Whether you're auditioning for an elite dancing company or a school team, certain facets of the tryouts will be the same. Dance teams are looking for the best of the best, so showing off your technique and personal style gives you the best chance of getting noticed and making the team. Before you arrive to tryouts, it's important that you read any tryout literature and announcements to ensure you're properly prepared to impress.
What Should I Expect?
When attending a dance tryout, the actual format will be dictated by the dance team or company and depend upon the type of dance you're trying out for. In general, you'll be assigned a number as you register. The number may be pinned on your outfit so that those judging the tryouts can easily identify you. Most dance tryouts will include both group and solo performances, unless you're trying for a solo slot only. An instructor may teach 16 to 32 counts of choreography to test your grasp of technique and skill.
What Are They Looking For?
The type of dancer a team is looking for depends on the type of spots available. A ballet tryout will be completely different in tone and format when compared to a drill or hip hop dance team. Brush up on your technique, since that's one of the main components of a good dancer, no matter what the type of dance. Some other components judges will be looking for include muscular endurance and conditioning, personality, and cohesiveness with the existing team or company members.
What Should I Wear?
Check with those who are running the tryout beforehand to ensure you have the right clothes for the tryout. While the dress code will vary depending upon the type of dance, you should always wear clothing that has clean lines and is form fitting. This allows the judges to clearly see your body and technique. Footwear will vary from soft shoes for ballet to bare feet or half shoes for modern damce. Sneakers may be required for drill or hip hop. In some cases, you may be required to wear a uniform, in which case it will need to be purchased beforehand.
Who Will Be There?
Auditioning in front of judges, coaches and other dancers can certainly be daunting, but knowing who you're facing can help calm your nerves before you perform. Some of the people you can expect to be present at a tryout includes the dance coach or instructor, the head or captain of a dance team, and other members of the team along with board members of the dance company, if applicable. You'll also be there with other dance hopefuls, with whom you may be required to dance during the tryouts.
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