Dance Auditioning Workshop with Kirsten Ho

Last month, over a dozen dancers gathered in our YAF studio, eager to learn from professional dancer, choreographer and founder of DANCE Kho, Kisten Ho.

Drawing from her experiences in New York, London and Hong Kong, Kirsten ran a very informative session all about professional dance auditions, sharing her tips and advice along the way. At the end of the session, our YAF participants even got a taste of what a Broadway dance audition is like!

“It was an eye-opener to the real world of dance auditioning. I  learnt a lot about how to write our dance resumes and how to place yourself in the most beneficial position and condition in an audition. I now feel less nervous and more comfortable going to an audition. I’m really glad that I went to the dance auditioning workshop! Thank you, HKYAF!”

Some tips from the evening workshop:

1. Be early to an audition. You want to be seen first. Survey the room (check out your competition!), pick a prime spot and warm-up.
2. Know what you are auditioning for, know who is on the panel (greet subtly upon entering the room with a nod or smile) and dress the part. Consider wearing something distinct (i.e. the girl in pink socks, the boy with the striped t-shirt).
3. Try not to go to the bathroom. If you leave your spot, someone will take it! During breaks, if a director doesn’t see you, they may think you’ve left.
4. Don’t come hungry. Pack food (nuts, bananas, apple, yoghurt) and water in your bag, you never know how long an audition will last.
5. Pack all the gear you need. Dancers auditioning for Broadway/West End will have heels, jazz shoes, ballet shoes, pointe shoes, tights, skirts, knee pads and hats all in their bag!
6. Prepare your CV – everything should fit on one page. Don’t make it too stylized. If you cut or change your hair, be sure to update your photograph. List your professional performing experiences and companies you’ve worked with, starting with your most recent jobs first.
7. Know how you learn and perform under pressure. If you are the type to learn fast and not make mistakes, stand in the middle, front row. If you take a bit longer to learn, stand in the second row so that by the time you alternate to the front, you know it.
8. Try not to stand near a friend. Don’t get distracted. You are there to prove yourself and to get yourself a job, not to get one for both of you.
9. Dance auditions are difficult – you need to be able to show your personality and style, but at the same time, be a blank canvas such that directors/choreographers can see their moves on you.
10. Be prepared to be asked to improvise – this is your chance to show-off!
11. You will most likely be asked to demonstrate turns, kicks, jumps, splits on the right side (sorry lefty’s!)
12. Lastly, walk into the room with the mentality ‘I WILL GET THE JOB!’ Otherwise… why are you there…??

Being a dancer is an extraordinary career. But you really have to be passionate about it. You have to be prepared to get rejected. It takes dancers on average two years to find a job (not including short gigs)! But remember, if you don’t get the part, it is might not be because you aren’t a good dancer, it could be because you aren’t right for the part. Things you will need to think about: how to earn a living, how to keep your stamina and flexibility (keep taking lots of dance classes), how and from whom to get emotional support…

A great big thank you to Kirsten for running the workshop. And a huge BREAK A LEG to all those who will be going to dance auditions soon!

“The workshop was very practical! Kirsten covered all the key areas — she clearly knows what auditioners are looking for. She was thorough and not afraid to be super honest about her tips on how to nail an audition. I found it particularly useful to learn about the differences between the scene in the UK and New York, and to hear from her first-hand experiences on how to handle the challenges. “

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