Dance audition preparation requires comprehensive technique development, choreography learning skills, physical conditioning, performance quality refinement, and confident execution. Whether you are auditioning for dance companies, musical theater productions, commercial work, or performance opportunities, this comprehensive checklist covers every aspect of dance audition preparation. From six weeks before through four weeks before, three weeks before, two weeks before, one week before, three days before, day before, morning of audition, arrival at audition location, during audition technique class, learning choreography, solo performance, and after audition follow-up, this guide ensures you are fully prepared for every phase of the dance audition process.
This detailed checklist walks you through pre-audition research and assessment at multiple stages, technique class preparation, choreography learning skills, solo preparation, physical conditioning and stamina building, wardrobe selection and professional presentation, rehearsal techniques and performance refinement, audition day procedures, during-audition performance execution for all components, and post-audition follow-up activities. Each phase addresses specific dance audition preparation needs, ensuring your audition proceeds smoothly and demonstrates your best work.
The six weeks before the audition focus on comprehensive research and self-assessment. Research dance company, choreographer, and style requirements to understand what they are looking for. Review audition requirements including dance style and technique level. Review audition format including technique class, choreography, and solo.
Research choreographer previous work and movement style. Confirm audition date, time, and location with company. Review dance company repertoire and performance style. Prepare list of questions about company and audition process.
Review dance resume and update with recent training and experience. Research audition location and plan transportation route. Check parking availability and public transportation options. Assess current dance technique level and identify improvement areas. Review required dance styles and movement vocabulary. This phase establishes foundation for successful dance audition experience.
Four weeks before the audition involves intensive technique development and physical conditioning. Schedule regular technique classes in required dance styles. Work with dance teacher on technique improvement and refinement. Begin physical conditioning program to build strength and stamina.
Practice basic dance combinations in required styles. Work on flexibility and range of motion exercises. Practice learning choreography quickly and accurately. Review dance terminology and movement vocabulary.
Work on performance quality and stage presence. Practice solo piece if required for audition. Research appropriate dance attire and prepare audition outfit. Select dance shoes appropriate for required styles. Prepare backup solo piece if casting director requests different material. Technique and conditioning ensure strong foundation for audition performance.
Three weeks before the audition focuses on technique refinement and skill integration. Continue intensive technique classes and training. Work on specific technique areas that need improvement. Practice solo piece with full performance quality.
Record solo performance and review for improvement areas. Practice learning choreography from different teachers and styles. Work on maintaining performance quality while learning quickly. Practice dance warm-up routine for audition day.
Work on physical conditioning and stamina building. Test audition outfit and ensure proper fit and movement capability. Practice dance combinations in audition outfit. Review dance resume and ensure accuracy. Prepare headshot if required for audition. Refinement and integration ensure polished and confident performance.
Two weeks before the audition focuses on rehearsal and performance refinement. Schedule mock audition with dance teacher or coach. Practice full audition format including technique and choreography. Work on solo timing and pacing for required length.
Practice entering audition room and introducing yourself professionally. Prepare slate including name and solo title if required. Practice learning choreography quickly in mock audition setting. Work on maintaining energy and performance quality throughout audition.
Review audition room etiquette and professional behavior. Prepare questions to ask choreographer if opportunity arises. Test audition outfit one final time and prepare for cleaning if needed. Prepare backup audition outfit in case of wardrobe issues. Review headshot and ensure multiple copies are available if required. Print multiple copies of dance resume on quality paper. Rehearsal and refinement ensures polished and professional performance.
One week before the audition addresses final preparation and confidence building. Finalize solo performance and lock in choreography choices. Practice solo daily to maintain muscle memory. Continue technique classes and physical conditioning.
Review audition location address and confirm directions. Confirm audition time and arrival requirements. Prepare audition materials bag including resume and headshot. Test audition outfit one final time and prepare for cleaning if needed.
Review solo choreography and refresh understanding of movement. Practice dance warm-up routine daily. Work on flexibility and range of motion daily. Prepare water bottle and light snack for audition day. Review audition day schedule and plan arrival time. Practice relaxation techniques and stress management. Review positive affirmations and confidence building exercises. Final preparation ensures readiness and confidence for audition day.
Three days before the audition involves logistics and material preparation. Review solo performance one final time and make any last adjustments. Confirm transportation arrangements and backup plans. Check weather forecast and plan appropriate outerwear.
Prepare audition materials bag with all necessary items. Review audition location parking and arrival procedures. Practice solo in audition outfit to ensure comfort. Review slate and introduction one more time.
