Audition Advice from Three Top Summer Intensive Directors

December 31, 2017

For many students, attending a summer intensive can offer the chance of a lifetime to focus exclusively on dance and experience the rigorous lifestyle of a pre-professional dancer. But with so many options and increasing competition, auditions can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, we gathered insider tips from three top summer program directors.

Tammy Cheney, Alonzo King LINES Ballet summer program director

“Take class with an open and curious spirit. Explore new ideas presented by the teacher. Dance with confidence. There are no mistakes, only opportunities. We look for well-trained, passionate, deep-thinking students with a ferocious work ethic who are eager to explore their artistry.”


Tammy Cheney, left. LINES students photographed by Andy Mogg, right.

Patrick Armand, San Francisco Ballet School director

“Wear something that makes you feel confident, but keep it simple and clean. Take the time to warm up and get focused before the audition. Stay relaxed, have fun and remember to breathe. Don’t let your nerves get in the way of enjoying the experience.”


Patrick Armand teaching. Photo by Erik Tomasson, courtesy SFB

Kate Lydon, ABT Studio Company and summer intensive artistic director

“We are looking for technique, artistry, musicality and intelligence. But perhaps most importantly, we look for potential. We notice the dancers who seem to have the desire and passion to learn and who are open to corrections and improving.”


Kate Lydon teaching. Photo by Rosalie O’Connor, courtesy ABT