Audition Advice for Dancers | Kathryn Morgan

[@meganmcgrath5971]

Just wanted to share a tip with anyone scrolling through the comments. My advice is if you are auditioning for something within a company, ALWAYS pay attention in classes beforehand. I've had an experience at an audition when the combination was taught by my primary ballet teacher. She had taught us excerpts (without telling us that they were part of the audition) that were directly from the audition dance. After those classes, I always went back and practiced those specific things she taught us, then was delightfully surprised when at the audition, she was the teacher for the combination, and it was the exact same thing we had been doing in class

[@ninkiminjaj2312]

I've got an audition on Wednesday wish me luck! And I'm so glad I found this channel! ♥♥

[@zephielovet]

Acro Umi how'd it go?

[@teenspam4384]

How’d it go

[@shippermd]

Update? :)

[@leahwilton785]

I was always told being every dance shoe you own to every audition. Just in case. You never know what they'll throw at you

[@sandrineparent9091]

Could you explain the difference of classical ballet, RAD, balanchine and vaganova? I'm trained vaganova style in my dance program and i was wondering about the differences between these styles of dance :) i'm a new follower and i've watched every single one of your videos! You are truly inspiring!!! xxx

[@gymjamtv3882]

RAD is a ballet class and examination syllabus not a style of ballet. No hate intended I just wanted to tell you so you know in the future

[@georgiacatt1979]

​@@gymjamtv3882 it's still the style that they use in the english companies though

[@laurenwunderlich4671]

You should make a video for all your different types of pointe shoes or what kinds you liked and what you didn't like about each brand. Love you videos.

[@lyricaldancer3399]

YES PLEASE I HATE THE SHOES I USE NOW

[@ichbinjomama2809]

I recommend freeds there from England I just got them and I'm way more on my box! It really depends on the type of foot and on your preferences but that's what I recommend (lol 3 years late x3)

[@lu2507]

You're so great!! Really. So generous! And you look gorgeous. You're thin, you have a great hair and you look so healthy. I'm so happy you could recover from your illness. Everything is going to be great for you :)

[@OlaDiGeronimo]

I love this video! Thank you so much Kathryn! This will help me this fall/winter for summer intensive auditions :)

[@alyssaf2745]

I have an audition tomorrow! I'm so nervous! 😵

[@KJ-yy9ob]

Alyssa F how did it go ?

[@lydiafreer7006]

OMG

[@shippermd]

How did it go? Update! :)

[@lilianaczapiewski6549]

Haha I know this is 4 years later but this was very helpful thank you ❤️❤️

[@yukjackpot1939]

Could you make a video about the differences between the styles? I didn't find an explanation on Google.

[@kathryn_morgan]

Lena Demski I will try!

[@AvalonMorley]

+Lena You should be able to learn a lot about that, doing research yourself (and don't limit yourself to the internet, as useful a resource as that is; reading and speaking to actual dancers and teachers, if you can get access to knowledgeable ones, is worthwhile). Check out the library and online sources, and you should be able to learn a lot on your own. After all, Poor Kathryn is pretty busy, and can't do everything for us! ;-)

[@sophiamiranda8187]

Helpful video

[@loveandpeace2534]

Hi Kathryn, I have been planning to audition for many different summer intensives (including SAB) but I'm not sure what the difference is in each of their styles. Could you perhaps make a video explaining the different styles (Balanchine, Vagonova) and showing them? Thank you so much!! I love watching your videos!

[@kathryn_morgan]

loveandpeace2534 Yes! I will do my best to do that! :)

[@zoeadler565]

This video is so helpful. I watched this video the day before my audition and today I received an email saying that I have been accepted! Thank you! ❤️

[@kaylashanise3031]

Hi I'm 12 and I'm Auditions for a regional ballet company and I wanted to know should I wear like very natural makeup or none thank u so much wish me luck I am auditioning for appritence oops I spelled it wrong thanks 💖

[@gracewillock9247]

I am a huge fan of yours and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all the work you put into making all these videos to help young dancers. I had my first audition for a summer course today, and the advice in this video really helped me prepare and feel confident about the audition. Thank you so much!