Prepare backup solo if choreographer requests different material. Review dance combinations and movement vocabulary. Plan audition day meals and hydration schedule. Verify dance shoes are in good condition and appropriate. Logistics preparation ensures smooth audition day execution.
The day before the audition focuses on rest and gentle review. Review solo performance without over-rehearsing. Do light dance warm-up and practice solo once. Do light stretching and flexibility exercises.
Prepare audition outfit and ensure it is clean and pressed. Pack audition materials bag with resume and headshot. Review audition location address and directions one final time. Confirm transportation and plan departure time.
Review solo choreography and refresh understanding of movement. Practice relaxation techniques and visualization exercises. Get adequate sleep and avoid late night activities. Review positive affirmations and confidence building. Set alarm for early departure to arrive on time. Prepare backup transportation plan in case of issues. Review audition day schedule and timeline. Rest and gentle review ensure you are fresh and ready for audition day.
The morning of the audition sets the tone for the day. Wake up early and allow time for preparation. Eat healthy breakfast to maintain energy throughout day. Do complete dance warm-up routine.
Do complete stretching and flexibility routine. Review solo one time without overthinking. Practice light dance combinations to activate muscles. Put on audition outfit and check appearance in mirror.
Review audition materials bag and verify all items are present. Review slate and introduction one final time. Practice relaxation techniques and deep breathing. Leave early to account for traffic and parking time. Bring identification if required for building access. Starting the day right ensures optimal audition performance.
Arrival at the audition location requires immediate preparation. Arrive early at audition location to find parking. Locate audition room and check in with company. Review audition room setup and available space.
Use restroom and check appearance one final time. Do light dance warm-up if space permits. Do light stretching if space permits. Practice solo mentally and review choreography choices.
Review slate and introduction quietly to yourself. Practice relaxation techniques and calm breathing. Review positive affirmations and confidence building. Prepare resume and headshot for company if required. Final preparation enables confident and professional audition performance.
During the technique class portion, focus on demonstrating strong foundation. Enter audition room with confidence and positive energy. Greet choreographer and company members professionally. Find appropriate spot in dance studio for technique class.
Listen carefully to teacher instructions and corrections. Demonstrate proper technique and alignment throughout class. Maintain energy and focus throughout entire technique class. Apply corrections quickly and demonstrate improvement.
Show performance quality even during technique exercises. Strong technique class performance demonstrates your training foundation and ability to apply corrections.
During the choreography learning portion, focus on quick learning and adaptation. Listen carefully to choreographer instructions and demonstrations. Learn choreography quickly and accurately. Ask questions if choreography is unclear.
Practice choreography with full energy and commitment. Maintain performance quality while learning quickly. Respond to choreographer feedback and make adjustments. Demonstrate ability to pick up choreography quickly. Quick learning skills demonstrate your versatility and adaptability.
During the solo portion, focus on confident and committed performance. Deliver slate clearly including name and solo title. Take moment to center yourself before beginning solo. Perform solo with full commitment and energy.
Maintain performance quality throughout entire solo. Use proper technique and alignment during solo. Demonstrate stage presence and performance quality. Respond to direction and adjustments if choreographer provides feedback. Confident solo performance demonstrates your complete capabilities.
After the audition, focus on professional follow-up and constructive reflection. Thank choreographer and company for opportunity. Exit audition room gracefully and professionally. Reflect on audition performance and note what went well.
Identify areas for improvement without being overly critical. Send thank you email to company within 24 hours. Update audition log with date, company, and performance notes. Continue practicing and preparing for future auditions. Move on to next opportunity without dwelling on results. Professional follow-up and reflection support continued growth and success.
Throughout your dance audition preparation and execution, keep these essential practices in mind:
Dance audition preparation requires comprehensive research, thorough technique development, choreography learning skills, physical conditioning, performance quality refinement, professional presentation, systematic rehearsal, confident performance execution, and professional follow-up. By following this detailed checklist, researching at six weeks, developing technique at four weeks, refining skills at three weeks, rehearsing at two weeks, finalizing preparation at one week, addressing logistics at three days, resting the day before, starting the day right in the morning, preparing upon arrival, performing confidently during all audition components, and following up professionally after audition, you will be fully prepared for dance audition success. Remember that thorough preparation enhances confidence, comprehensive technique development ensures strong foundation, choreography learning skills demonstrate versatility, physical conditioning enables endurance, performance quality showcases your capabilities, and professional follow-up maintains positive relationships and supports continued growth.
For more audition preparation resources, explore our acting audition preparation checklist, our musical theater audition preparation guide, our voice audition preparation checklist, and our college audition preparation guide.