Snap that picture perfect audition shot-ballet edition

According to the February issue of Dance Spirit Magazine, having a great audition photo is absolutely necessary and can make or break your placement.  The casting department will utilize these shots to remember who you were, how you moved in the audition, and your demeanor. Allison Fuller of DSM provides a great list of "to do's" for taking a self-audition photo (if you do not have professional head shots) for a summer intensive, such as SAB Summer program, or company intensives.

SAB audition- courtesy of Scott Shaw/The Plain Dealer

• Clothing: wear a clean, solid color leotard with simple, flattering lines. New, clean pink tights with no holes or stains. Clean, crisp, ballet shoes, with no ties secured.
• Hair & Makeup: Hair should be slicked back in a neat bun. No wisps or bangs. Use as many bobby pins as possible and use a hair net. Natural, simple, clean make up is bet. Do not wear stage make up, as this makeup is much heavier for stage lighting, which you will not have. You want to be recognizable as you from your audition.
• Technique: Exceptional, flawless technique should be displayed no matter what pose you are in for your shot. Be sure to show off your turn out, stretch all the way through your ankles to your feet, utilize your core muscles to show stable balance and posture. Arm and head placement is also key. In this digital age we have limitless shots. Do not stop until you have several flawless poses with perfect technique.
• Background, perspective & lighting: Do use plain, uncluttered background. There should not be any mirrors, and aim for a white wall to pose against. The busier the background-the less focus is on the dancer. Simple bright light is best, try not to add in spotlights and absolutely no photo shop or effects!!! Be sure the person capturing the photo is standing at your level, far enough to capture whole body but not to far to lose your face and other features you are marketing to the company.

Allison adds this note, " If the school or company you’re auditioning for doesn’t specify a position for your audition photo, include photos in first arabesque and tendu croisé devant as well as a headshot.  If you’re confident going beyond a standard first arabesque position, go ahead and try something a little different (in addition to the arabesque photo). Just make sure what you do is still clean and technically flawless. "

first arabesque- courtesy of dance.net

tendu croise devant- courtesy of flicker.com

Utilize these tips to take your audition shot and you are sure to be remembered in a professional light! Best of luck! Submit your stories of success with your auditions here! We love to share the great news!!

Check out Dance Spirits article here: Dance Spirit- Feb 11 Picture Perfect by Allison Feller