[@lakb45]

🤎🎭🧡Best advice I ever heard (from Julie Andrews): An amateur practices until they can do something right. A professional practices until they cannot possibly do it wrong. Best of luck all you auditioners! 🩰💐

[@mcgil8891]

Wow that's an awesome piece of advice

[@amberandronaco8435]

I have got a big audition on Wednesday and this video has helped me so much!

[@gracem.3108]

Thank you Kathryn this really helps! I have a nutcracker audition in 3 days! Wish me luck :)

[@gracem.3108]

I’m auditioning for the nutcracker again and this comment I made a year ago is making me emotional

[@avakaras1036]

This video was perfectly organized and has helped me a lot! Thank you for all of the wonderful videos! I have a question for your upcoming "Conversations with Katie". What is your favorite dance related quote, who was it written by, and why is it your favorite? Thank you!

[@sophiaguan3081]

Hi! You are such an inspirational dancer :) I was wondering if you had any tips for adagio, especially front and side extensions? That would be very helpful. Thank you!!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Sophia Guan I will be doing an extensions video, so I will answer that then. xo

[@juleskramer8994]

Do you know what style ballet Joffrey is?

[@maisie8429]

Thank you for this video I'm auditioning for a ballet role soon and I was very nervous this has helped me calm down straight away thank you!

[@shippermd]

Maisie Penteney how did you do?

[@noopy99]

Thank you Katie - it's really helpful! :) I have an audition in two weeks but I still have an injury (bursa inflammation). What should I do? I already paid a fee and I have to do the audition but I'm afraid to really mess up because my foot starts to hurt again or something like that. What's your tip how I can handle the situation when I'm auditioning? I think it's no good idea to tell them before that I'm injured, isn't it?

[@kathryn_morgan]

noopy99 Don't tell them you are injured. Not a good idea. I would just go and do the best you can. Especially since you paid the fee. Since it is inflammation, make sure you are icing regularly. Unless you are REALLY in pain, try and do everything. Because I am guessing the thing you are auditioning for is not happening the following week. So if you can get through the audition, then you will have time to heal. xo

[@MJLionnavy]

Thank you so much for this, Kathryn, I recently auditioned for a school and honestly I wouldn't have a couple things I think helped if it wasn't for you. I may or may not be selected but I feel I did and looked my best thanks to you!

[@fashion11040]

Conversation with Katie Question: 1. Could you describe what your summer intensive audition for SAB was like? 2. In your audition tips video you said you sat in on a summer intensive audition for SAB and you said they couldn't take one person. If your city is one of the earlier auditions for the summer course would you have a better chance of getting in? 3. Is it hard to change from Classical to Balanchine for most people?

[@Emmelien12345]

This is so helpful thank you!!

[@elvanderen8337]

Thank you everyone in the comments and Kathryn for this I’m going to be auditioning for a school’s sleeping beauty and I don’t dance there so I’m really nervous and It’s also my first audition so wish me luck it’s on January 11

[@madelinek4304]

Have you heard of any colleges that offer a strong ballet program?

[@Bella-ms6gm]

Julliard in New York City!

[@arielburrow9433]

UNC school of the Arts! Im late af but 😂

[@serenang3137]

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts! I'm also very late and idk if you've been to Hong Kong...but here you go :)

[@caroline1305]

Auditions for Nutcracker are next week, so excited

[@shippermd]

I am auditiong for Nutcracker this Sat, Aug 11, 2018. My 1st ever, Ballet Audition. And as a 50 yr old, returning dancer! Wish me Luck!!

