Journal Writing Experience-Casting Day

On Wednesday 23rd March a casting for various fashion shows and music videos took place in the heart of Manchester. It was an audition with JK Productions, one of my agents for Northern based dancers. It was held at "The Zion Centre" Manchester at 10.00am. As it was a commercial audition however, learning three different routines- Commercial, Hip-Hop and Lyrical I wore Cropped Harem Pants and a Green printed top all 'glammed' up.

In the morning, I had breakfast at 7.30 got ready, fresh and ready to go, as I was driving it did come to my mind that if I was already on her books then surely she should know whether she would like me for her clients or not. This did irritate me slightly as it just seemed pointless and felt like an audition again for something I already had. Anyway, I picked up my friend- Natalie and  we went together, during the car ride we both discussed the same matter as Natalie was on her books also and felt the same feeling as me. This triggered to me that I should maybe discuss it with Julie- owner of JK productions. Other than that I was ready and raring to do an audition and kill it.

When I arrived I was asked to go and hand in my CV, Picture and fill in a form- This is also something I felt very pointless as JK Productions already had my CV, Picture and all my contact details. Scouting the room seeing many different dancers I knew settled me knowing I wasn't the only one doing the casting that was already on the books. I stood and observe for a minute to see what people were wearing and whether any of them would be good. Most dancers do this so its very normal to try and scoop people out. 

Julie then gave a short pep talk of what was going to happen, Learn three different styles and then perform them in groups of five and get cut. Standing in the centre at the front they begun teaching us a short routine to Kesha- Animal, by this time it was about 11.30am and I felt my mind was still on the ball and concentrating well. By noon, we were having a short break until the next Hip-Hop routine was thrown at us.

I was stood at the back drinking some water when the routine began, I felt a rush of panic come over me as the choreographer was out of sight covered by 100 dancers. Luckily I managed to get to the second line where I could see slightly and picked the choreography quicker than ever. As Hip-Hop is not to numbers or counts it alot harder to take in and I felt I really had to keep my mind on the dance than elsewhere and observing whats around me. 

By 1.30pm my mind was defiantly thinking about food, having my breakfast so early and then dancing without lunch I was going off track. I realised I was looking about, trying to find my friends and not concentrating as much. As it was warm on that day the room was getting more and more humid and sweaty and you could see everyone getting tired and agitated.

We then had a short 15 minute break to drink, eat and go to the bathroom. It was then on to the Lyrical piece. As soon as they mentioned lyrical I got slightly frightened, I have no reason to be as I was trained in Ballet, it should be fine but as I have been slacking on the technically side of dance it made me conscious. It was a short piece to Kelly Clarkson- Because of you, not that tatting on the brain. Finding myself stood at the back for this was abit strange, usually I am always at the front and in the centre, however I knew I was losing concentration and getting tired so I found myself taking a step back.

By 2.30pm they had starting doing the groups of five and cutting people- I was up soon and my body was numb and very lethargic. Knowing that I am a dancer I should of been fine-but it was the lack of food in me that was making me feel very tired and achy.

I performed the three combinations one after the other and did the best I could, knowing that I was going to get kept my number got called and I was asked to stay. It did make me not try as hard which I know is very unprofessional. The reason I knew I was going to get kept was I knew Julie already, having done various jobs for her in the past. This is when again it came to my attention that doing all this work was very pointless. 

Most of the days events went well, when performing the routines in front of the panel I didn't loose concentration or forget anything but did had to watch out for the girl next to me as I didn't want to bump into her. Other than me being slightly irritated about coming to the casting in the first place like many others, the day felt like three different classes and gave me an amazing work out. 

Wishfully thinking-Julie could have taken all the dancers she knew and asked them to do a less than the dancers she didn't know. Or she could have just given us the job there and then- BUT that doesn't happen in this industry all the time. That what would of made my day defiantly.

The final event was all the girls that were kept had to line up in height order. As most of the jobs were fashion shows they needed taller girls. It came to my attention that they had got all the 5ft 6 girls to stand to one side and the smaller girls other. Getting more frustrated that I was in the smaller side it was said that we had to take our headshots and we could go and the others had to walk. I was furious as I wanted to walk, this had just put everything into perspective or what i was annoyed about in the first place. If they wanted taller girls they should of put this on the brief. Holding my fury in I watched with my friend and then left. We both just kept saying that we could have done that and how does she know that we weren't better than them. Thinking about what I had just said I knew it sounded awful but it was just plain unfair, especially when she knew us already.

Literally I was analysing, reflecting and being critical all day. It just comes naturally and thats how I adjust my dance technique and my attitude towards the events taking place.

Looking at the day from another point of view, I predict it would of been quite intimidating and scary. The choreographers routines were advanced and having to perform them aswell were demanding after a quick rehearsal. Usually in most auditions you learn one routine and perform, but as this was three and all completely different it was crucial to nail all three. As I was observing, it looked as if most of the dancers were fresh out of college  so not experienced enough to know what commercial agents of clients want. 

Most of the dancers that I knew agree with what I felt, however coming from an agents point they might of just wanted to see us again. Dancers are always changing looks and physique so being an agent or client it defiantly helps to always see your dancers in person before choosing whether they want you.

Knowing that throughout the day I was very hungry and thirsty- I value my food and drink the most. Having no energy and dancing for 5 hours with a 15 minute break, effects your motivation and stamina. Every dancer knows this, thats why I always think it so important to be healthy and maintain a good diet. In the end I was happy I went to the casting as I said it felt like a work out and they are always good for dancers. It is always a learning step for me- dancers are always learning and observing other dancers. Therefore,I know every time I go to a casting or audition I am constantly getting better and better and more confident. Alot of commercial work is based on confidence and that comes from experience, knowing I having only been in this industry for a few months I am still growing and becoming better. The day just fitted into my week perfect, it being in Manchester instead of London was even better.

The questions raised was- Who got the jobs in the end? Am I getting a call soon? What will the jobs be like? Will I see any of these dancers again? Should next time I just be more positive? If I had eaten more and taken food-would I have been more energetic and maybe got to walk??

All these questions are always stuck in my head-But you just never know what my happen.