Audition Tips - Ballet Character Exam

by Catriona
(Great Britian)

Audition Tips - Ballet Character Exam

Hi Odette! Soon I will be sitting grade exam and was wondering if there are any tips on performing character as it is not my strong point and I struggle with it a lot more! I there are any way on helping me improve would be great! Thank you!

============================================

Reply by Odette
To:- Audition Tips - Ballet Character Exam

Hello Catriona ,
Thanks for your message, it's great to hear from you! I remember studying character very well when I was younger, so I would be more than happy to help out. In fact, even at a professional level now there are still lots of ballets we have to perform character dance such as Romeo and Juliet and Don Quixote. So, if you can master this style of dance then it will always come in very handy to you as a dancer.

In something like character, it is one you have to really emphasis on style and performance. You want to be giving strong dynamics and clear eye focus, so the steps you are performing look confident and bold.

Even though you think character may not be your strongest point, you can learn how to 'sell' it and make it look like this is the best thing you are performing in! Trust me, I have performed many character dances and even though it was not always my strongest point either, I still had great performances and gave my 110% commitment. You can do this too! Listen up -

* Keep your eye focus up and out. This is one of the most important areas to transform your dancing, especially for an exam. Even if you are trembling with nerves inside, as soon as you look assured and steady in your eye focus it will give your character steps more clarity.

* Fulfill each step to the maximum. In character, you have to especially be bold in your movements so that they look dynamic and precise. For an exam, you need the steps to be clear for the judge, so take particular care in your arms, head and feet.

* Perform! I am sure there is a huge part of your marks in your exam that will rely on your performance. Although you will be marked on how you execute the steps, your performance is a major part to your exam. You can project your focus, raise your eye level and add your own style to increase your performance. Use your expression, so that you don't keep just a fixed smile, but change it depending on the mood of the steps.

Enjoy yourself and forget that character may not be your strongest point. If you feel uncomfortable and hesistant, then the examiner will feel this too, so be confident and go for it. Take on those nerves and use them as extra adrenaline! You can do this!

Good luck.

Best wishes,
Odette