If there’s one thing every ballet dancer dreads, it’s audition season, especially for those on the hunt for a job. As a graduating senior, I found myself in the latter spot for the first time. Auditioning is a very stressful endeavor, requiring much time for travel as well as filming and photographing materials; plus costly gas and/or flights, possible hotel stays, and audition fees. Dancing right after sitting down for a few hours also doesn’t feel the best on the body, and the knowledge that spots are always limited for the ladies intensifies the anxiety of scrutiny and comparison.

   For a traineeship (an entry-level position), most ballet companies ask for a headshot, a photo of your first arabesque (the standard position), and a resume containing information about past training and performance experience. These materials are then emailed to the company with a video of classwork for the artistic staff to review. Usually a classical and a contemporary solo must also be included, plus performance excerpts.

  Within a few weeks, the artistic staff will respond and hopefully extend an invitation to take company class in person. While this invitation does not guarantee a spot, it does mean you have a shot. This audition method is much more efficient for the artistic staff, who can be more certain that new hires will fit the company’s aesthetic and artistic vision because they can observe them for longer. Some companies may also run a national audition tour with stops around the country in addition to the virtual audition option.

   This year, I attended a total of seven auditions in Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Hartford. Three ended virtually, one of which never responded. Another was for a coalition of fifteen programs, which was initially created to make summer intensive auditions affordable and efficient. Although I didn’t get a year-round offer from any of those places, I did get into most of the summer programs, including one with priority acceptance and another with a partial scholarship.

   My mom, one of my brothers, and I drove to and from Columbus in a day to audition for my dream company, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT). When we arrived, we first scouted out the audition location and nearby parking. Before my class, we went to the North Market food hall and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The audition was really fun, and at the end I was excited to get a sticker of the school logo, which is now proudly displayed on my water bottle. Although I did not end up getting into the year-round program, interest was expressed and I received acceptance into both of the summer programs, one of which I will be attending this year to strengthen my connection.

   One company I auditioned for had a ridiculously complicated process. However, thankfully they granted my request to review my virtual submission first so I wouldn’t travel if I didn’t have a shot. I received a positive response, so my mom and I made it into a little senior trip over spring break. The company was in Hartford, but we explored Boston more because it was a nicer city. Despite the cold, rainy weather, we enjoyed visiting the Boston Tea Party & Ships Museum, going on a self-guided walking tour, and trying a basil seed drink.

   I was accepted to the trainee program the following night. However, after a brief phone interview I had with the artistic director, I decided to decline the offer because of the short hours, unusually low pay for full company members, and my dislike of the city.

   My mom and I also drove to Chicago so I could audition for Avant Chamber Ballet (ACB), which was my second choice after PBT. This was a “cattle call”, or a very large audition. The artistic director reminded me a lot of my best friend’s mom, and I saw two people I knew (the ballet world is very small). When my mom asked me how I felt I did, I expressed doubt.

But contrary to my expectations, I received a partial scholarship to both the trainee and summer programs! My mom and I are now in the process of apartment hunting in Dallas. I’m not looking forward to the heat, humidity, and tornadoes, but it will be nice to have nearby audition cities and safer road conditions. I’m also excited to be getting to know the girl I will be rooming with, and I have extended family somewhat nearby. But of course, I’m most of all thrilled to be dancing all day, six days a week in a professional setting, which will hopefully lead to a paid contract!