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Dear John

Audition worries - Can't dance

First published 7th October 2004

Question:
I am about to start applying for a place at drama school after passing my A-Levels but am concerned about the expectations at the audition. I am progressing well with my speeches and quite confidant about my singing but am pretty hopeless when it comes to dancing. I am having lessons in jazz dance but my teacher says that I have little aptitude and two left feet.

How much importance do they place on the movement section in some of the first auditions and in most of the recalls? I don't want to be a dancer, just an actor and I am afraid that my inability to string together even an easy, short dance routine will ruin my chances.

Answer:
Yes, your inability to dance will ruin your chances... but only of winning the award for best dancer. And since that's not your career goal, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Being multi-talented is a great asset to any performer but even the best has some abilities that are stronger than others. And if we're honest most of us have a few skills that we may never develop to a professional standard.

Audition panels, whether for drama school or for professional productions, know this and will usually be looking for evidence of what you can do, not what you can't. After all, if you were already perfect at everything you wouldn't need drama school in the first place. And if acting is your thing, you should be looking for courses which focus on that element.

Whenever I'm personally involved in assessing applicants for shows or courses, willingness to learn is a big plus in my book and you've obviously got that, since you are taking classes to improve your dance skills. It is just a shame you're taking them with such a negative sounding teacher.

When it comes to a positive approach to dance or anything else, one of my first stops is always to check in with the amazing Honey Kalaria, who, besides being Britain's Bollywood dance queen, is a whizz at almost any dance style you care to mention. Katy Baugh, teacher at Honey's Dance Academy suggests that if you want to build up your dance confidence, a contemporary dance class might suit you much better than a jazz one, as it will allow you to work with whatever strengths you do have as opposed to trying to adapt your abilities to the jazz style.

Best wishes with your drama school auditions. I was about to say "best foot forward" - but that might be easier after you've done your contemporary dance classes.