Dealing with rejection: Not receiving an invitation
So I didn't get invited... What now?
It will be so, that unfortunately, sometimes you won’t receive an invitation. There can be several reasons why but don’t lose hope. It is critical to remember that this is part of the natural process. Perhaps the company you applied for was looking for more classical or more contemporary dancers than yourself. Perhaps they were looking for someone with more experience or perhaps someone younger. A ballet director will have a vision of how they want their company to be and sometimes you may not fit that picture.
What can you do to avoid this from happening?
#1 – The first step is to prepare your audition video, CV and cover letter. A good first impression and a strong appearance can show you to be a serious and professional individual.
#2 – Always do your research! Sending an audition application to a company that isn’t “You”, that doesn’t reflect your strengths as a dancer, is a way to get rejected quickly. If your dream company is one in which you don’t quite “fit” artistically, then it can wait. Don’t let that deter you from applying there, but remember that in the meantime you can work to make yourself a better candidate for it. Remember, you still have to pay the bills, which leads us to the last tip I can give you.
#3 -Do not put all your hopes in one company. Apply to as many auditions as you can. Dancing is an artistic expression of who you are, but being a dancer is also a job, a career that pays for your rent and your food. So don’t be deterred from sending your application to companies that weren’t quite on your radar. With every day further you work as a professional dancer, the more attainable that dream company becomes. You have to learn to walk before you can run. Besides, as you grow that initial goal may become a distant memory and be replaced by a newer one.
“Dance for yourself. If someone understands, good. If not, no matter. Go right on doing what interests you, and do it until it stops interesting you."
Louis Horst
composer
Keep your head up high!
Just because you didn’t get invited doesn’t mean you are a bad dancer. That said, never stop working to evolve yourself. But the truth is that sometimes, to some directors, you simply won’t be what they are looking for and even though you may think to yourself that it is something you did or didn’t do just understand that perhaps this was the wrong place at the wrong time.
Don’t despair and if for whatever reason this saddens you remember to always reach out to someone! You are human first, then you are a dancer and for some, the pressure of auditioning is higher than for others. Don’t let the pressure get to you, breath deep, work hard and keep calm!
Good things are coming.
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