[@jacquelinew.9532]

Hi Katie! You are such a wonderful mentor to all of us dancers! I love your videos and advice. I actually just did your pointe work strengthening workout. My feet thank you :) This question does not necessarily apply to this video, but I have the opportunity to take a master class with Suki Schorer on Sunday. I was just wondering if you studied under her at all during your time with SAB or NYCB?

[@kathryn_morgan]

Jacqueline Wieneke Thank you! And yes! She was one of my most regular and favorite teachers! I hope you enjoy the class!

[@juliadibella9960]

In conversations with Katie could you share your story from being a student to a professional? Thanks :)

[@IAMTheNerdHerd]

She posted a link to a podcast where she pretty much does that. It's on her channel somewhere.

[@wilhelminaindermaur3009]

These are so helpful! I can't also help but notice how gorgeous your bedroom is. Would you ever do a home decor/styling video?

[@helenchelmicka3028]

Got a big interview tomorrow, such a great vid for any of those situations! Thanks Katie loving your videos ☺

[@aba-faith6846]

I might have an audition. I'm trying out for lppacs. (Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School) I'm close to the top of the waiting list to be scheduled! I'm very excited, but I'm nervous I won't even have the chance to audition. The only way I could get one scheduled is if kids don't make it in. This video really helped. Thank you! I feel prepared if it does even happened!

[@pollysue5856]

Hi Katie! Would you maybe do a video on tour jetes i really want to improve on mine because I have to do them in shows sometimes. NYCB does Balanchine style right? (just making sure!!!)

[@lianmm19lm]

Hi Kathryn! Your videos are awesome, thank you!!! And one question: I'd love to attend the SAB winter term, but: 1. I live abroad, I'm learning English and I understand more or less your videos but my English isn't too good. 2. Is it too expensive? 3. I'm 16 and in two years I'll be going to the university 4. My technique is so bad( my flexibility, turn out, my feet is horrible I can't up on the base) 5. Do they admit video audition? Do you know if they admit to the winter term? It would be great if you can answer this. Thank you so much.

[@Averagegracie]

Great video!! Do you have any hints to not letting your nerves get to you? (Like listening to music or calling someone on the phone) I might audition for my studio and I'm super nervous! Thanks for this video, it was really helpful!

[@ezgiyarenkarademir]

Thank you so much for advices,you gave me confident and i feel better now . You are amazing ! :)

[@kathryn_morgan]

Eliza Blackiron Thank you! I am so glad this helped you!

[@littleballerina6101]

If a ballet college/school doesn’t specify black for a leotard, is it a good idea to go for a colour to get noticed? Would you go simple like navy, or bold like pink for example? Would you also recommend a hair piece such as a flower wrap for buns? Or is that childish, as I’ll be 16 when I audition later this year.

[@VVytchwood]

This was very helpful, as I am doing my first audition today! it's only for my local ballet studio, so nothing fancy. But it was still super helpful! thank you so much, Katie!

[@wendys1750]

Wish me luck pls for my audition for the nutcracker tomorrow!

[@giulia-cl1zo]

i have an audition in September for the Arabian sides...so glad that i found this since i had no idea what to do or how to get ready for it

[@nefertitijones7869]

Thank you Sooo Much! i have a audition on Saturday. ABT summer intensive I will take all if your advice, i love your channel so much.

[@nefertitijones7869]

I ment of not if srroy typo

[@HeatherWarning]

Hi, I love your video! Thank you for sharing these tips! I was wondering if you could share a day of healthy meals which help dancers go through the day? Thank you :)

[@No0a3]

hey loved the video :) i wanted to ask if you think that dancers with hyperextended legs should stand with the heels apart in first position, i am hyperextended and i was told to stand with the heels together what doesn't allow me to straight my legs and my thighs got really bulky muscels.

[@ceciliadepauladias]

Thank u very much this video was exactly what I needed today

[@hannahmorgan7213]

I have an audition today and this is very helpful.

