It's Just an Audition.

Years ago, my friend and I decided to put ourselves out there. We went for any and every dance audition we could attend, together. From auditions for school projects, to theater plays like 'In The Heights', shows like 'Michael Jackson One', and the popular 'Sesame Street', among others. It didn't bother us that one gig could have us dancing with the greats, while another, in costumed characters entertaining kids. We were dedicated to the art and were ready for whatever the industry threw at us. We made it through a couple of them, and treated the rest as free dance classes ( read as, we got cut). Let's call it exposure? Auditions are so intimidating, but its of great comfort to have someone share in these experiences. The good, the bad, the laughable.

My most recent audition was quite the experience. We learnt a Hip Hop routine that was so fast, I truly wondered if I could pick it up. It had been a while since I took a Hip Hop dance class, let alone an advanced pace one... it was taking everything in me to keep up. "We need to lock in!" is what I kept whispering to myself as I learnt the choreography. When we got to the thick of it and things began to seem like they could go any which way, my internal dialogue quickly changed to, "Just have fun, and give it your best. That's all that matters." Dancer friends I pushed myself so much that I was sweating buckets, and in places I didn't imagine I could sweat! Before I knew it, it was time to do the actual audition. Tell me why, as soon as the camera came on, the routine I had worked so hard to retain suddenly felt foreign to me?! It was humorously embarassing because I did know the routine like the back of my hand, but my mind was playing tricks on me. Because how do I explain this unfamiliarity, when I was busy helping other dancers remember the choreography just a few minutes before I got called in to audition? Can the helper help herself, please!

I wonder if audition anxiety is overcome-able . I have been dancing for more than 10 years now, I have been to numerous auditions, and yet, I still feel it all. Maybe it's just something we simply come to accept, to embrace, and even work with. Acting like it's not a big deal is a trick that has helped me in the past. Another trick that has worked for me is internally setting a personal goal. Like focusing on simply picking up the routine, or challenging myself to stand at the front, or staying through the entire audition process, regardless of what happens in between. The focus then shifts from managing the anxiety within, to accomplishing the set goal. Such a game changer! What has your audition experience been? Do you enjoy the adrenaline that comes with it? Does it make a significant difference if you have company? Let me know that I am not the only one whose nervous system gets convinced that it's being chased by a lion, when it's just an audition...and for those who thrive under these intimidating experiences, must be nice! Let us in on your secrets, por favor!

Keep creating & sharing!

~your dancer friend