Audition Season Tips from Elle Macy, PNB Principal Dancer
’Tis the season for holiday cheer! And also, ’tis the season for pre-audition jitters… Never fear! I am here to be your audition season guide and, hopefully, alleviate some of those inevitable (and pesky) nerves.
Elle Macy at PNB Summer Course in 2011, photo © Angela Sterling.
Nerves also mean you’re excited!
This is something I still remind myself whenever I am gearing up for a big event (of any kind). That jittery feeling is your mind and body preparing you for what’s ahead. When we are anxious or nervous about something, our nervous system goes into fight or flight mode — which can feel bad sometimes, but actually has some good qualities. Think about the anticipation you feel before a holiday or a birthday. Are you nervous, or excited? The sensations in our bodies are actually pretty similar, even if the thoughts behind them differ. If we allow our thoughts to spiral and fixate on every worst-case scenario, we are not being fair to ourselves.
We have worked too hard to undermine these moments.
Remember that your audition nerves are a sign that you deeply care. And the things we care about most are usually the things we have poured the most effort into. It can be grounding to remind yourself that you’ve worked hard for this audition and that you can trust yourself and your preparation.
At PNB, there is a poster in the physical therapy room that reads: “What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?”
When you think about it, the likelihood of the worst-case scenario and the best-case scenario is exactly the same because neither has happened yet. Remembering this idea helps me regain a balanced outlook. Ultimately, we tend to believe that our worries are preparing us for the very worst, but I’m not quite sure this works in practice. And even if it did work some of the time, wouldn’t it be nicer to spend less of our lives worrying? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t claim to have this mindset figured out, but on the days I can quiet my mind and lean into trust — gosh, I feel better.
Positive self-talk is key.
The way that we talk to ourselves often translates into our dancing — especially if you’re someone like me, who is often told that I wear my heart on my sleeve. Our inner dialogue becomes our outer energy.
And remember, your auditioners are people, and were likely dancers once, too. They understand the pressure you’re under, and they genuinely want to see you.
No need to reinvent the wheel on audition day.
Treat it like any other day! Eat your usual breakfast. Wear the leotard in your weekly rotation that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Listen to your favorite song (on repeat if you have to). Keeping the routine familiar can help you stay grounded.
Do a little research!
I remember finding it really enlightening to look at the current students and company of the program I was auditioning for. I would try to imagine myself in the different settings and see whether I could picture myself thriving or being challenged there.
When I was auditioning for summer intensives, I remember watching all of the YouTube videos I could find, trying to understand what each institution valued in a dancer… Was it musicality? A certain technique? Then, in the classes leading up to my audition, I’d experiment with embodying and emulating those qualities.
If/when rejection strikes.
My hope and wish is that none of us would ever have to face rejection. However, unfortunately, this will affect everyone at one point in time or another. When faced with a rejection, it is difficult not to let these feelings get tied up with our self-worth. But, there are many outside factors that we are not privy to when auditioning.
To try again after rejection is a beautiful showcase of resilience that will serve you long after audition season. Remember, a “no” is simply a redirection, and what is meant to be will be.
Just be you.
Your auditioner is not looking for a finished product — and they are certainly not expecting perfection. They are looking for someone open and willing to try new things and improve, because that’s exactly what attending a summer course is all about. So let your love of dance shine through!
Good luck this audition season! I believe in you!
