What to do when you don’t get the job — and how to handle “failure”
Not every audition will end in success. That’s a hard truth, and the heartache can feel overwhelming. But here’s something important to remember: not booking the job doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’ve been given an opportunity to grow.
Every audition experience has a silver lining.
Even if you didn’t get hired, you still danced in front of new people. You had the courage to show up, to put yourself out there, and to chase your dreams. That’s not failure — that’s growth. Rejection, as hard as it is, can become a powerful tool if you let it.
How to Turn Rejection Into Growth
Keep Calm
and
Dance On
Ask yourself:
✨ What did I enjoy about the audition?
✨ How did I feel in the room?
✨ What did I dislike or struggle with?
✨ What could I change or improve for next time?
✨ Did my nerves affect my performance?
✨ What specific skills or preparation can I focus on for future auditions?
Don’t Lose Hope
As dancers, we place immense pressure on ourselves — and auditions only heighten that. But pause for a moment: acknowledge how far you came. Reflect on the work, the preparation, and the bravery it took just to get to that room.
What feels like failure now is only a temporary setback. Your company, your place, your opportunity is still out there. Keep searching, keep learning, and keep dancing.
The more you see each audition as a chance to grow — rather than just a win-or-fail situation — the more you’ll evolve as an artist.
