Navigating the Audition Season: A Guide for College Dance Students

The audition season can be a challenging time for dance students, particularly as they approach graduation. Balancing coursework, rehearsals, and the demands of a job search requires careful planning and a realistic understanding of the unique advantages and disadvantages college dancers face. This guide offers insights from professionals and recent graduates on how to successfully navigate this crucial period.

Staying on Schedule

Effective time management is paramount for college dancers preparing for auditions. Because of academic and studio commitments, preparation often happens outside of regular class hours. Anderson Da Silva, a dancer with Grand Rapids Ballet who trained at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, emphasizes the need to film audition videos during available time, sometimes as late as 9 p.m.¹ Sharing studio sign-up sheets with classmates can help avoid scheduling conflicts.

Madeline Colesano, a dancer with Avant Chamber Ballet, found that advance preparation was key. She began filming class material over the summer and researching companies early in the fall semester, utilizing resources like Ballet Scout and social media to understand company styles and cultures.¹ Seeking feedback on audition videos from teachers in the fall allows time for revisions.

Covering Ground: Balancing Costs and Opportunities

The rise of online screenings has broadened audition opportunities, but financial constraints and scheduling conflicts remain significant hurdles. Da Silva notes that he would only attend auditions after receiving a callback or an invitation to accept company class, due to the expense of travel.¹ Carpooling and staying with friends can reduce costs, but sometimes individual preparation is beneficial.

Missing classes or rehearsals due to auditions is often unavoidable. While dance professors are generally understanding, professors in other departments may have stricter attendance policies. Careful consideration of class schedules—avoiding Friday evenings or early Monday mornings—can minimize conflicts. It’s important to be respectful when requesting absences and to advocate for oneself, recognizing that auditions represent a dancer’s future.

The Value of Community and Collaboration

The audition process can be isolating, but support from peers is invaluable. Da Silva encourages dancers to audition with classmates, providing comfort and confidence, and to be open about plans to coordinate travel. Respectful communication about results is too important, protecting both one’s own feelings and those of others.¹

Concerns about being perceived as a “college group” during auditions are largely unfounded. Kathleen Breen Combes, artistic executive director of Ballet RI, believes that a strong college program carries significant weight.¹ If a dancer feels more comfortable auditioning individually, open communication with friends is key.

Presenting Yourself as a Professional

College dancers may feel insecure about lacking a professional company affiliation. However, Da Silva points out that college programs are increasingly recognized as valuable training grounds, and opportunities for soloist roles and diverse repertoire can enhance a dancer’s performance reel.¹

Breen Combes values the well-roundedness of dancers with degrees, noting their ability to contribute to the organization as a whole.³

Realistic Expectations and Long-Term Growth

College dancers are often older than other auditionees and may have experience in soloist roles. However, it’s important to be realistic about potential outcomes. Colesano notes that many dancers initially receive offers for trainee positions.¹

Breen Combes suggests that college dancers may benefit from an additional year of training integrated with a company.¹ A trainee year can be a valuable stepping stone to an apprenticeship and a company position.

The Power of Networking

Leveraging connections is crucial. Personal recommendations from professors, alumni, and company dancers can significantly increase an applicant’s chances.¹

success in the audition process requires a combination of talent, preparation, resilience, and a strong network of support.