Summer intensive audition season snuck up on us FAST — while most dancers are still recovering from Nutcracker season, it is so important to be prepared for the next few weeks of extra work and stress. Lots of sleep and good nutrition are key to your success, but what you bring with you to an audition matters more than many people realize.
From the right leotard to properly broken-in pointe shoes, being prepared allows dancers to focus on their dancing with no distractions. Whether this is your first audition season or your fifth, here’s what dancers truly need to walk into summer intensive auditions feeling confident, polished, and ready.
1. Clean, Professional Apparel
Audition attire should never distract from your dancing. Schools want to see you, your alignment, and your technique.
Typically expected:
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Solid-color leotard (I like to suggest a little embellishment so you are easily identified)
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Pink tights (clean, footed/convertible and hole-free)
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Pink ballet slippers (perfectly snug and clean)
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Optional short skirt(if permitted)
💡 Pro tip: What matters more than the style or color is how you feel in your leotard. Confidence is the key to success!
2. Hair & Grooming Matter (More Than You Think)
This isn’t about perfection — it’s about professionalism.
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Neat, secure ballet bun
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Hair off the face (no bangs and no flyaways)
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Minimal or no makeup
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Short, neutral nails
Nothing says "I don't care" like a messy bun!
3. Ballet Slippers: Broken In, Not Broken Down
Auditions are not the time for:
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Dirty ballet slippers from last season
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Shoes that are stretched out
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Peek-a-boo big toe
Bring a backup pair if you have one.
4. Pointe Shoes
If pointe work is part of the audition, this is critical:
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Pointe shoes should be at the sweet spot of their lifespan
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Gently broken in — not dead
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Properly sewn ribbons & elastics
- Tuck those ribbons in and make sure they stay put
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No last-minute changes unless your current shoes are very problematic
- ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have a second pair stashed in your bag
🚨 Major mistake we see every year: dancers auditioning in shoes that are super dead or too small. This affects technique, confidence, and safety. When you wear dead shoes in any setting, it directly impacts your stability, balance and performance.
5. Warm-Up & Transition Layers
Auditions involve waiting in cold studios.
Bring:
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Lightweight warm-ups (sweater, knit shorts, legwarmers)
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Easy layers you can remove quickly
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Warm up booties
- Healthy snacks and plenty of water
Looking prepared shows maturity — even before you dance.
Confidence comes from preparation. The most successful dancers aren't always the ones with the strongest technique, they're the ones who are ready for anything. Auditions aren't about being perfect, they're about showing your potential, work ethic, readiness and ability to adapt. Preparation is quiet confidence and confidence lets dancers shine!
Xo Kristin
