Can you believe it's almost time for winter guard season to start up again? Having just returned from living in Brazil I know I am having a hard time of it! Whether you have auditioned for a dance/color guard team before or not, here is a list of advice from our staff about how to do your best at auditions:
1. Show up early!
Getting there early is helpful on a number of levels. First of all, you get to explore the place a little bit and get more comfortable with your surroundings before it starts. You can meet the instructors, judges, or anyone else who will be evaluating your audition, or any veteran members who are there early as well. It's great to also have time to do your own stretch and warm up before starting in with the group. Plus, it's the professional thing to do!
2. Relax and be yourself.
The best guard members are pretty chill on the outside, no matter how much they are freaking out on the inside. Put your own personal emotions aside and focus on showing off the best version of yourself that you can!
3. Be confident.
Even if you don't feel confident, just having a solid posture and standing toward the front of the block will make you LOOK more confident. If you look confident, people around you will think you are confident and they will treat you like a confident person, which in turn helps you FEEL more confident. This is one of the best positive feedback loops of performing!
4. Take care of your body.
Get plenty of sleep the night before and drink plenty of water for a few days before the audition. Having a properly rested and hydrated body will open you up to being able to better reach your full potential.
5. Dress appropriately.
Just like wearing business attire to a job interview or a swimsuit to the pool, make sure your clothing is appropriate for the audition. Generally, instructors like when dance and/or athletic clothing is worn with jazz shoes or sneakers. However, this can change from one guard to the next so the best thing to do is ask someone what you should wear. Often guards have pages or events on Facebook where you can connect with staff or other members who can give you more information about what to wear, the best way to have your hair, and so on.
If you know of any other tips that you would like us to include in our next audition blog, or if you have requests for another blog, just contact us through our website, shoot us a message on Facebook, or tweet us @SpintronixGuard! Break a leg this audition season... Boa sorte!!