Summer in January? Yes! If you are a pre-professional dancer, it is already time to think about your summer plans. Summer ballet intensive course auditions are just around the corner. Here are some tips that should help guide you through your audition season and lead you to a summer of full of dancing and fun!

Investigate. Talk with your family and teachers about schools that would be good fit for you because each school offers different experiences. Don’t put all of you eggs in one basket by only auditioning for your number one school. The audition experience is an important part of the process, so go ahead audition for several schools.

Research. Check online for the schools registration requirements. Most auditions have a fee and require a specific form of payment; some schools ask for preregistration and prepayment. Be sure you are aware of what each school needs and have it with you on the day of the audition. Many schools ask for a photograph of you in specific positions. It is always wise to have professional pictures taken like the one above; if that is not an option then have someone take multiple snapshots of you in each position and carefully select the one that best represents you and your technique.

Prepare.

Step 1. Pack your bag. On the day before the audition, make sure that your dance bag is packed with all the items you will need for your audition including any specific registration requirements, and the essentials such as extra bobby pins, hairspray, and the like.

Step 2. Fuel your body. Fueling your body for a difficult ballet class is so important. Be sure to eat something that will give you the energy and essential nutrients you will need to perform your best. And don’t’ forget to hydrate your body with plenty of water (just not too much right before the audition, you don’t want to have to leave to use the restroom).

Step 3. Dress to impress. Wear one of your best leotards that represents you in a professional manner; do not wear your green and pink tie dye leotard. Plain black is always a great option. Wear pink tights (without holes), clean pink ballet shoes, and pointe shoes. Even if you have only been on pointe for a short while always have your pointe shoes with you. Most often teachers will be aware of how long you have been on pointe, but to show them you have begun your training on pointe is important for your correct level placement in the program. Wear your hair as if you are performing and wear your makeup as if you are getting your school pictures taken. Too much makeup is too much! The goal is to look your best but to still look like the beautiful dancer you are.

Perform. At the audition be EARLY! There are many students at each audition so expect to wait in line. You’ll turn in your paper work and receive your number. Once you have taken care of your registration be sure to stretch and familiarize yourself with your number. Dancers will be called to show each combination by order of number and you don’t want to miss your chance to impress those at the school. Most importantly, DON’T STRESS! If you are overcome with worry it will show in your face and in your dancing. Simply smile, do your best, and don’t forget to POINT YOUR FEET!

To learn more about becoming a pre-professional dancer in ballet, and other dance styles such as lyrical, jazz, hip-hop, tap, contemporary take dance lesson’s at North County’s premiere dance studio that serves Carlsbad, San Marcos, San Elijo Hills, Encinitas, Leucadia, Rancho Santa Fe, Oceanside, and Del Mar come and visit San Elijo Dance and Music Academy.