Dance Auditions Are Evil

Ok, perhaps not, but they are very frustrating. At an audition last night, EVERYONE who did a vocal audition and callbacks for those who auditioned the day before was called up on stage for the dance audition. This was a very large group, and no one could see the choreographer to learn the dance. I, like many others, just could not get it. It would not have been so bad if there were mirrors, but, because we were onstage, there were none.It takes me a bit longer than most to pick up the dances at auditions, and I do have to ask the choreographer to break it down slowly, but I get it with a little more time and effort.
Does anyone share my dancing plight? I do well in the vocal audtions and readings, even cold readings, but the dance auditions are so frustrating (especially last night's!). Any suggestions? Words of wisdom?

My words of wisdom are: "Get used to it."

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Don't be afraid to ask the choreographer to repeat some steps. Some choreographers actually like questions and welcome them, because they know other people in the group might have the same question. It's never been a problem for me (because I've taken years of dance), but if there's a step I just don't understand, I'm not afraid to ask.

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think of it in spurts. Sect 1, sect 2, etc.
I feel ya, I hate dancing too.

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i think that self confidence also helps. that kind of makes me a hypocrite though.

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Most dance auditions I've been to, they go at the speed of light and there are millions of people and you can't see a thing, but that's just how it is and it might sound 'harsh' but you just have to get used to it, and that's really the best advice. Take more dance classes that go at a quicker pace than what you're used to. My friend went to the Movin' Out call and he's been dancing all his life, but has never been to a big NY audition, and when he got there, he said they literally danced through the combination and said "Okay, now you go." So it's tough, but you just need to be prepared for things...and always push to get in the front.

get really drunk right before. Directors like that

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I'm really not understanding why you guys are freaking out on bwaytheatre...cuz to be honnest, these auditions DONT get any better, and you HAVE to get used to them. Do you seriously think that just because you whine and complain they are going to magically get easier? Thats not what auditioning is about. The more you do it, the better/easier they become. So chill out.

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Amen PJ....AMEN.

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It sounds mean but its true. Thats what it is going to be like if you go to an open call.

- Take classes
- Smile, look confident
- Take classes
- Don't watch your feet
- Take classes.

If you have a dance vocabulary, it's much easier to memorize steps - instead of thinking, "ok, I do that cross over the leg thingy and I stand up on my tip-toes and do that jump thing and turn around in the air...."

No matter what level you are in the game - just starting out, or a big broadway pro, you must stay in classes - even if you're more of a singer. (Actually, especially if you're more of a singer)

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Updated On: 7/9/04 at 12:46 AM

Definitely ask a question if you want. Matter of fact it DOES peeve a choreographer when no one asks questions. Especially when they say so everyone has it?? no questions?? That is like a test. Cause the second you do it and no one has it, it is so bad!! Although there are some out there that think the person in the back row can just follow the clueless person in front of them, which i think is so unrealistic if you REALLY want these people to learn the steps, but usually you can gage if they are like that. You want to do good. then ask!!!

Also as M J R said I tell people when I teach them to think of something that they can relate a step too. so you do not know a term...don't fret. Make it fun and make a little song in your head. Whenever i pivot i always think of Ross in friends when he was trying to move the couch and the way he says it...haha so do something like that to make a connection with the steps.

Also this is KEY!!!!!! Cause the best dancers have a problem with this. RELAX!!!!!!! To fret that you do not know a step...chances are YOU DO!!! your just thinking too freakin hard about it so you can not just enjoy it. My best dancing comes when i just say F-it! I know all the steps. and say i get to that "part" where i am not sure..i relax the most cause then it will just flow. If i think oh CRAP, then i screw it up and probably the steps i knew before and after that step.

I hope that helped a little.

i just have one question.
pj stated :"That way, when they go out on a limb, assuming...they don't sound like a complete ass."

when did i ever assume anything?

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Updated On: 7/9/04 at 01:52 PM