We’ve had an unbelievably successful year for our elite Hip Hop crews and Eisteddfod troupes in 2018. Across the board, from performances to competitions, we’ve seen incredible sportsmanship and individual improvement in all our students.
Now the time has come to reassess for the upcoming 2019 program. And that means it’s time for auditions!
We’ve endeavoured to answer some of your most pressing questions to help ease your mind at this exciting and nervous time.
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“How can my child and I prepare for the audition?”
Auditions will be most comfortable for those who attend as many classes as possible. This will help your child be well-balanced in their technique, be exposed to different teaching styles, and gain more confidence with the moves they may need to learn and reproduce.
Make sure they get a good night’s rest and have a healthy breakfast the morning of the big day. You want to be refreshed and full of energy when you’re showing off your best moves!
Auditions are just as much for them as they are for us — let your child know that they should get to know the other students and leaders and put their best foot forward. Attitude is a huge part of making it into the elite program – they should be friendly, focussed, hardworking, and respectful. The way they treat others from the second they walk into DC reflects on their character and how they will fit into the culture of the Elite program.
The panel will want to know why your child is interested in joining a crew or troupe. Consider your individual reasons for wanting to take your commitment to dance to the next level.
Trust that we will make the best decision for you. We base this on a holistic view of whether the elite program is the right fit. Whether your child gets in the group they wanted or gets advice on how to be more prepared for the following year, remember this is just the start of the journey. There are plenty of opportunities both at DC and in other areas of their life to grow as a dancer and come back better than ever!
Most of all, remind them to have fun and enjoy themselves!
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What are you looking for when you audition?
By far, what stands out to the leaders and Director the most is a great, positive, hardworking attitude. The student that doesn’t give up if they make a mistake, takes corrections onboard as they go, and gives 110% of their energy? So shiny.
We’re not looking just for the best dancer in the room but for the student who we know will learn and grow throughout the year, and the mindset they bring is a huge part of that.
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What can my child and I expect from the audition day? What is the process like?
On the day, auditionees will arrive at DC and meet their peers and leaders. Each student is given an identifying number and taken through a warm up to get comfortable in the performance space.
After this, the group will be taught a small amount of choreography around the key styles of the program they have chosen to audition for. Students are expected to pick up on and be able to recreate the choreography they are taught.
They will then perform several times as part of a smaller group, so each student can have their chance to be assessed by the panel of leaders and the Director, who will be watching throughout the process. There may also be an opportunity for students to show off some freestyle self-choreographed moves.
Finally, they will be individually asked a few short questions by the panel about their passion for dance and why they want to be a part of the Dance Central Elite program.
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Why so formal? Are auditions really necessary? They’re just kids!
Auditions put the power in the kids’ hands and provide them with an opportunity to put their hand up and say I want to do this!
When I was a child, and in many other dance schools, entrance into the Elite programs was based on selection criteria. If you were never selected, you never got the opportunity. By holding open auditions, we include everyone from the experienced elite students to those coming to the school for the first time.
The professional format prepares our students for the real industry by building their experience and confidence. Imagine auditioning with the likes of Janet Jackson and Beyoncé in the room! The audition is a step up from standard classes which sets the tone for taking your dancing to the next level in the Elite program, where students perform and compete to large crowds.
Our dancers who have moved on to professional dance careers always thank us for the experience because they feel so much more comfortable and at ease with the process and the nerves, especially once the stakes are even higher!
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What if they don’t make the cut? Can they audition again next year?
Absolutely! We give lots of feedback on where each student flourished, and where they need to put in some more work. While it’s understandably disappointing when they don’t make it, it’s important to remember that the program is competitive for a reason. Being in an Elite program is a lot of hard work and we want all our participating students to be as prepared as they can be to make it a positive experience for them. We highly encourage those who are unsuccessful to try again next year.
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Are auditions open to those outside Dance Central?
We have a lot of interest in the Elite program right here under our roof, but also from outside of DC! We welcome all to come and see what our hardworking, inclusive, buzzing-with-positive-energy studios are all about and to join us!
If you know of someone who would be interested in the auditions, please pass them our email so they can get in touch!
Best of luck to those auditioning in the coming days!
