on and focus on YOUR dancing.

~BE YOU – You do not know what the judges are looking for you, but if you try to be somebody else, they will miss the gift of you.

~IMAGINE BEING ON STAGE – Do the combinations in the center as if you are on stage. I do not mean to over do it smiling, but carry yourself as if you were on the stage so that the judges can see your stage presence.

~BE PROFESSIONAL AND POLITE – Carry yourself in a professional manner, be kind and polite to the judges and the teacher, thank them after the class, and smile!

~PRAY – Pray before, pray when you get nervous, pray after, trusting that it is all in the Lord’s hands and that He has a plan for your life.

~HAVE FUN – Remember that each audition experience gives you more confidence for future auditions. Enjoy it because you never know where it will lead.  Find a verse that you love that reminds you that you belong to God and that He will be with you and go dance like nobody is watching.

Prayer: “Lord, you know what auditions are coming up for me. Show me which ones to go to and how to prepare for them. Help me be thoughtful in my preparation and thoughtful in my dancing. Help me be confident. Help me be me. Help me trust You with the results.”