gendance - Q&A with Geo Hubela

I’m a dance teacher/studio owner of 23 years. Some of my students have gone onto successful dance careers. While I love competitions, they don’t really prepare dancers for auditions. I feel that I haven’t provided enough guidance for my students so that they feel empowered enough to go to the audition - or much less what the normal audition entails. The saddest part is that most of my dancers could pursue a career, but just being competition dancers hasn't given them the window of opportunities that are out there.

Heeeeeeelp!

Lisa Pilato-Fuller

This is a great topic. I’ve studied and competed with so many gifted dancers, and I can’t name many that have gone on to pursue a career. The “audition” process terrifies many dancers, so much so that they completely avoid it. An audition can be a great experience or it can knock you down. I’ve experienced both sides, and all that lies in between. It’s almost impossible to prepare a dancer for every situation that may arise. I recently attended one of the worst auditions in my 17-year career. It was rushed, unorganized and unfair. I was disappointed to see so many dancers discouraged and angry at how it was run. As dancers, we work and train so hard. All we want is a fair shot.

My point is there are just some things you can’t learn in a studio. These are things dancers learn through life experience. One very important thing I tell my students about any negative audition process is to never take it personally. You're probably just not what they were looking for that day. Remember, dance technique is very different from audition technique.

There are steps you can take as a teacher, so I will do my best to help. Make the audition process part of your class curriculum. Surprise your students and have an audition class. Teach them a combo in a short amount of time and then let them “audition” one at a time. They should always walk away from the experience learning something new about themselves as dancers and as people. Another idea is to hold an audition workshop at your studio with professionals, like GEO =)! Along with guest teachers, call some of the top dance agencies (Clear Talent Group, MSA, Bloc, etc.) and hire an agent to hold a seminar. They’ll speak about headshots, resumes, attire, audition tips, and then run a mock audition. Maybe one of your students will be discovered! You will then have provided them with an opportunity to grow and learn. You’ve already demonstrated your dedication and commitment to your students and their future. Don't question your guidance. Find ways to expose them to as much as you can. The resources are out there, and you already took the first step by contacting gendance.