5, 6, 7, 8…

After reading that phrase, you did one of two things: you either tensed up and held your breath, or you started singing the opening of A Chorus Line or Chicago. Either way, you probably associated it with dance.

I have a musical theatre background and have taken classes in ballet, jazz, and tap, but I am certainly not ready to leap into the opening of A Chorus Line. I have kept up with dance training because it helps me move more naturally on stage. I think all performers should take dance classes for this reason. I have also noticed that dance has been intergrated more in opera over the past decade. Sometimes an opera will include some kind of choreographed movement or even dance in a production. Opera companies and summer YAPs are even including musicals in their seasons now as well. Dance is not integrated as much in opera as it is in musical theatre, but it's not as unthinkable anymore. Don't be suprised if you have to do a step-touch in the rehearsal hall.

This past audition season, I was thrown for a loop. What I previously thought unimaginable actually happened this audition season: a YAP held a dance call. The dance call was only for those interested in the musical, but it still was a chance to get in the program, so I went for it. If you are ever in this situation and are wondering what a dance call entails, have no fear! From a dance call veteran, here is what you need to know before you walk into a dance call and what to expect in the room:

What you need:

Women:

• Proper footwear: The company will specify whether they want character shoes, jazz shoes, or both. Character shoes are the heels of the dance world. They are the closed toed version of ballroom shoes. Good brands include: Capezio, Bloch, and LaDuca. I suggest getting a pair of shoes with flex material so you can point and flex your foot. For a dance call, you’ll likely be in character shoes, but don’t forget to bring jazz shoes, too.
• Dance skirt: This is not the same as a rehearsal skirt in opera. A dance skirt is knee or mid-calf length and made from light material so that it’s easier to dance in. Amazon has a great selection.
• Comfortable clothing: Unless the company specifies, you can wear workout clothes to a dance call. No leotard or tights! They will prefer it if you wear tight clothing like leggings so they can see the lines of your body and how it moves.
• Bottle of water: A singer's best friend.
• Proper makeup: If you wear makeup, make sure it is waterproof and apply lots of powder, because you will sweat.
• A towel: More sweat.

Men:

• Proper Footwear: The company will specify what kinds of shoes they want, but jazz shoes/sneakers and character shoes are both common. Good brands for dance shoes include Capezio, Aris Allen, and LaDuca (My dancer friends like the Luigi style the best for LaDuca).
• Dance attire: For a dance call, men are usually asked not to wear shorts. Workout pants, jazz slacks, or jazz pants are preferred so they can see the lines of your body when you move. If you are in jazz pants, you’re going to want to wear a dance belt. A dance belt does the same thing as a sports bra does for a woman but for the male anatomy… see where I’m going?
• Bottle of water: A singer's best friend.
• A towel: You will sweat.

What Happens in the Studio:

1. Check In and Warm Up: Like a singing audition, you will check in outside and then receive a card with a number on it to pin to your shirt. The numbers are used to keep track of individuals since there is generally a large amount of people. Then, you are usually welcomed into the studio and are given time to warm up and stretch. A dance studio will have a wall of mirrors. Don’t be afraid! They really help with spacing when there is a lot of people. Where you warm up on the floor tends to be where you end up learning the combination or routine, so choose your spot wisely!

2. Learning the Combo: The person leading the dance call- usually the choreographer or their assitant- will go to the front and teach the combo, or combination. They often make you switch lines throughout, so if you end up in the back, you will have to be in the front eventually! Dance call combinations are usually eight bars or about one minute of music. Don’t worry, you don’t learn an entire song! After you learn the combination, the whole group practices it a few times, and then you are broken down into smaller groups to perform. The final group sizes usually range from two to six people. You then perform the combination in these small groups twice, usually without anyone doing it in front of you. At this stage in the game, even if you don’t have all the steps down, act like your life depends on it! This will set you apart. 

All dance calls are different, but this is roughly how a typical dance call will go. Sometimes they will cut people throughout the call. If you end up staying, you might have to perform the combination again, or learn a new combination. Don’t panic! Put on a happy face and do the best you can. The panel knows they are throwing new material at you. They don’t expect perfection; they just want to see you having fun!

I know a lot of this sounds intimidating. Not everyone wants to get up and dance in front of people, but, then again, not everyone wants to get up and sing in front of people. Dance classes can help boost your confidence before a dance call. Ballet will give you the technical foundation, and jazz will enhance style. Some classes will even teach you combinations like you might experience during an audition. You’ll get practice and learn how to pick up choreography faster over time.

Opera has changed in the last decade and is slowly incorporating more dance or movement. Let’s get moving! Be sure to check out your local dance studio for classes. If you’re interested in investing in some dance wear and you're on a budget, or you want to see photos of the articles of clothing I mentioned, check out Discount Dance Supply. 

Note: None of the products linked in this article are affilate links.