3Fall Audition

Hello everyone,

It's a grey drizzly Friday today, a kind of lulled ending to a rather tumultuous week! For a second year dance student at Chichester Uni, this week has been a bit of tough one (even more than usual - if you can believe that). For those of us really wanting to pursue performance, there is the opportunity in our final year to audition for 3Fall; the third year performance company. And yep, this week was auditions!

After having been given under a weeks notice of the audition and rushing to cobble together a decent, non-braggy, professional-feeling application, there was a definite feeling of general panic, verging on hysteria that settled into everyone. (To be honest, its still there, as we nervously await the dreaded rejection/acceptance emails!) I thought I'd write a little about my experience of the audition because it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had so far at this uni and I think I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed it (and how I didn't even want to cry once (except maybe when we had to do a dive-roll within a piece of rep......)).

There are two parts to the audition, a class; where they assess your technique and physical skill, then a repertory section where they see how well you can pick up material and you really show your performance skills. One of our newest teachers Luke Brown took the technique class, which was a great relief to everyone, having dreaded seeing who they'd asked to put us through our paces. I tried to treat it as just another technique class and be chilled and enjoy it, which is easier said than done. Especially when you've got your head of department and 3Fall director sitting a desk scouring over your application form...But I settled into the class and eventually could shake the feeling of being watched and just show how much I enjoy moving.

I'm by far not the best technician, but I feel like I really understand my body now and I move in a way that allows me to demonstrate my individuality. I really enjoy technique class especially when the teacher is so responsive, I felt like the vibe created in Luke's class allowed us all to feel like we were learning so much with each exercise. I challenged myself quite a lot in this class too, perhaps more than I would in a general technique class; which I maybe shouldn't admit to but I think the audition environment creates that drive and you push yourself that much more. It perhaps showed me what I am capable of doing so that in my usual technique classes I know I can achieve so much more and push even further. I tried my hardest to be at the front and made sure I could see what was going on because I always dance more confidently when I know exactly what I am doing; if I don't know the material then I tend to crumble! I hope I managed to show what I'm capable of and the potential I have for development.

Then, just as we were finishing up the technique class with some extremely fast and exhilarating travel phrases, in came the whole cast of the current 3Fall dancers. Cue me having a slight heart attack... But really I think the addition of 16 pairs of eyes made me push myself that much harder.

The second part of the audition involved learning some of the current company repertoire. A duet from choreographer Joe Garbett, a trio from James Wilton and some unison from Abi Mortimer. Each section of material was different and demanded us to switch between styles, adaptability and versatility is something they were looking for. Alongside our ability to pick up material quickly. I was really grateful to work with my lovely friend Tyler, who I'm super comfortable working with and who I know is a brilliant dancer.  We kind of made our way through the duet, it didn't go horrendously wrong at least! Then for the trio, we were joined by Megan and I have to say, I think we absolutely smashed this trio. There was A LOT of liftwork and quite athletic, acrobatic elements so I was glad to be with two very strong dancers! I think we kept up well and gave a pretty decent performance. It was exhilarating to show what we could do, I feel like we really really pushed ourselves and for just learning the material in twenty minutes, it was crazy! There was one moment where we fumbled a lift slightly, but instead of moving on I was like 'NO, lets do the lift again!!', which was a good decision because we nailed it the second time round and Megan seemed to hover in the air! I never believed myself capable of doing some of that material before I started uni, but I guess this audition has shown me what I can do when under pressure and fighting for my place in the company.
I really enjoyed the final section of Abi's material, it was full of personality and pizazz so I really went for it and dredged up the last of my energy!

In all, I have to say its one of the best audition experiences I've ever had. I was relaxed and just wanted to show them how much I was enjoying myself and how much I love dancing! Obviously I'd love to get in but I don't think I should pin my hope on it because everyone else did so well. I think they've got a difficult job on their hands deciding who's in the company next! It's just going to be a nervous wait until that email comes through and it'll either be tears of joy or tears of sadness, but either way I can say I tried my best in the audition and that's all I could do!

Now to recover from this week... alas its just time to write essays and do research!!!  At least I can heal some of the bruises covering my entire body...

Thanks for reading, I'll let you know the outcome hopefully!
With love and light,
Lily