We’ve all been there. Shaky knees, palms that suddenly feel like they’ve been dipped in water, and the terrifying feeling that you’ve forgotten every single step you’ve ever learned. I’ve spent more hours in a dance studio than I care to count, and yet, every time audition season rolls around, that little butterfly in my stomach starts doing a frantic tap routine.
It’s scary. It’s vulnerable. It’s putting your heart out there on the floor and saying, "This is what I’ve got."
But here’s the truth: Auditioning for our Dance Company, Dance Crew, and Intensive Study programs at Great Lakes Dance Academy isn't about being perfect. It’s about showing us who you are and where you’re going. We’re looking for that spark, that drive, and that willingness to push through the "I can't" to get to the "I did."
If you’re ready to take that step from recreational classes into something more serious: like our Intensive Study (IS) program, Dance Crew, or competitive company: you’re in the right place. We hold our auditions right here at our Bright’s Grove facility, and I want to make sure you walk through those doors feeling confident and encouraged.
Ready to level up? Let’s talk about how to nail your audition and join the best dance competition team Sarnia has to offer.
1. Preparation is Your Secret Weapon
You know that feeling when you walk into a test and you actually know the answers? That’s what good preparation feels like. For a dance audition, preparation isn't just about the ten minutes before you go in; it’s about the weeks and months leading up to it.
If you’re serious about intensive dance training, you should already be living in our Dance Company, Dance Crew, and Intensive Study (IS) classes. These classes are designed to bridge the gap between "just for fun" and "this is my life." They focus on the technical nitty-gritty: the alignment, the strength, and the precision that judges are looking for.
Do you have to be perfect? No. Do you have to be practiced? Absolutely. Practice your technique until it’s in your muscle memory. When the music starts and the nerves kick in, your body needs to know what to do even if your brain is momentarily frozen.
2. Dress for Success (The Professional Look)
I’m going to be blunt: First impressions matter. Before you even point a toe, the judges have already seen how you carry yourself.
At Great Lakes Dance Academy, we value professionalism. That means a clean, slicked-back bun (no flyaways!), proper dance attire that fits well, and the right shoes for the style you're auditioning for. Why? Because when you look like a professional, you start to feel like one.
Wearing a baggy T-shirt might feel "comfy," but it hides your lines. The judges need to see your placement and your technique. When you show up in the correct gear, it tells us: "I’m here to work. I respect this art form. I’m ready."
And don’t forget the most important part of your outfit: Confidence. Stand tall. Keep your chin up. Even if you’re vibrating with nerves inside, own the space you’re standing in.
3. Show Us Your Personality
Here is a secret that most dancers forget: We aren't just looking for robots who can hit every count. We are looking for performers.
Our Dance Company, Dance Crew, and Intensive Study dancers get to perform at professional venues like The Imperial Theatre. In those moments, the audience doesn't care if your turnout was exactly 180 degrees: they care if you made them feel something.
During the audition, don’t just execute the steps. Dance them. Use your eyes, use your face, and let your personality shine through. If the piece is upbeat, show us that joy. If it’s contemporary and moody, lean into that. We want to see the human being behind the technique. We want to see how you’ll contribute to the energy of our Dance Company, Dance Crew, and Intensive Study programs.
4. Handle Mistakes with Grace
Let's have a reality check: You might mess up. You might trip. You might completely blank on a four-count transition.
And you know what? That’s okay.
What’s not okay is stopping. What’s not okay is making a "stink face" or looking at the floor in defeat. In the world of professional dance training, the show must go on. If you make a mistake, keep your head up, find the beat, and jump back in as if nothing happened.
In fact, sometimes judges like to see a mistake. Why? Because it shows us how you handle pressure. Are you going to crumble, or are you going to recover with a smile? We need dancers who are resilient. If you can handle a trip-up in an audition, I know I can trust you on stage at a major competition.
5. Ask Questions & Stay Teachable
One of the biggest traits we look for isn't just "talent": it’s "teachability."
At the end of the day, we are a school. We are here to grow you as a dancer and as a person. During the audition, if a teacher gives a correction, apply it immediately. Don’t just nod; show us you heard it.
If you’re confused about a combo, ask a smart question. It shows you’re engaged and that you care about getting it right. We want dancers who are hungry for feedback, not dancers who think they’ve already learned everything. Being part of our competitive team means being part of a community where we support each other and never stop learning.
Are You Ready to Join Us?
Auditioning is a risk. It’s a big, scary, exciting risk. But I’ve learned in my own journey that the best things in life are always on the other side of a little bit of fear. Whether you’ve been with us for years in recreational classes or you’re new to the Sarnia area, we want to see what you can do.
These auditions are for our Dance Company, Dance Crew, and Intensive Study programs, and each one is about more than just trophies: it’s about character, discipline, and finding your tribe.
Ready to reserve your spot?
Don't wait! Auditions fill up fast. You can register here: Audition Registration. You can also reach out to our office directly via our contact page or, even better, use the GLDA mobile app to stay updated on the schedule.
We can't wait to see you at the Bright's Grove studio. Take a deep breath, pack your bag, and remember: you belong on that dance floor.
See you at auditions!
Tia