Auditions Tips for Dancers

How many youth dancers are you recruiting for Standard Chartered Arts in the Park 2021 (AIP)?
This year, we’re looking for 50 to 60 youth dancers. 

Who’s in the auditioning panel for AIP?
Professional choreographers Emily Lu and Ronny Wong will be on the panel. Malvina Tam will also join Emily and Ronny as choreographers for AIP. 

What’s the audition process like? 
We start with a 10-minute group warm up. Then we will spend 45 minutes teaching you a short dance sequence and perform it in front of the panel. You will also work on short devising exercises and develop a short choreography to showcase your talents and creativity. 

What qualities do you seek in your dancers?
Emily: I usually look for dancers who have a good feel for the music, a strong ability to take direction and a lot of enthusiasm. Energy is a must!

Malvina: Open-minded dancers with great team spirit and communication skills who can step out of their comfort zones to try new ideas. 

Malvina Tam

Ronny: Body coordination and strong dance technique are very important. Having an open mind and body are also a plus.

Tell us about the most unforgettable auditioning experience you’ve had as a dancer.
Emily: I still vividly remember my first audition with HKYAF! I was auditioning for Godspell at the time and was definitely very nervous before I went in. However, the HKYAF team and the rest of the auditionees were all incredibly welcoming, which made me feel comfortable in the space and allowed me to do my best!

Malvina: I once went to an open audition held by Hofesh Shechter Company in Lyon, France. It was incredible to see over 500 amazing dancers competing for their dream together.  I wasn't too nervous but I was keen to take part.  It was also an eye-opening experience travelling alone in a foreign country, communicating in a foreign language and being a minority in a community. I was only 20 years old but I still remember all the anxiety and excitement. It was a great experience!

Ronny: My unforgettable auditioning experience was auditioning for Lea Anderson’s contemporary dance company The Featherstonehaughs in the UK. The audition lasted for a week before I was shortlisted for the next round. The next round lasted for four weeks where I worked with other dancers and Lea before I was selected to join the company. The Featherstonehaughs is my favourite dance company to work with. 

Ronny Wong

What do you do to destress before an audition?

Emily: You always want to be as prepared as you can before you enter the audition space. This may mean familiarising yourself with the environment, or perhaps with the people around you, whatever works best specifically for you! For the extroverts, get to know another auditionee – it always feels nice knowing someone else you're sharing the space with. For my introverts, put your earphones on, warm up and get in the zone. But no matter what kind of person you are, always get there early!

Malvina: I like to warm up properly to find my grounding and breathing. I also remind myself to enjoy the experience no matter what is happening in the audition.

Ronny: Normally, I like to arrive early to familiarise myself with the audition environment and observe the people while I do a full warm up. 

What would you say to the dancers ahead of the audition?

Emily Lu

Emily: I'm so excited to meet you all! Bring lots of energy and your best smile. But most importantly, don't forget to have fun!

Malvina: Enjoy! Be playful and be yourself. 

Ronny: Be very honest with your body and movement. All you have to do is to try your best.