[@kathrynkohen3766]

How would you suggest learning about different styles of dance if you are in an area where it's hard to get training outside of your home studio? Thank you so much this was a wonderful video

[@amethystrose16]

Conversations with Katie question! This year I am getting the opportunity to take more classes because I expressed to my teachers I am interested in a professional dance career. My teachers told me while I have potential for a career, it won't be with a top tier company because of my current age and level of technique. So, my question is, how do I go about researching ballet companies that would be realistic for me to audition for in the future?

[@hay_bail1]

If the teacher says a group thank you to the 30 people and then ends class, do you come up to say thank you separately or is the one big thank you polite?

[@shaking8642]

Haley A I always do a quick separate thank you (curtsy too)

[@SandyMayasDance]

Great advice! Thanks for sharing

[@scarlettswallow9897]

I want to audition RAD sooo much

[@sloanmelchiorre2322]

My auditions are Tuesday!!! I’m auditioning for the rwb summer intensive

[@Balletlove282]

I have a horrible extension to second position. Especially my left side which cannot get to 90 degrees. Do you have any exercises to get my leg higher to hold it there? The flexibility isn't much of a problem, its the strength.

[@mariaiavrian7724]

If I’m a vaganova dancer auditioning for Sab summer intensive do you recommend me doing more Balanchine technique rather than Russian at the audition?? Please answer

[@m-4954]

Hi Kathryn! Audition season is right around the corner and I would really like to go to SAB's summer course this year. I was wondering if you had any tips or if they look for something specific?

[@thefreedomfairy]

Katie I want to know what your cross training routine consists of and how often you do it. Thanks :)

[@keletubbyn3948]

First of all, thank you for all your videos, they've helped me a lot! Do you think it's possible to continue dancing ballet into your twenties, but just as a hobby, not as a profession?

[@kathryn_morgan]

Space For Kelly Absolutely! Do it because you love it! xo

[@expateventing]

thanks so much, just moved to nyc to study musical theatre!

[@annabellevickery3458]

This isn't necessarily related to this video, but I wondered - is it possible to get into a ballet or contemporary company if you haven't done much pas de deux before? And do you do pas de deux in auditions? Thank you for your helpful videos!

[@EmilyTabascoVlogs]

Thank you for this video, it really helped! I'm a leftie in dance and most dances are choreographed on the right, what if I'm not as good as I could be since the dance would be on the right? Thank you

[@jellybean9382]

I have exactly the same problem. Try to work on your right side from now on until both sides are equally as good

[@Balletlove282]

I was wondering, when do you know when your ready for company auditions? And can someone who is on their late 20's audition?

[@2snowgirl520]

Questions for Katie, in a company like NYC Ballet, are you advised to use specific makeup styles and or colors for certain ballets? Do they have a makeup artist at NYC Ballet? And also hair styles, is there certain styles for certain ballets?

[@nadiamazonson5182]

i'm auditioning for the Joffrey Chicago SI and i'm so nervous!

[@awesomedancer1016]

how long have you been dancing

[@zoesakellariou6021]

What do ballerinas do if they retire at their mid 30's??Is it possible that they will find a regular job related to dance?

[@Liz-wy5sm]

for summer intensives, can you wear a black leotard with a design on the back?

[@Balletlove282]

I will be moving to NYC to continue my dance training. I'm from a very small town where we only have one stoplight in the whole town. Can you give me any tips for living in NYC? I'm Also afraid of getting lost because I don't have very good sense of direction

[@shantellcruz8794]

HI, I know you said we should say "Thank you" after an audition but should we shake their hands? or does that go along with the whole "don't be obnoxious" thing?

[@kieramcmillan1492]

I have a audition for a pantomime show! im so nervous, on the email it said we don't need jazz/ballet shows but you can bring them if you want and they said don't go out to buy them just for a 4 hour audition. 💗

[@marianaipiranga4846]

Hi, i would like to know if the teachers in big ballet schools, or in the auditions mind if you bring your bottle of water during class/audition. In my current ballet school, my teacher only let us drink water during a break from barre to center. Can I drink water at any time in a audition or not at all?

