Dance Team Tryout Tips

by Kaitlyn Winters, 8CA Staff Writer

During the spring and early summer months, dance team auditions go into full swing. Whether you are trying out for a high school, college, or professional level team, it can be extremely nerve-wracking, so here are the greatest tips I have learned through all of my successes and failures in auditions:

1: Come Prepared

Remember that every try out you attend is going to be completely different from the last, so do your research before showing up. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting into before you get there, and be positive that you are ready to commit if you do make it. Normally, dance teams/programs will have a lot of great information online, so utilize it! Watching videos of the team’s style can make you more prepared for what to expect in an audition routine, and you can also make sure it is definitely something you want to be a part of. Once you arrive at tryouts, make sure you have every single thing required, including paperwork (resume and headshot if necessary), shoes (ALL of your dance shoes, just in case), possible outfit changes, and extra makeup. I have been to auditions where they have told girls they needed to be wearing bright red lipstick halfway through the day, so I was very thankful to have brought my entire makeup bag.

2: Appearance matters

In saying appearance matters, do not take assume a dance team will ever cut you if you do not have the typical “dancer” physique or long blonde hair. However, showing up looking like a potential team member is very important, especially at the college level and above. If you are trying out for one team they might want you to come full glitz with hair teased and a rhinestoned top, while another school might ask for a full black outfit and slick hair in a bun. Be sure to look for that information in tryout packets or online before showing up. Many high school auditions are more casual and will allow t-shirts or shorts, but looking put-together and wearing something to show your beautiful lines is never a bad idea.

3: Stay organized

Many auditions span over more than one day, so staying organized and on top of everything you need is crucial. Make sure you remember what routines you need to practice and have down the night before and plan your time accordingly. If you keep your schedule organized from the beginning it will help you avoid a lot of future stress.

4: Smile

As a dancer, it is a given that you should perform and do facials while auditioning, but you can’t forget about the time in between performances. If you stand around the room giving other girls angry glares or showing frustration, you will not be approachable at all. Forming good relationships with all the dancers, coaches, and judges watching you is extremely important.

5: Be CONFIDENT

Confidence is key anytime you are dancing, so even if you walk into the room and feel like you are struggling to keep up with those around you, keep pushing and you never know what the judges will see in you. If you give up or have a bad attitude that will be the first thing people see in you. Many times, your spark and personality will make you shine even more than flawless technique or perfect memory.