Photo by Justin Riddler

The most outstanding ambassador for dance worldwide. David danced for 18 years and had incredible success rising to lead The Australian Ballet Company internationally as a Principal Artist. He continued his role of leadership when in 2001, he retired from dance and moved into the Artistic Directorship of The Australian Ballet Company. Most recently stepping down as Artistic Director, a position he held for over 20 years, David generously shares audition specific information from his extraordinary experience.

Auditioning for anything be it a school or company is something that always comes with its own challenges. While exams and competitions can prepare you for the nerves that are associated with auditioning, there are usually life changing consequences about an audition that will see you either progress with your career ambitions or be faced with finding alternate paths. I can promise you there are many ways to have a career in dance and so you should always go into any audition with the mindset that this is just a step along your journey and not a ‘do or die’ situation.

Here are a few tips that may help you in showing yourself at your best:

· Always wear simple dancewear which is comfortable and makes you feel confident. Don’t go for something eye catching as it may have the opposite effect than you are intending, let your dancing be the thing that draws the panel’s eye. Don’t wear clothing to hide what you may think are your imperfections. It may well only be you that think they are a problem and sloppy warm up gear will only draw the attention of the panel to think you are trying to hide something. Always be in your pared back class wear for the beginning of barre.

· For ladies don’t wear too much make-up as you don’t want it dripping down your face by grand allegro (yes, I have seen this happen), and always have neat and secure hair. Gentlemen also be aware that while a unique coloured hair dye and interesting hairstyle may be great for streetwear, it could be the thing that see’s your fellow auditionee get the place especially if you are auditioning for a classical ballet company or school.

· Be yourself. Trying to force that ‘extra sparkle’ may indeed be the thing that makes the panel unsure about your potential stagecraft. There is nothing more engaging than someone having a great time and enjoying the class. The panel are not only looking at your technique but who you are as a person and performer, so give them the authentic you.

· Always pick up the exercises and be ready to jump in the first group. This shows that you are a quick learner and are confident in your ability. If you mess up you can often receive a bit of leniency as you were first off the mark, whereas, if you mess up in a later group it be just seen as not picking up the steps quickly enough.

· Be aware of your fellow auditionee’s and always ensure that everyone can shine, and you are not getting in their way or hogging the centre.

· Be prepared for anything. Sometimes in company auditions you may be asked to do some repertoire at the end of the class or be asked to say something about yourself. Give it your best shot and try to look confident even if you are shy.

· Ladies always put on your pointe shoes in the centre, especially in company auditions. There may be a separate section for pointe work, but you need to show that you are prepared. It is much better to show you are confident en pointe than wait for the panel to ask to see your pointe work.

· If you are taking a company class in the form of an audition always thank the teacher after class and if the director is watching also thank them, it may be a good way to have a word after your audition, get some feedback or find out if there are any positions available.

· Remember that companies are looking for dancers that they can employ so don’t be negative about your chances. Do your homework before you audition and look at the repertoire and the style of dancers online. Best to target the companies that you think would be interested in you as well as companies for who you would like to work.

Generally, I think ballet schools and companies are looking for dancers with a good clean technique, who are musical and who look in good condition and are in control of their ability. Having confidence in yourself is good, showing a ‘can do’ application to your audition and an awareness of those around you will enable the panel to see if you would be the right ‘fit’ for their school or company. Always be open to feedback and attentive to the environment and your fellow auditionees and above all enjoy yourself as this is always the best way to engage with an audition process.

David McAllister 2021