Auditions are a fairly laid back process for dancers. You will NOT be asked to prepare original content.
Audition groups are self assigned by yourself based on the difficulty level you would like to participate in (beginner, intermediate, advanced). These groups audition at different times (check the events that are emailed/on Facebook). If you are unsure about your experience level, we recommend you audition for the highest level you believe you are capable of.
You will be learning prepared choreography with your audition group, and drilling it with the board members who have taught you. This is a time to let your personal style, as well as your ability to learn and memorize choreography shine! You will not be asked to do the choreography alone.
After this, your audition group will do a technique session in which you will be asked to do technical dance moves (generally ballet) and show off any unique/cool dance things you are able to do (ie. Pop-lock hip hop, tutting, whacking, flips, any specific to genre dance moves, etc.). Moves you will be asked to do with the group include things like single/double turns, c-jumps, calypsos, firebirds, and leaps based on your audition group's experience level. Don't be discouraged if you do not know how to do moves that are asked of the group, you will not be forced to attempt them, and this will not count against your audition. Every dancer that auditions is placed in a dance based on their experience level; you will not be turned down from dancing with us!
Casting is a very difficult process. All casting is done immediately after the last night of auditions. Everyone’s schedules, level of dancers, interest from dancers, dance style, and previous works all come into account for casting. The most important aspect, and most difficult to work with is scheduling. If you have a preference of genre of dance you would like to be in or have expereince in, please put this on your audition form. This does not guarantee you that genre of dance, but it will be factored in when you are cast in a dance.
You will also be asked how many dances you want to be in, please note that first time dancers are only allowed to be in one dance. Second time dancers will only be allowed to be in up to two dances. After 2 semesters in DE you are allowed to be in up to four dances. You are allowed to be in the MAX of five dances ONLY if you are involved in another organization that is performing in the DE show (ie, POM Squad or dance classes that are performing with us). You are not guaranteed the number of dances that you request to be in, however we will attempt to accommodate this to the best of our ability.
By Monday after auditions, your choreographer will email you saying you have been cast in their dance. If by Monday at 6pm you do not have an email, please email one of the board members to let us know and we will contact your choreographer for you.
It is your responsibility as a dancer to be at your weekly rehearsals. Attendance will be taken by your choreographer, and two unexcused absences by you is grounds for removal from your dance. If this is repeated behavior, this will be factored into the boards casting decisions for the amount of participation you will be allowed to have in dance ensemble. We understand that college can become hectic, and school work definitely should come first. The main thing is to keep an open line of communication with your choreographer if you feel overwhelmed or spread thin. The board is also here to facilitate any communication between any dancer and choreographer in the event of disagreement or stress.
You must go to at least two rehearsals before you are allowed to drop a dance that you are participating in. This is an unusual event to take place, however we understand that circumstances can change and this may become the best option for some dancers. Before you make this decision, please realize the inconvenience this places on the others involved in that dance including the choreographer. Sometimes things can be quickly resolved by talking to a choreographer or board member. Please note, however, that if you drop your only dance in your first or second semester you will be considered as not having participated in that semester of DE at all. This means that if you choose to audition the next semester, you will be considered a first or second time dancer again.
Costumes are a big part of dance ensemble. Your choreographer will decide on a costume for their dance and let you know in a timely manner what it is and how you are expected to acquire it. Dancers in most cases buy their own costumes. These are generally outfits like black leggings and a blue t-shirt. Choreographers must stay under a $20 limit. If this is a hard thing for you to afford personally, please let your choreographer or a board member know and we can help make sure you are able to get the costume.
First Practice:
You will be contacted by your choreographer by the Sunday after auditions. This email will contain the location and time of your weekly rehearsal. Practices begin the Sunday after auditions.
Preview Night:
Preview night is just to show what you have completed in your dance thus far. It also gives fellow dancers a preview of what to expect. This is not to be a stressful event. This event is also beneficial for you to begin to get used to dancing on the stage if this is new to you! Arrive ½ hour early, the time and date will be emailed when this event is coming up (about halfway through the semester).
Tech Week:
It is crucial that are at all tech week rehearsals early. These rehearsals are integral to how your dance will look on stage, as your choreographer will be running your blocking on stage as well as getting lights programmed with the tech crew. We will also do at least two full run throughs of the show. You are expected to be present for the entire rehearsal and treat them as real shows. If you have ANY conflicts with tech week, make the board well aware in advanced! You are expected to be at all events for the entire time. Tech week consists of tech times (lighting), followed by a run through and dress rehearsal. We try to give a night off during the week between run through and dress rehearsal, but because of calendar events, this is not always possible. We will also try our best to start every night at the same time for consistency. However, tech is an exception. Tech is an individual time for each dance in order to set up lighting. Choreographers will sign up for one-half hour time slot for each piece and let their dancers know when these times are well in advance.