VPA Dance Company Audition Info & Tips

Saturday, April 23, 2016 at VPA

6th-12thgraders (Teens)—1:30-3:30pm

3th-5th graders (Petites)—3:30-5pm

Registration: Audition Form due by end of March

Dancers must have achieved the following in order to be eligible to audition:
1) Attendance in current classes in good standing
2) Proper classroom etiquette in current classes
3) Proper dress code in current classes
4) Registered for one technique class by one month prior to audition
5) Invite from Directors to audition
6a) Petites must be at least 3rd grade and recommended for at least Ballet 2-3 & Jazz 2 for Fall
6b) Teens must be at least 6th grade and recommended for at least Ballet 2-3 & Jazz 2-3 for Fall

3rd-6thgraders must be registered for at least one of the following by March 23, 2016 for eligibility:

  • Jumps, Turns Technique- Wed 4:30-5:45pm
  • PrivateLessons

6th-12thgraders must be registered for at least one of the following by March 23, 2016 for eligibility:

  • BalletTechniqueInt/Adv- Mon 6:50-8:05pm
  • Jumps/Turns/Tech Int- Mon 6:25-7:25 pm

  • Ballet Technique Int/Adv- Wed 5:50-7:05pm
  • Jumps/Turns/Tech Int/Adv- Wed 7:10-8:10pm
  • Ballet Technique Int- Thurs 7:00-8:15 pm
  • PrivateLessons

You can register for any of the above classes through our office. If you need help deciding the best class to take (i.e. 6th graders), please contact Ms. Carrie via email at for guidance.

Process: The audition will begin with a traditional ballet class (barre, center, across the floor) followed by jazz combinations across the floor and center.

Petites (grades 3-5) will need to demonstrate the following in order to be accepted: Splits within 5 inches from flat (right and left); jazz pas de bourrees; alternating chasses; consistently clean single jazz pirouette (right and left); basic understanding of proper ballet alignment and technique

Teens (grades 6-12) will need to demonstrate the following in order to be accepted: Consistently clean single ballet pirouette (right and left); splits within 5 inches from flat (right and left); consistently clean grand jeté (right and left); consistently clean single jazz pirouette (right and left); consistently clean saut de chat (right and left); understanding of proper ballet alignment and technique

What to wear: solid colored leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes for ballet; black jazz shoes and add black, fittedLeggings, capris or shorts for jazz; hair in a bun

When will the results be revealed? 1 week after the audition you’ll receive an email with results.

AUDITION TIPS:

Be neat; no holes in dance clothes; hair should be neatly pulled back out of the face; shoe laces tied.

Make sure you are well rested and well nourished.

Bring water and a light snack.

Arrive early to warm up and settle in.

Always be polite and courteous. The directors may want to see if you will be easy to work with.

Approach each audition as a learning experience; turn your fear into excitement.

Treat auditions like a performance – give it your personal best.

Dance the combinations exactly as given – do not interpret or improvise unless asked to do so.

Don’t hide in the back. Dance in the front where the directors can see you.

Appear confident even if you are really nervous.

Smile and dance with enthusiasm and energy.

Cover mistakes.

Take constructive criticism graciously. It is meant to help not hinder. It means you were noticed. The
directors may want to know if you take corrections well.

Say thank you to the directors, instructors and choreographers.

If you are not chosen this season, don’t give up. It just means that you may need to work on your technique a little longer. Register for extra technique classes and be patient. You will be chosen when you are ready. You can do anything you put your mind to.

VirtuosoPerformingArts.com 847-998-9900