Beforehand: For the most part, rest and relax! However, make sure you are stretched before you go to the audition. In most cases you will have time to warm up when you get there (before the audition starts), but it is best to be more or less ready to roll when you arrive. Today of all days is whe you should stretch smart: start slowly to loosen up, then do more advanced stretches for your extension. Do a light, basic barre and a few releves in the center before you leave, just to set you on your center. Keep in mind that a long drive to the audition site will let you "cool up" a bit anyway, but at least you will have a "head start" when you go to warm up at the audition.
Upon Arrival: You may have to register when you get there, so know all of this ahead of time. Set youself up so that you can ahve time to register and finish warming up. Whatever you do, don't be late! Arrive early to auditions, always (just not too early!)
Appearance: Follow the audition dress code. If there isn't one, wear your nicest black leotard and pink tights (if you're a girl) or white leotard and black tights (if you're a guy). Make sure that your tights are clean, with no runs and no holes. If you're a girl, wear you tights under your leotard for an audition, and don't rull your tights up to your calf. It may be comfortable any other time, but it's not a good idea for auditions. Try and clean up your ballet slippers and pointe shoes before you go, or, if you can, keep an extra pair of clean shoes handy for when you go to auditions (just make sure your pointe shoes are comfortably broken in-- stiff shoes aren't cool at auditions!)
The actual audition: Keep a positive attitude throughout. Keep telling yourself "I can do this." Do your best- but don't overdo it. Auditions aren't the time to try things a different way. Remember to follow instructions-- if they ask for a single pirouettes, don't do a double. Try to keep them wondering a little bit, rather than showing the limits of your abilities. And all in all, have fun!
((Special thanks to Dance Spirit Magazine for providing some of the information in this article))
