Every single week (if I’m being honest, almost every day), I’m connecting with clients who are going through the audition process. The dancers I work with are at every stage in their careers. I’m working with 17-year-olds going through it for the first time, dancers in their mid-20s trying to transition to a new company or a better-paying company, and even seasoned pros at the top of their careers looking for a more supportive environment to work in.
There’s certainly some variation in the different stages of life and career, but there’s also a big constant: the audition process sucks. It’s long, it’s stressful, and it’s full of uncertainty. This process leaves you questioning your body, your ability, your potential, and just about every decision you’ve made in your life.
So, there’s a mantra I share with my coaching clients that I’d like to share with you too…
May it be this or something better
The dancers who get through audition season without it destroying them develop the belief that they’ll find a path forward. They might not know exactly what the path looks like, and it might be different from what they’ve been envisioning for years, but they see a way to keep going.
With each audition experience, say to yourself: May it be this or something better. This allows for a couple of important things. It allows you to imagine that perhaps even if you’ve dreamed of some “ideal” scenario, you might not actually know right now what the best outcome is for you. When you approach a time of uncertainty with a belief that you’ll create something amazing with whatever comes your way, that’s an empowered approach.
Take your power back
The lack of control and the seemingly split-second decisions artistic directors are making in the audition process can leave you feeling very disempowered. Piles of rejection emails and in-person auditions where 200 people show up doesn’t make you feel like you’re valued or worthy.
This is where the power of your mindset and self-belief are essential. Not every audition class is going to be perfect, and you definitely won’t be selected to be talked to after every audition experience. There are going to be lots of rejections. One of my clients was recently feeling discouraged after only receiving rejections so far. So, I asked her how many she had received. She said, “Five.”
I acknowledged her feelings, but then I told her that it’s much more reasonable to expect 20, 30, or more rejections before getting to your YES (and you only need one yes). Preparing for the reality of the process is going to allow you to keep a more level head.
With each no and every rejection, you want to remember that there’s always a path forward. What’s your inspired backup plan? Come back to your value, your intrinsic worth, and your potential. If this audition season doesn’t go as you’d hoped, how will you continue to pursue dance? It’s up to you when you stop, and there is always a way to keep going if you want to.
Your “something better” may be unconventional
You might not end up in a trainee program or full-time company contract. Maybe you’re going to find ways to support yourself financially, find an incredible teacher to train with 1:1, and invest in audition coaching so you can go into a new audition season with more energy, resilience, technical skill, artistic prowess, and self-belief. These things will all support you to make it to the next level in your career and dance journey.
Whenever the thoughts of doubt and concern come up when you’re in the audition room, continue to affirm: May it be this or something better. Then trust that your something better will come; it might just look a bit different from how you imagined.
If you’re struggling to find a positive mindset or an empowered path forward, reach out! The coaching I offer is holistic. It’s not just about food and your body. When I support dancers, they’re often in need of a shift in how they approach their lives and careers. If you’re ready to explore the power of support on your dance journey, book your complimentary coaching consultation today!
