So You Think You Can Dance, arguably a
dancer’s favorite show on television. We get so excited near the end of May
because we know the show will be on again, and we can watch in awe as some of
the most phenomenal dancer and choreographers take their work to the stage. But
what is it like to audition for the show? We have the inside scoop from a
dancer who auditioned in Detroit February 22nd! This season’s audition process
was modified from previous seasons because this season the Top 20 will be
comprised of 10 street dancers and 10 stage dancers, so here’s the low-down.
Step 1: Stand outside for a long time. In Detroit, it was
very cold the morning of auditions. I arrived at 5:30 am for the doors opening
at 8 a.m. Almost immediately my toes were frozen, so you probably want to bring
foot warmers if it’ll be cold. The local news crews came by to film around 7
a.m. The SYTYCD camera crew showed up around 7:30 a.m. and asked us to do a
“Welcome to Detroit” introduction. Then around 8 a.m. Cat Deely, looking stunning
in her snow gear, began to interview with a select few dancers. She seemed to
have set list of people that she had to talk to. I presume a producer was the
one to pick them out of the line.
Step 2: Go inside to register, this may be later than the original
time they told you to enter (about 8:45 a.m. for us), but after all that
waiting an extra 45 minutes is nothing. Only dancers are allowed in at this
point, no family or friends. Make sure you have your personal release ready and
your bags open so you don’t hold up the line.
Step 3: Get your audition number. Then they ask you whether
you are a stage or street dancer. Stage dancers are further divided into
styles. The most popular obviously being contemporary and jazz. Now more
waiting. All the dancers have to get registered before auditions begin. So that
means that whether you lined up at 5:30 a.m. or 7:59 a.m. you have to be in the
theater at the same time. So if you don’t mind waiting longer to audition, you
don’t have to line up super early. P.S. No photos are allowed after this point.
Step 4: Listen to Jeff, the producer talk. Jeff is a British
man who is a little harsh, but that’s his job. You do not get to see the judges
on the first day of auditions. Jeff and two previous SYTYCD contestants will
decide your fate.
Step 5: Some helper monkeys will divide you into groups of
ten based on style. You then will get plenty of time to warm up (20 or so
minutes).
Step 6: AUDITION!!!! In your group of ten you will get a
number 1-10. The edges of the floor in front of Jeff and the two previous contestants
has a tape with your number on it. Starting with number 1, you will get at
least 15 seconds to improvise to whatever song is chosen for your group. Some
dancers get more than this because they want to see more. DO NOT DO THE SAME
THING. You are getting more time because they want to see what else you can do.
Step 7: Judgment time. Jeff and the two contestants will
likely give critique to the dancers. Then they will decide whether you get to
stick around so they can see more improv. Some will get this chance, others
will get to go straight through to the judges on the following day. Others,
like myself, will be asked to come back next year, and the journey will end.
Step 8: Hopefully you will make it to day 2 of auditions. On
this day you will show the judges your solo and they will say Vegas or home!
Remember there is nothing to lose by auditioning. It is
tough, some of the very best dancers won’t make it through the first round.
This was one of the most fun experiences of my dancing life. If you plan on
auditioning show off your personality and your uniqueness! Good luck!