[@mlbdg4694]

It depends on what audition your going to but ALWAYS bring a water bottle, also since auditions usually have one dancer go at a time when its not your turn you can drink water. They kinda have to let you drink water though since auditions tend to last for 2-5 hours

[@SophBell10]

what if you have to send in a video audition will they think of you differently because i want to audition for the Houston ballet summer course but i cannot make any of the auditions and i don't know if the dvd/video would be any good for me

[@kayleejenkins2166]

Can you do a video about traveling for summer coarse auditions? I normally have to travel to other places to audition for places and I often get nervous traveling there. Any advice? Love your channel!

[@miranda5398]

Help! I will go to the entrance examinations of the ballettakademie in munich (in 1 month). A year ago I was there and there I was told my turnout and my feet are not good enough. At this time I had no idea of ballet. Since then I have 6 times in the week training and private lessons with a professional dancer from the Bavarian State Ballet. He said to me I have all the requirements and I am talented. Now I wanted to try it again in january at the ballettakademie. My question is whether in the grand plie my hip has to be rotated 180 degrees and when I lie on the back and do the frog have my knees to be on the floor? If I make the frog and someone push me down, my knees come to the floor, but if I do it alone, I am missing about 5 cm. Am I not accepted then? My feet make a line with my lower leg. Is that right?

[@rachelrios8666]

If I am not en pointe yet and am auditioning for a summer program, should I still bring pointe shoes? The Ballet Academy I am auditioning for does not require that you be en pointe to be eligible for the program.

[@ballerinabanter9166]

Rachel Rios i would suggest that you not take pointe shoes with you because if you aren’t en pointe you could risk hurting yourself very badly using pointe shoes for the first time( especially by yourself ) and plus you don’t want to lie to the inspectors!😬 ‘its okay that your not en pointe yet:) don’t worry about it, just show them what you can do on flat, its totally okay! People have different times that they are ready for pointe shoes! Im sure your not far from getting there! Good luck!!

[@rachelrios8666]

@@ballerinabanter9166 Ok thank you.

[@unstablespinach]

If you have a pair that you can bring (but if you’re not en pointe you prolly shouldn’t) don’t go out of your way to bring them

[@ballerinabanter9166]

Rachel Rios, No prob!!

[@elisacanovas4566]

Hey Kathryn, I'm going to audition for SAB summer intensive through video application and i have a question: Should I wear my school uniform even though the leotard isn't black (It's light blue)? Thank you. PS: I love your videos they're so helpful :)

[@julianayu2149]

I know you weren't asking me, but I would go with a black leotard just to be safe.

[@AvalonMorley]

+elisa canovas Make sure to check whether SAB (or any school/entity for which you're auditioning) gives any indications of what they'd prefer. If you have contact information, you could even email to ask. If they don't express any preference, you'll probably be fine with either blue or black, as long as it's a simple leotard, together with pink tights, that allows them to see your physique and movements clearly.

[@shippermd]

Update, how did it go? :)

[@averieslamon7425]

Im auditioning for the competion team at my studio this june

[@DanceDuo1727]

My question is: How do you learn to turn on new pointe shoes because I am always too scared to turn on them?

[@lynseywinter3211]

i have auditions this Sunday! any tips???

[@Dancedivaz123]

Hi, I was wondering would the SI or school your auditing for get annoyed with you is you asked them things to work on after words? Would just like to know for the future.(I have never done this)

[@AzAries]

If I don't get the part would it be appropriate to ask if there are specific things they think I should work on?

[@aliceisirked]

This was awesome. I'm doing an audition for vcass (Victorian college of the arts secondary school) and I'm trying out for dance. It's towards the end of the year but I'm still really nervous

[@shippermd]

Alice the magical dancer how did it go?

