What should I expect from an audition class? Ev and Bow's Sarah Boulter and the WAAPA's Kim McCarthy and Sue Peacock spill the beans on what happens behind those closed doors.
For many young dancers, auditioning for a full-time dance course is the first experience they will have of an audition class. With this in mind, Dance Australia surveyed schools around Australia about what is included in the audition class. You can read more responses to this survey in the June/July '17 issue of Dance Australia as part of our Audition Special. This extended feature also includes an accompanying article about audition classes, plus a first-hand account of auditioning overseas - packed with tips and advice, an article about auditioning for the Australian Ballet School, and a calendar of auditions for full-time courses around Australasia.
Ev and Bow
Sarah Boulter, Director
Am I expected to be warmed up before class, or will the class include warm-up?
Every dancer should engage in a warm up prior to their audition. Not only will this prepare the body for the day ahead but it shows professionalism on the candidate’s behalf.
How long will the audition class be? Will it be a full class?
At Ev & Bow the candidate will participate in three classes: classical ballet, contemporary and jazz technique. Each class is an hour long followed by a solo and a one-on-one interview.
At what level is the class pitched?
An intermediate level; all classes are open. It is a priority to see the dancer’s foundations and it is not in our best interest to make the choreography too hard.
Will exercises be demonstrated on both sides or one side only?
I feel it is best to assume in any audition scenario, that it will only be shown on one side. The candidate should take it upon themselves to figure out the left on their own.
Will I be asked to perform solo during the audition class?
Yes, information is sent out prior to the audition asking the dancer to prepare a one minute solo in their style of choice.
Is it ok to ask questions to clarify understanding?
Absolutely! Make the question intelligent and ensure the question has not been already addressed.
Is it ok to ask for something to be demonstrated again?
Yes.
If I am capable of doing something harder than has been set in an exercise, should I do it? Or should I stick to what has been requested?
I believe if the opportunity presents itself then show your capabilities, however I feel it is really important for the students to listen to exactly what the instructor has specified.
Will I choose where I stand or will we be allocated positions?
At the commencement of the audition, you will be given a number and this will determine where you will be standing within the classes. Generally, you will be asked to perform sections in groups of five.
What should I do if I get asked to do something I haven’t yet learned?
I feel it is always important to look after yourself and make safe decisions so therefore I suggest you adapt the exercise to your capabilities.
Will I need to improvise?
Generally in most auditions there is an element of improvisation. As a dancer, you should always assume you will improvise.
Will I need to learn repertoire?
Yes. The first class is a classical ballet class and from there in both the contemporary and jazz classes you will learn repertoire.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts – Dance
Kim McCarthy, Coordinator Classical Ballet
Sue Peacock, Acting Head of Dance
Am I expected to be warmed up before class, or will the class include warm-up?
We suggest that you arrive at least 30 minutes before the audition start time to mentally and physically prepare. It is always good to warm up before any class, especially an audition, however the class usually starts slowly, following the normal structure of a ballet or contemporary class.
How long will the audition class be? Will it be a full class?
Both the ballet class and contemporary classes will be a full class and all applicants will participate for the whole audition. The classes are approximately 1.5 hours each. The audition will probably take about five hours in total.
At what level is the class pitched? Will I need my pointe shoes?
At WAAPA we are looking for applicants who have had some formal training in either ballet or contemporary or both.
If you are applying for the Diploma course, which is more ballet oriented, you will require pointe shoes. The ballet class level is pitched at RAD Advanced 1.
If you are considering applying for the Bachelor of Arts Dance course, which has a broader dance training focus then some training in ballet is useful and/or good contemporary training will be needed.
Will exercises be demonstrated on both sides or one side only?
Usually the exercise is demonstrated until most people in the room have understood the material. Generally speaking it is demonstrated on both sides, sometimes it may be demonstrated on one side only to see if applicants can transfer the information to the second side.
Will I be asked to perform solo during the audition class?
If you are applying for the Bachelor of Arts Dance course you will be required to perform a solo of your own creation of maximum of 1 minute in length.
Is it ok to ask questions to clarify understanding?
Questions are always welcome as this demonstrates both a thoughtful and a confident student.
Is it ok to ask for something to be demonstrated again?
Most definitely. In an audition context this is perfectly acceptable.
If I am capable of doing something harder than has been set in an exercise, should I do it? Or should I stick to what has been requested?
At least the first time through, do what you are asked to do, as you cannot always assume the reason behind the request. After the exercise has been completed once if you are capable to do more pirouettes or demonstrate greater technical facility we are always happy to see it.
Will I get to choose where I stand or will we be told where to stand?
You will be given a number and asked to stand in numerical order. The assigning of numbers is usually alphabetical and not based on merit or experience. It is simply so the assessors can see and remember everyone. Positions are changed throughout the class so that all applicants have the same opportunity to be seen.
What should I do if I get asked to do something I haven’t learned how to do yet?
This is perhaps more common in the interstate auditions where we audition for both courses simultaneously. When you register at the beginning of the audition we ask about your level of ballet and contemporary training so that we can try to accommodate the range of experience within the class.
If you are asked to do something new, just try your best to do what is asked. You can always say that you haven’t seen that particular movement before and ask for further explanation or for it to be demonstrated again.
Will I need to do improvise?
You will not be required to improvise in the audition, however Improvisation is a technique you will become familiar with during your time at WAAPA.
Will I need to learn repertoire?
No you will not be required to learn repertoire. During the audition process we will observe your level of technique and engagement, your ability to pick up exercises and how you present yourself. From this we will be able to see your potential and suitability for the course.
We recommend you come with a passion to learn, be engaged and enjoy the day.
Pictured top: Ev and Bow students.
The full "Great Expectations" article appears in the June/July issue of Dance Australia, along with responses from the Conlan College, Ed5International, National Theatre Ballet School, Queensland University of Technology dance department and the WAAPA musical theatre department.
"Great Expectations" is part of Dance Australia's Audition Special, which includes articles about auditioning for companies overseas, auditioning for the Australian Ballet School and a calendar of auditions for full-time schools around Australia. Don't miss it! Buy Dance Australia from your favourite magazine retailer or subscribe here, or purchase an online copy via the Dance Australia app.