6 Things Judges Expect From You During A Dance Audition
Every judge for a pro cheer team dance audition knows that all applicants have been given a choreography with the music to practice on. It’s either because the squad managers informed them or the judges themselves are the ones who created the choreography and chose the music.
It’s important to understand that they expect you to perform the given choreography at a certain level. That level might even be on the degree of a master’s. Because of that, judges may easily notice your mistakes.
Remember, pro cheerleading is a team sport. One cheerleader who does things differently will ruin the entire squad’s performance. It’s the main reason why judges set certain criteria of attributes auditionees should have to determine if they’re pro cheerleader material.
These are the attributes you should have as a dancer that would most likely be in an audition judge’s score sheet and how you can get the best outcomes.
1. Wearing the best and appropriate attire
“Does her attire fit her well?” “Do the colors complement her complexion?” “Are her accessories too distracting?” and “Did she follow the instructions regarding the right audition attire?”
These are the questions judges ask themselves before making an initial impression of you as a dancer. It’s best to do proper research regarding pro cheer audition clothing or ask the manager of the squad you’re auditioning for. More importantly, wear the right fit.
2. Pointing your feet
Keeping your feet pointed while dancing is the most basic yet overlooked aspect when it comes to making your performance look graceful. Plenty of performers also don’t know that pointed feet are great assets in supporting one’s technique.
And during the audition, it’s the first thing judges notice when they determine if an auditionee is experienced or not.
3. Rhythm and synchronization
Your ability to move according to the beat of the music and maintain tempo are two other important criteria that will help judges see your skill level as a dancer. Because who would want to hire a performer who lags behind or moves in advance from the rest of the squad?
4. Performing cleanly
Slightly different from rhythm and synchronization, performing cleanly means dancing with the right body form, turning your body at the right speed and angle, moving your limbs and stopping at the right place, and having the right amount of bodily control to prevent extra movements.
In summary, performing cleanly means following the proper technique of your choreography’s genre.
5. High level of energy
Now that you know the basic foundations of what makes a skilled dance performer, the next thing you should focus on developing is your level of energy. Knowing how to properly execute a choreography is useless if you’ll perform it without life or easily get tired.
This is where exercise and diet come in. To be an energetic performer, you need to work out regularly and eat energy-boosting foods. Stay away from poor lifestyle choices such as eating junk, not following a healthy sleeping pattern, and being too sedentary.
6. Your ability to maintain eye contact and smile while dancing
Last but not least, smiling at the judges and maintaining eye contact with them are very important when you’re on the stage. You need to understand that pro cheerleaders mainly cheer for the fans and not for the players. And judges need to see that kind of contagious enthusiasm oozing from your gaze.
Which of these things have you not prepared yet for the auditions? List them down and make them your top priority. There are also more things you need to prepare for to be a complete packaged auditionee such as showmanship. Just do your research and we believe you’ll nail it when audition day comes.
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