Handling rejection as a dancer   

Auditions: both life-suckers and lifelines. They are an integral part of a dancer’s work and often deliver the news that you didn’t make the cut, like the majority of the other dancers who auditioned. It is sometimes irrelevant as to whether the auditions was difficult or enjoyable, ultimately the outcome is not personal. For the dancers that nailed the audition – for reasons such as sound technique, great performance, or even blonde hair! – they simply fitted the bill better than the others, and may not necessarily be better dancers.

If you gave an audition your all but did not get a callback, rejection can work in your favour by making you a stronger performer. It is easy to wallow in the various (hypothetical) reasons as to why you were not offered the job, but the experience can be turned into a positive by dealing with it in the right way. Always remember that you are never in control of the casting director’s decision: there are many factors that go into selecting one individual for a role over another. Those in charge might simply be looking for a certain height, even if you kicked your legs the highest and smiled the widest!

Replaying the unsuccessful audition afterwards is not healthy. There will be other opportunities: what counts is being prepared for when the right one comes along; don’t dwell! Alongside this, ensure you learn from your mistakes and grow a thick skin – it doesn’t pay to be sensitive. There will be many unsuccessful auditions and let downs throughout your career, so let them go and use the negativity to make you stronger.

Develop your confidence by improving your technique and practicing your skills. When you are a dancer fresh out of college it can be difficult to deal with rejection. Go to as many auditions as possible to help you feel comfortable with the process and what you have to offer. Sooner or later, you will win a role, and others will go home rejected, wondering why!