[@gabriellejackson13]

Is smiling during work/dancing in the center appropriate at auditions? or just keep a pleasant look on your face the whole time?

[@charlottesinclair9354]

This is kinda late but I would change expressions to suit the music, so if it is slower you would have a pleasant expression and if it faster and brighter you might have more of and smile.

[@vianettearenal]

Hey, do you know the type of dance of Miami City Ballet?

[@clairehogan4027]

vianette arenal they are a balanchine style school :)

[@Balletlove282]

I was also wondering, a lot of times when I take class with certain teachers at my studio I don't get any corrections and it feels like the teacher doesn't even notice me. I work my hardest, show up for class on time, follow the dress code, and I pay attention as best I can. Is there maybe a reason I'm not getting any feed back? Is this a bad thing? I don't want to go up to my teacher and ask for corrections in class because that just seems like I'm asking for attention.

[@wilsoniiiobuyes1498]

im auditioning this 25fth this nov. and i have no streching practice because this is an on the spot. what would i do?

[@gilayahmcintosh8766]

I am Auditioning for a summer intensive but my teacher hasn't told me that I am ready for pointe but one of the types of dance we are doing is pointe what should I do

[@missmr4859]

I also had that problem... Just go in the audition on flat, and talk to your teacher(s) about what you can do to progress sooner. I'm sure that you'll get them soon

[@katelivestodance3239]

If you are not on Pointe you are not ready for a summer course. It's that simple. Pointe is one of the main focuses of study at intensives.

[@katierez.0716]

I’ve got an audition for nutcracker tomorrow hopefully it goes well🤗

[@mcgil8891]

How did it go?

[@kianaaguirre8813]

does anyone know what style miami city ballet teaches?

[@kianaaguirre8813]

+Love thank you so much💓

[@toridanko2361]

Can you make a vid on how not to ballet vs. how to ballet???

[@lizzieabelson4857]

Does anyone know what style Ballet Austin, Rock School, and Joffrey study? I'm auditioning but I study Vaganova and I don't want to seem like I don't know what I'm doing in Balanchine if that's the style they do...

[@chana3817]

Joffrey Chicago is Vaganova

[@keegandaley8173]

+Elizabeth Anne Ballet Austin is mostly a Balanchine based school

[@hannahmckelvey1767]

I have noticed that at big companies, looking at the dancers' bios that they all went to big summer courses. I have only been to 2 (I am 17) and neither of them were big school. Will this effect my chances of getting into a big company like PNB?

[@kathryn_morgan]

Hannah McKelvey No. Summer intensives are just good for resumes and training. Companies do not care where you studied in the summer as long as you have good enough technique. :)

[@dreambe11]

my questions is: when is too late to become a ballet dancer?

[@rylinnkubota7343]

I'm auditioning soon for a few summer intensives and my little toe is injured. What should I do?

[@cheesecrackers4031]

+Rylinn Kubota I would try and take care for it.. Rest it. :)

[@aliyahgaines5733]

I love your videos!

[@paige-xs4if]

Is it easy to audition

[@faithmarshall6586]

8:15 lol thank you so much kath!

[@sophiam2762]

I have an audition tommorow 😬. I’m soooo scared

[@abbeyelise5541]

I'm auditioning for a summer program in a few days. I just got new pointe shoes and I'm not used to them yet, what should I do? Should I use my old shoes or the new ones?

[@quetzalcoatltopiltzin2423]

Use the new pointe shoes at school/home, if you realize they doesn't work perfectly, take the old ones! It's my opinion.

[@shippermd]

I would use the old ones if you can. Unless you can break in the new ones fast enough. But even then, I would use my old shoes for comfort and predictability of them.

[@shippermd]

How did you do, btw? :)

[@BoglimWrangler666]

My city’s big ballet company WILL NOT allow anyone under 5’4 to even audition!!! It’s crazy!! Maybe I’ll get in just because I’m 5’7 lol