Is your child a natural dancer? Do they have the ability to quickly learn and perform complex dance routines they see on TV and YouTube? They may have natural talent! Dancing auditions for kids are designed to find children who can perform.
TV shows ◘ Commercials ◘ Plays ◘ Concerts ◘ Movies.
Dancing Auditions for Kids: Preparation
Before the day of the audition there are some things you can do to improve your performance and increase success.
Practice Different Techniques Regularly
Practicing doesn’t mean doing the same thing over and over again. Dancing auditions for kids require routines that incorporate many different styles of dance.
Learn about the Audition
Gather all the information about the audition you can. Here are some key things to look for that will help you prepare:
- Date, time, location…duh
- Music used for the audition
- Dress code restrictions (ballet leotard or jeans and t-shirt?)
- The production the audition is for (movie, play, commercial?)
Cross Train
You’ve probably heard the terms “cross training” or “cross fit” before. It simply means to train in other areas of fitness. For example, dancers benefit from cardio endurance. By regularly running, swimming and cycling, dancers build up their stamina. Kids do these types of exercises naturally. As a parent, it’s important you expose them to all different types of exercise, not just dance practice.
Rest Up
This is generally a good rule, but especially important when you need to focus and be at your best. Get a good night’s rest every night for the week before the audition. The body doesn’t recover from a week’s worth of exhaustion overnight.
Day of the Audition: 7 Tips
1. EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST. Having a nice healthy breakfast the morning of your audition will not only give your body energy, but gives your brain the nutrients it needs to focus, make quick decisions, and troubleshoot.
2. PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE. Your appearance at the audition is VERY important. The team holding the audition is always looking at the physique and technique of the dancers. Wear tight fit clothing that is comfortable. You want to display your physique and movements. Loose fitting clothing gets in the way of this. Don’t wear baggy clothing that hides your body (unless specifically requested).
3. FRONT OF THE GROUP. Many auditions take place in an overcrowded dance studio. Try to get to the front of the group so you can see the choreographer and learn the dance routine. You will most likely switch lines at some point, but it helps to get a clear view of the routine.
4. FOCUS ON CHOREOGRAPHY. You will be forced to learn the routine very quickly. Don’t just focus on the large blocks of movement (step, step, jump, turn, etc.). There are usually very specific, subtle movements that are intended to be part of the routine. Once you understand the foundation of the routine, pay close attention to the more detailed movements in the neck, hands, toes, and face.
5. FOCUS ON YOURSELF. When you’re in a room full of other people, there is a tendency to watch what everyone else is doing. Focus on you. Pay attention to your movements and progress. Concentrate on improving what you’re doing. Don’t compare yourself to anyone, it just opens the door for doubt and jealousy, which will dramatically decrease your performance in the dancing audition.
6. ASK QUESTIONS. Don’t be afraid to ask questions from the choreographers. Ask to switch lines if you can’t see. Even if you’re not the one asking the question, listen carefully to the answer and apply it to your performance.
7. WAIT ON THE SIDES. When you’re not dancing, wait on the sides of the room (unless specifically directed to another location). Do not wait in the back of the room.
Examples of Dancing Auditions for Kids
We’ve all become so accustomed to dancing auditions for kids like those on “America’s Got Talent” or “Little Big Shots.” But the reality is, most dancing auditions for kids are not so glamorous. Here are a few examples to give you a more realistic idea of what to expect:
