Audition Essentials
Everything you need to prepare for your auditions with confidence.
Audition Essentials for Ballet and Contemporary Dancers
All you need to audition with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Whether you’re applying for a company, a school, or a freelance project, this page will guide you through the Audition Essentials for ballet and contemporary dancers. From your CV and Cover Letter to Email Templates, Photos, and Audition Videos, we’ll help you build a strong, standout application.
Click into each section below for tips, examples, and templates tailored to dancers like you.
The Email
Make a strong first impression.
- How to write a clear and professional audition email
What to include (and what not to!)
Subject line tips
- Sample email templates
CV/Résumé
Showcase your training and experience.
- CV structure: What to include
Formatting tips for clarity and style
How to adapt your CV for different auditions
Downloadable CV template (Word/PDF)
Cover Letter
Tell your story and why you’re a fit.
How to write a compelling cover letter
The ideal length and tone
How to personalize without over-sharing
Cover letter examples and template
Audition Photos
Professional, clean, and current.
What photos to include: headshot + dance shots
Guidelines on style, attire, background
Tips for DIY audition photos
Photo checklist
Audition Video
Let your dancing speak.
What to include in a video (barre, centre, variations, rep, etc.)
Quality tips for lighting, angles, and sound
How to edit and format your video
Uploading and sharing links professionally
Audition Advice
Confidence, mindset, and the little things that make a big difference.
Audition day do’s and don’ts
What directors notice beyond technique
Staying calm and focused under pressure
Dealing with rejection & staying motivated