If you’re not sure where to start, enroll in a ballet class. Ballet is a good foundational class that will help you in all other types of dance. By taking dance classes each week and staying in shape, you’ll be ready to perform at any time.
Pilates is another great activity to help improve your dance skills. Biking and weight lifting are also good ways of cross training. Cross train 2-5 times a week for 30 minutes to an hour each time.
Look at dance routine tutorials on YouTube to practice learning different types of choreography. Pay careful attention to the dancer’s footwork as you’re watching the routine, as well as their arm placement.
Check to see if your school or local community center is putting on a talent show that you can participate in. Join a school drama club or community acting program to get used to performing in front of the public.
If you danced in a commercial or movie, this would go on your dance resume. State whether you went to a dance school and the names of dance studios where you’ve trained.
If you choose to wear makeup in the headshot, keep it natural-looking. Go for a natural pose with your body leaning in towards the camera just a little bit.
An agent will know of dance audition opportunities in the area and will be able to connect you with people that you wouldn’t otherwise have known. Talent agents are often judges in competitions, so if you participate in dance competitions, this could be a great way to meet an agent. Visit the talent agency’s website to see if they take submissions or have an open call date.
Open calls are auditions where any dancer can come and try out, meaning there will be lots more people competing for the job. Websites like Backstage post open calls for dancers. For a private audition, you’re asked to come in and audition with a smaller group of people; the best way to get these auditions is through connections. Even if you’re super nervous or don’t think you’ll get the job, go to the audition!
Places like Los Angeles or New York City are popular spots for dancers as there are lots of audition opportunities. If you can’t move to an entirely new city, consider commuting to a large city near you to find auditions.
If you’re not sure what you need to bring with you to the audition, ask your agent or an audition contact what you’ll need.
Smile and pour your energy into your movement. If you’re super nervous, take deep breaths to help you relax your body.
You may be asked to freestyle during the audition, which is a great time to show how unique you are as a dancer with your own moves. When dancing freestyle, choose hip hop-inspired moves or dance in a ballet fashion—just listen to the music and let your body naturally move according to the beat.
It helps to pour all of your emotions into your movement to express great energy and passion. If you tend to become a shy dancer when under pressure or in front of others, try to exaggerate your movements so that they look more purposeful and energetic.
Strike up a conversation with someone during a dance class, or invite someone in a dance class to practice a routine with you.
People you meet in different cities can be great dance contacts in the future, so make sure you get their contact information, such as their name and cell number or email address.
Post your headshot and pictures of you rehearsing on Instagram or tweet what you’re currently working on on Twitter.
Use a nice video camera as opposed to just a phone camera for better quality. Give the video a clear title, such as, “Contemporary Dance Routine,” and try to keep the video under 4 minutes.
