From the Grand Audition in Spain

Annette Roselli reports from the third Grand Audition, the world's first and largest international ballet audition forum.

The third ‘Grand Audition’ was held on February 6 and 7 at the Teatro-Auditori, Sant Cugat, Barcelona. Still a relatively unknown event amongst many teachers, especially those in Australia and New Zealand, it is a wonderful opportunity for students to audition for several companies at one time and in one place. It gives the dancers (aged 17 to 26 years) a chance to be seen by up to 10 directors, from both mid-size and large European companies, although American directors have also been present in the past. It is the world’s first and largest international audition forum. Prospective auditionees are required to submit a DVD of a classical variation to gain entry into the audition and if successful, they pay a sizeable fee of over $500.

I attended this event, with my daughter Alicia Townsend, after attending the Prix de Lausanne. We arrived in Sant Cugat, a rather remote town about a 30 - 40 minute drive or train ride from central Barcelona. We arrived at the theatre, on the first day, for registration and class. There were approximately 50 dancers per group and four groups throughout the day. The groups were divided according to age. After each class, the numbers of the successful candidates were announced. These students were chosen to present a classical variation the following day. 

Parents and teachers were not permitted to view the first round. According to Alicia, the class was relatively straightforward but required strength and was fast moving. The candidates also had to cope with a raked stage. Places were rotated at the barre and centre work was performed on pointe. The directors were introduced to the students before the audition commenced and they sat in the audience throughout the class. A few directors were not present but had someone in attendance to represent them.

We were excited that Alicia was selected for the second round and also ex-student Isabelle Olivier, now studying at the Royal Ballet School of Flanders. Seventy finalists were chosen and seven of these were Australians. The second day commenced with registration and a warm-up class in two groups. I spoke to the charismatic founder of the Grand Audition, David Makhateli, whose vision and forward thinking has produced this wonderful event. He mentioned that he was impressed with the Australian dancers and that their applications, photos and DVDs were always very professional. Time to bring this concept to the Southern Hemisphere I think! 

Students performed a variation and danced in optional costumes or leotard with a skirt or half tutu. The audience was permitted to watch this round. It was wonderful to be able to watch students from around the world present their classical variations. The standard was high and ranged from students who were still finishing their graduate year to those who were well established professional dancers looking to change companies. The majority of students appeared to cope well with the rake.

After all the variations had been presented there was a break for the directors to deliberate. Everyone returned to the theatre and each director came on stage individually and called out the numbers of candidates of interest. Several of these candidates were offered contracts while others were interviewed by the artistic directors and possibly put on a waiting list. 

Overall, the Grand Audition is a wonderful experience and an important learning curve for many young dancers. It is well organised and it is an opportunity that I would highly recommend to dancers who aspire to working in a ballet company. 

Annette Roselli is director of Annette Roselli Dance Academy.