How to present yourself and what to wear
Everyone has their style and their look. This, is great. You always want to feel that you are presenting the best of you. So how does that relate to what you should wear when you want to audition.
Let me give you an example. A simple classic leotard, (in many cases black)pink tights, shinny pink pointe shoes or ballet shoes, a French twist or classical bun, a little bit of lipstick and small discreet earrings would be what this person feels is the standard look of every classical dancer. Sort of the “Breakfast at Tiffanys “ look. Schick and elegant. It shows, you take care of your self, but you don’t over do it. It shows you are not afraid to show your physique, and are not hiding parts of the body you feel uncomfortable about. It shoes you have a professional look and are trying to make a good first impression.
Some people would say that it should not matter how you dress or look it should be about your talent. Well that is in an ideal world true , but in the real world unfortunately how you look makes a difference. Auditions are like any job interview. You would not interview for a bank job looking like a bumb. You would wear a suit because as a banker you will spend most of your time in a suit. So lets look at how we can dress to get the job in the ballet company we want without loosing who we are.
Find a leotard , that is a good colour and cut for you. Does it match your eyes, or blend with your hair or skin tone, or do you just love it. Pick that one. Find that really nice pair of pink tights that you feel you look good in. Pick your favourite ballet shoes, and make sure you have at least 2 pairs of good pointe shoes for the class and for the choreographic work that you might do after the class. With this you can’t go wrong. You could bring a skirt along to put on in the centre or after. Make sure it’s not too long. Simple is always better.
Next, I know a lot of dancers like to wear black tights. You can’t really see muscle tone in black tights but if you are too uncomfortable wearing pink tights then try to find a pair of thin black ones . The length where you cut them off is also important. it will define the shape of your lower leg, don’t cut them in the middle of the calf as it will make the calf look bigger. That’s ok, if that’s the look you're going for. Other wise I recommend cutting them just at the top of where your pointe shoe ribbons will be. So underneath the calf. Black tights will also look great with a black leotard. French twist and pink pointe shoes. This is what I’d wear if you are auditioning for any company that is Balanchine heavy in their repertoire.
If you are auditioning for a more neoclassical company I’d show the body with clean lines . Leotard, pink tights and shoes. Loose the black tights. You will have to dance in just leotard and tights when you perform so it’s best to get used to it. I would not advise wearing a skirt at the barre. I would also avoid leg warmers and big tshirts. If you feel the atmosphere is right you could put a skirt on in the center.
If you are auditioning for a more contemporary company styles are different. In some auditions tshirts, pants, or shorts and knee pads are worn but I would still go for the look that shows the most clean clear lines on the body. Dance is an aesthetic art form what ever style of dance. When one is in a company one can more or less develop ones style and take class in what ever clothes help you to feel good.
Be on time , find a spot at the barre, make sure if you have to wear a number that its put on properly and dosent fall off. Put it on well so it looks neat and clean. Don’t hide at the back of the room . No one will see you and it will seem like you are afraid and don’t want to be seen. At the same time don’t be too pushy. Just be yourself. You picked that amazing outfit your wearing which makes you feel great now just dance and show them who you are.
