Essential Tips for Pre-Pro Dancers: A Guide to Succeeding in Auditions
Hey dancers! Audition season is upon us, and I’ve got your back. Whether you’re looking to get into a prestigious dance school or college, this guide covers everything you need to know for a successful audition without the stress from my perspective as a teacher and judge on audition panels. From what to wear and bring, to tips on video auditions, how to present yourself, and what Directors and teachers are actually looking for! Let’s dive right in.
1. Do Your Research
It might sound simple, but research is key. Don’t just apply to the one dream school – explore a range of options and give yourself as many chances as possible for further and higher training education. I’ve had students before that have gone to an audition and the school is different to what they expected and this can be a negative or a positive. Dive into their website, check their social media, and learn about their alumni and success rates and what type of careers their former students went into. Knowing what each school offers, and what they expect from you, will help you go into your audition prepared and confident.
2. Get in Early
Audition spaces fill up quickly, so don’t wait! Apply early and give yourself time to refine and practice. If you need to work on certain aspects of your solo or technique, do it now, and delay auditioning by a few weeks. Being ready before the rush gives you the best chance. However, don't wait to apply right at the last minute around the end of March or April. Remember schools start offering spaces straight away so make sure you have one of those spaces!
3. Video Auditions
Video auditions are becoming more common and is often the pre-selection round before being invited to audition in person. When filming, ensure your space is tidy, clear and well-lit, and position your camera at belly-button height to capture your full range of movement. Follow all the instructions given for the video submission – no shortcuts or assumption! Take your time and, most importantly, film your ident. I dive into more information on video auditions here.
4. Your CV & Headshot Matter
Keep your CV honest and clear. Highlight your qualifications, training and relevant experience, and make sure your headshot is a true reflection of what you look like right now – no stage makeup or over edited shots. Remember your headshot for the audition process is purely to identify you.
5. Be Prepared
Pack everything you might need plus spares: shoes, ballet tights, leotards, hair accessories, water, snacks, plasters, and any personal items (like menstrual products or pain relief). Make sure your bag is prepared for any surprises. Have high-energy snacks to keep you fuelled throughout a long day – nothing too heavy, just enough to keep you going such as yoghurt, dates, vegetable sticks and humous and fruit. Don’t forget your hydration, too! Add a pinch of salt to your water for electrolytes. Have an effective warm-up routine; take equipment with you like a spiky massage ball or your foam roller or a foot roller. Make sure to prep your muscles and be ready, don't just throw yourself in because when you enter that studio they're not there to warm you up and prep you, they're there to see certain things so be ready to go straight away! Follow my Full Body Foam Roller Routine for optimal muscle prep before dancing.
Be prepared for traffic and travel time. How long is it going to take you to get there? Do you need to factor in accommodation? Plan the route in advance and don't just wing it on the day. Allow time when you're arriving to find the entrance and find registration, as it may not be immediately obvious.
6. Presentation is Key
How you present yourself is just as important as your dance. When you show up for your audition, treat it like a job interview. Your appearance and the way you present yourself are crucial. Dress appropriately for each class: leotard and tights for ballet, leotard and leggings for jazz, looser clothing for contemporary. Keep it simple and clean – no bold patterns or distracting outfits. Your clothing should flatter your body type, allow for freedom of movement and be something you are comfortable in. And of course, make sure your hair is neat and out of your face – this will help you focus and also make you look polished.
It’s important to remember to treat everyone with the utmost respect and politeness; all staff, students and that also includes the other people auditioning with you. You don't know who you're going to end up with at schools and colleges, who you're going to be friends with or who's going to have a very successful career and you may meet again in a few years. Watch my Audition Tips and Advice YouTube video where I dive into more detail about how to present yourself in the actual studio space - because this is what the teachers and panel care about!
