This article is for all the young dancers out there working tirelessly to build a career in the dance profession. What I am about to tell you may not be popular or politically correct… But I can guarantee you it is 100% REAL.

I remember training extremely hard as a student, obsessive almost. Stretching, researching, taking as many extra classes as I could and accepting every opportunity to perform available. I did this because I wanted to be the best dancer I could possibly be. I wanted to be unequivocally ready to join the profession when the time came.

But you know what I never learned in school? What I only grew to discover over the course of my almost 10 years working as a professional? Is that while all of that dedicated physical training is incredibly valuable and necessary… It is only one (often times small) part of building a lasting and sustainable career. Whether we like it or not, the truth is that the majority of the time it is not your talent that gets you in the door. There are so many contributing factors! I know far too many incredibly talented dancers who just cant seem to “be seen.” It can become extraordinarily frustrating when you KNOW that you are talented enough, have worked hard enough, and are capable enough, but just cant get access to that one opportunity.

Now don’t get me wrong, once you get an opportunity to be seen you must back it up with the talent, but if I have learned anything… It’s that there are very many talented and deserving people in this world and far less rewarding jobs. And to be clear… by rewarding, I mean paid.

What separates one talented person from another? How does a choreographer/director make the choice?

Well, if 500 dancers apply for a company position and there are only 2 contracts available, then I’m inevitably going to start looking at other things:

Do I have a close personal relationship with this dancer? Am I familiar with their work and/or work ethic? How much experience do they have and what KIND of experience is it? Did they attend a prestigious school? Are they well connected to potential donors and/or have the capacity to bring in larger audiences? Can they elevate the brand? Do I find them attractive? Are the likable? Do I like their nose (seriously!)?

And can we really blame them when speaking in reference to an art form that requires you to be so intimate and so vulnerable all of the time?

What does all this mean for aspiring dance artists? It means that network building skills are of the UTMOST importance if you realistically plan on having any sort of sustained career in this profession.

Why schools don’t teach these truths as apart of our core dance education is far beyond me, but I can assure you, unless you are Sylvie Guillem… Without a strong network, you are fighting an uphill battle (and even she had the Paris Opera Ballet as a starting point!)

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What can you do?

A) Broaden your definition of the word “Audition” 

The real audition starts months, even years before you fill out your registration form and put on your number. Give yourself as many opportunities to be seen as possible… In and out of the studio. Know that at every moment you are being watched, judged, accessed and act accordingly. Be ON. All the time! That may not be what I’m supposed to tell you, but it is the truth. Look at it this way, dance is a social art; wouldn’t you rather work closely with someone you like and/or trust? Doesn’t feeling safe, supported, and comfortable contribute to the development of your art? Isn’t that as valuable as the amount of turns or the height of someones leg?

B) Stay in contact 

Take company class if you can. Attend any workshops the company OR someone in the company is hosting. Perform. Invite people to watch you perform. But don’t be obnoxious or overbearing. Make yourself appear relevant and valuable. Be a commodity.

C) Go to as many events as possible

Dress nicely when you do. Smell good. Talk to people. Smile. Laugh. Get to know someone you didn’t know before. Our world is a small one! Be your own best brand ambassador.

Here’s the thing… I am not advocating for being fake or disingenuous. Lord knows I am honest to a fault, BUT, ask yourself… would you go to an “audition” and not put your best foot forward? Would you wear that outfit that makes you feel fierce and beautiful and fit… or something that makes you feel doubty, frumpy, and average?

Thats what I thought. So WHY on earth wouldn’t you do the same in every other professional encounter you have?

We live in a world where our Facebook is our agent. Where our resumes walk into the room before we do. I am not here to quantify any of that, but I am here to live in reality. I do it every day… And I suggest you do the same!

I say that with LOVE.

Nigel Campbell