Filming an audition video is an important part of applying to summer ballet programs, professional ballet schools, and international competitions. It’s your opportunity to showcase not only your technique and training, but also your artistry, musicality, and dedication to ballet.
When I was a student, I filmed audition videos almost every year. Today, I continue this tradition with my wonderful students, and I’ve also gained a new perspective as someone who regularly watches audition videos myself.
That’s why I wanted to share a few tips based on my personal experience. I hope they’ll help you approach the process with greater confidence, a calmer mindset, and a little more enjoyment along the way.
- Read the Audition Requirements Carefully
This is the first and perhaps most important step! Before you start preparing for your filming session, take the time to carefully review the requirements of every academy, school, or competition you plan to apply to.
Don’t rely on information from other applicants or on requirements from previous years. Always check the institution’s official website, as the criteria can vary significantly.
To stay organized, I recommend creating a table listing your preferred academies, schools, and competitions in order of priority. Next to each one, write down the exact requirements for the audition video.
Pay particular attention to the following:
- Which combinations are required at the barre, in the centre, in allegro, and en pointe?
- What is the required video length?
- Are there any specific guidelines regarding attire, camera placement, or filming technique?
Audition videos are often around 10–15 minutes long, but this is only a general guideline. Always follow the specific requirements of the academy or school you’re applying to.
Being well organized will save you time and help you avoid overlooking any important details.
2. Don’t Rush the Process
When you want everything to be perfect from the very first take, it’s easy to become tense. You start focusing on every little mistake, and when something doesn’t go as planned, your motivation can quickly fade. Instead of concentrating on your dancing, you end up wasting energy worrying about getting everything right.
Remember, filming an audition video can take quite a bit of time!
Here are a few things I recommend:
- Get plenty of rest the day before.
- Make sure you get a good night’s sleep.
- Set aside enough time for filming so you won’t feel pressured to rush.
- Walk into the studio without expecting everything to go perfectly on the first try.
Accept that the process takes patience. It’s completely normal to repeat combinations, make adjustments, or take a short break when needed.
The more relaxed you are during filming, the easier it will be to show your true potential.
3.Review Your Combinations in Advance
Whether you’re filming with your teacher or at home with a parent, it’s important to know exactly what you’ll be performing.
Before filming day, go over all the combinations you plan to include in your video. If necessary, mark through them a few times at home to help you remember the sequence of movements.
When you’re confident with your combinations, you can focus less on remembering the steps and more on the quality of your execution, musicality, and artistry.
This preparation will help you feel more confident and allow your dancing to come through naturally on camera.
4.Remember to Take Breaks
When we want everything to be perfect, it’s easy to lose track of time and forget just how much energy each combination requires.
Don’t underestimate the effects of fatigue! As your body gets tired, your concentration can suffer, and tension can gradually build up.
That’s why it’s important to find a rhythm that allows you to maintain your energy throughout the filming session.
Here’s my advice:
- Take short breaks between combinations.
- If your schedule allows, take a slightly longer break every 30 minutes or so.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly.
- Keep your body moving gently between takes.
- Use your breaks to catch your breath, relax, and refocus before moving on to the next combination.
Remember, the goal isn’t simply to get through every exercise. It’s to show the best of what you can do.
Give yourself enough time to recover so you can approach each new combination with fresh energy and focus.
5.Most Importantly, Don’t Forget to Dance!
And here’s the piece of advice I want you to remember most. ❤️
Sometimes, when filming an audition video, we become so focused on technique, meeting the requirements, and making everything perfect that we forget the most important thing of all: to dance!
You might not be performing a variation you’re used to dancing to impress an audience. Instead, you might be doing a barre combination, a centre exercise, or an allegro sequence. But these exercises are valuable opportunities to demonstrate your training, your attention to detail, and your understanding of movement.
Pay attention not only to your steps, but also to your musicality, your focus, and your facial expression. Let your personality shine through, and show that you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing.
Don’t let the camera make you forget the joy of dancing.
At the end of the day, an audition video is about so much more than a series of exercises. It’s an opportunity to show who you are as a dancer and to let your individuality and artistry shine through.
Final Thoughts
Filming an audition video can be tiring and sometimes stressful, but with good preparation, careful organization, and the right mindset, the experience can be much more enjoyable.
Take the time to review the requirements, go over your combinations, get plenty of rest, and remember that you don’t have to get everything right on the first try.
I hope these tips help you feel more prepared, confident, and comfortable in front of the camera.
Wishing you the very best of luck with your auditions! 🩰✨
