Navigating Dance Careers: Auditions, Dates, and Finding "The One" šš¹
Embarking on a dance career is not unlike stepping into the world of dating. From the nerve-wracking auditions to the exhilarating highs of finding "the one," the dance industry mirrors the intricate dance of relationships.
In this blog post, Iām about to spill the tea on how dance and dating share a secret language, exploring how the journey to finding the perfect dance job is remarkably similar to the quest for love.
Auditions/Dates
Open Call Audition = The Bachelor š¹
In the realm of auditions, the open call (also referred to as a ācattle callā is akin to The Bachelor. Just as contestants vie for a coveted rose, dancers hope to secure a contract from the company. With no pre-screening, it's a numbers game, and while the company has the advantage of choice, dancers navigate the path, knowing that the odds of receiving the final roseā or a contractā are slim.
Private Audition = Bumble š¬
Contrastingly, private auditions are the dance world's equivalent of a Bumble date. By invitation only, dancers submit materials, sparking interest from the company. Much like swiping right, this mutual interest leads to a face-to-face "date" in the form of a company class. It's a chance for both parties to see if they're compatible and if the relationship can progress beyond the initial meeting.
After the initial date, you might get a callback (or a second date). Sometimes itās love at first sight, but more often than not it takes some getting to know each other. Some companies may even ask you to attend their summer intensive before taking the plunge and getting into a serious relationship!
Relationships/Careers
Freelancing = Dating Around š
For those not ready to commit, freelancing is synonymous with "dating around." By exploring different opportunities without exclusivity, dancers have the freedom to spread their wings and gain diverse experiences. While less secure, the thrill of variety keeps the dance journey exciting.
Signing a Company Contract = Dating Exclusively āļø
Deciding to sign a company contract is comparable to committing to an exclusive relationship. Both the dancer and the company agree to certain terms and commit to each other for a season.
Subtypes of Relationships/Careers
The person/job thatās right for you āright nowā š¤
This is the relationship you have where you know theyāre probably not the one but theyāre good for you right now. Along your dance career, youāre going to have jobs like this. Maybe itās not the company you see yourself with for the long term, but youāre in it for the valuable experience you need to get one step closer to āthe oneā.
The person who likes you more than you like them šāāļø
Sometimes you stay in a relationship with someone because theyāre really into you and that feels good! The downside is, you might forget to ask yourself if youāre really that into them or if itās just nice to be wanted. Same with careers - just because a company offers you a contract doesnāt mean you have to take it. Itās nice to be wanted, but make sure the feeling is mutual before you sign on!
The person you like more than they like you š āāļø
The flip side can also be true - youāre so into someone that you will do whatever it takes to win them over. They might be lukewarm about you or even totally uninterested, but you donāt care. You just keep telling yourself if you stick around long enough eventually theyāll see that you are the one theyāve been looking for. Do you really want to be in a relationship/company that doesnāt see how freaking amazing you are? Where youāre walking on eggshells because youāre sure at any moment theyāll decide youāre not good enough? Heck no.
The one š
Finding the dance job of my dreams was not unlike the feeling I had when I first started dating my now husband. There was an immediate sense that I had found āhomeā - the perfect place that would challenge me, nurture me, bring me joy, and allow me to be my truest self.
One thing I know to be true is that youāve got to put yourself out there to find āthe oneā. Iāve seen enough rom-coms to be heavily invested in the idea of a dance āmeet cuteā where a Director just happens to spot you in your weekly class at Steps and spends the next 90 minutes tracking you down because they must have you in their company.
Iāve also been in the dance world long enough to know that thereās about a 1% chance of that happening - no one is going to come banging on your door and whisk you away to your dream career. Itās time to throw on those slippers and head out to the ball. Youāre going to kiss some frogs on the way, but eventually, youāll find your Prince Charming.
Iāve been out of the dating world for a minute (as I sit here typing this, itās actually my 8th wedding anniversary!), so I reached out to a friend who is much more in tune with modern-day dating than I am to make sure I wasnāt missing anything. She said, āHave you heard about the current trend of intentional dating?ā. As someone who is constantly preaching being intentional about your dance career, my ears perked up.
In a nutshell, intentional dating is taking your time and care to find someone that matches you and your needs. This of course starts with knowing what you want out of a relationship and being authentic to yourself and your potential partners. This concept is not just for dating - this is exactly the process I share with dancers in The Intentional Career Handbook - a guide for aspiring dancers designed to give you intention and clarity in your goals as you pursue a professional dance career.
Because what better way to find the (dance career) love of your life than by pursuing exactly what you want with a clear head? You donāt have to settle, dancer - āthe one'ā is out there.
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy BallerinaĀ® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
