| You see the dancers on TV dancing behind Britney | | | | high-profile work or are otherwise a well-known |
| or Justin Timberlake. You're inspired to take up | | | | dancer. |
| dancing so that you can become just like your idols. | | | | It's more than likely though that most agencies will |
| And you find that pretty soon, you wouldn't mind | | | | invite you to an audition to become represented by |
| being up there yourself dancing with your very idols. | | | | their agency. There are often many dancers at these |
| Sounds cool doesn't it? Dancing in music videos or | | | | auditions, especially for the well known agencies |
| doing backing dancing is the dream of most aspiring | | | | where it's not unusual to have several hundred |
| dancers and if you're reading this probably yours as | | | | auditionees. |
| well. After all when you've danced in a music video, | | | | If you do well at the audition they may then decide |
| that's when you know you've made it, right? But | | | | to take you on. And then they'll start putting you |
| how do you actually do it and find yourself on TV | | | | forward for work and sending you to auditions |
| screens across the country? | | | | where you're auditioning for specific jobs such as |
| Well there are a variety of ways. Some of them | | | | music videos. |
| super glamorous such as being spotted by a very | | | | There are some agencies which will insist that you do |
| intelligent scout who obviously knows talent when | | | | not need any experience. You should be cautious |
| they see it and says that's you. | | | | with these agencies. By all means have a look to see |
| If this happens to you, congratulations, you've truly | | | | what they have to offer, but exercise special caution. |
| had it made. But for the rest of the people out | | | | Many operate on the basis that you give them some |
| there, there are ways to appear in a music video | | | | money to get a place on their agency books, and |
| that are within your control. Being scouted is generally | | | | then they won't send you on any auditions at all. |
| the exception rather than the rule. | | | | Generally you should not pay to join an agency, if |
| The most common route is to go and find a good | | | | you do make sure they have a good record and |
| agent or agency who will find dance auditions for | | | | send their people to good auditions. |
| you. Most top dance jobs come through agencies | | | | There will also sometimes be open auditions and |
| who will put you forward for jobs that match your | | | | castings which means that you do not need to be |
| skills and attributes. | | | | with any agency and anyone is free to attend the |
| The first rule of thumb when applying for dance | | | | audition. Open auditions can be very packed, but if |
| agencies is to make sure you're good enough. There | | | | you don't have an agent yet then you'll have to go |
| is no point in auditioning for agencies if you've just | | | | to these auditions to start building up your CV and if |
| stumbled into the industry and just picked up 1 or 2 | | | | you want to find work. They can be advertised in |
| dance moves from a dance class. Auditions are tough | | | | newspapers, websites and notice boards. |
| and you'll need to be good to go through. | | | | So all in all, it is possible to succeed and get work |
| Different agencies work differently. Most will ask you | | | | without being represented by an agent or agency, |
| to send through your CV and professional pictures. If | | | | but a good agency can help your career |
| they like the look of you and what you have to | | | | tremendously by sending you out on a lot of quality |
| offer they may offer you a place on their agency | | | | music video auditions which can only be attended via |
| immediately. Especially if you've done a lot of | | | | an agency. |