7. Follow Direction
Picture this: You’re in an audition, standing at the barre, heart racing. The instructor gives a combination—arms in fifth, a traveling pirouette or floor phrase, head placement specific. You start the exercise, but muscle memory kicks in, and you default to how you usually do it. No big deal, right? Actually, huge deal.
Auditions aren’t just about how many pirouettes you can do or how high you can jump. The panel is watching to see if you listen. Can you take direction? Apply corrections? Adapt? These small details—where your head is in an allegro sequence, whether you're facing croisé or en face—are there for a reason. If you change them, even unintentionally, it sends a message that you’re not fully engaged.
Here’s the thing: schools and training programs aren’t looking for a finished product. They don’t need perfection; they need potential. They want dancers who are mouldable, eager to learn, and able to refine their technique under new guidance. That means your ability to absorb and apply corrections is just as important as your technique.
So, when you step into that audition, be hyper-aware. Listen like your dance future depends on it—because in a way, it does. Be the dancer who locks in every instruction, adjusts instantly, and shows that you're ready to grow. That’s the kind of student teachers love to train.
8. Importance of Musicality
You could have incredible technique and stunning lines, but if you’re off the music, it can take away from your performance.
Musicality is one of the biggest differences between an amateur and a professional. Can you count? Do you understand timing and rhythm? Are you dancing with the music, or are you constantly playing catch-up? Audition panels are watching closely to see if you feel the phrasing, if you move seamlessly within the counts, and—most importantly—if you know when to hold back if you’ve accidently jumped ahead too quickly.
Don’t attempt a triple pirouette if it throws you off the music and timing. A clean, perfectly timed single pirouette will impress far more than a messy triple and an unawareness of counts. Musical awareness shows you are trainable, that you understand how to work within choreography, and that you have the control to execute movement intelligently.
In an audition, don’t just think about what you’re doing—think about when and how you’re doing it. Stay on the music, respect the phrasing, and prove that you’re not just a dancer, but an artist.
9. Don’t Wait; Be On It
From the moment you step into the audition room, you need to be switched on. Don’t wait until the center to show what you can do—audition panels and the teachers are assessing you from the very first exercise.
In professional auditions, decisions are often made within the first few combinations. Teachers and directors can tell instantly from a simple plié or tendu whether you have the right technique, coordination, and understanding. So, if you’re holding back, thinking you’ll "wow" them later with your jumps or turns, you’re already at a disadvantage. Show your artistry, technical ability and attention to detail from the start.
10. What to Do and Not Do
Confidence is key, but don't let it come off as arrogance or unaware. Many dancers wonder if they should approach the panel afterward to ask for feedback. The answer? Don’t! Audition days are intense, with teachers assessing dozens—sometimes hundreds—of dancers. They don’t have the time or mental space to give you a personal evaluation on the spot. Instead, keep it simple: say thank you. A quick, polite “Thank you very much” to the panel shows professionalism and appreciation without overstepping.
While this small gesture won’t make or break your audition, it leaves a good impression. On the other hand, pushing for feedback could come across as impatient or disruptive—so don’t take that risk. Do the class, give it your all, say thank you with a lovely big smile and leave promptly.
Bonus Tip: Mindset
A strong mindset is key to surviving and thriving in the audition process. Arrive early, stay calm, and treat the audition as an opportunity to take a masterclass with amazing teachers. Don’t stress about being perfect—remember, you’re still a student. Auditions are about showing your passion for dance, your eagerness to learn, and your love for performing. With the right mindset, you’ll be able to let go of your nerves and show the audition panel the best version of yourself. Not every audition will result in an offer, but each one is a learning experience. Treat auditions like a chance to learn from great teachers and explore new environments. Apply to as many places as you can, and enjoy the journey. The more you audition, the better you’ll get.
Final Thoughts
I know audition season can be stressful, but remember, you’ve got this. Be prepared, be professional, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Trust that your hard work will pay off, and keep learning and growing as a dancer from teachers and those around you. I’m wishing you all the best of luck – go show them what you’ve got!
