Dance Australia – June-July 2017

f you’re a full-time dance student, chances are you’ll consider the

option of auditioning overseas. While opportunities to work as a

dancer in Australia are increasing, the greater population size and

density of Europe, America and Asia mean that these continents have

many more dance companies offering many more jobs. Then there’s

the lure of experiencing life in a different country and culture.

erseas can be a daunting process, however, as young Australian

dancer Jessica Garside knows better than most. Now dancing with Singapore Dance

Theatre, Jessica has auditioned for around 30 European, American and Australian

ballet companies. She told Nina Levy all about her experiences auditioning overseas

and has some fantastic insights and tips to share.

Nina Levy:What made you decide to pursue auditions overseas?

Jessica Garside:There are just so many more opportunities for professionals

overseas. In Australia we only have three full-time professional ballet companies,

whereas in Germany, for example, you can find a public theatre in nearly every city

• complete with its own orchestra, dance, opera and theatre company.

NL:What differences did you notice when auditioning overseas, in

comparison to auditioning in Australia?

JG:The sheer size of some of the cattle-call auditions in Europe can come as a bit of

a shock. There are a lot more opportunities in Europe, but there is also greater

competition for the places available. You meet people from all over the world.

The auditions I’ve done in Australia haven’t been as “brutal” as some of the ones in

Europe, but this is just a practicality due to the difference in numbers. I’ve been to a

couple with 150-plus girls invited, so the directors are forced to make big cuts right

after barre, simply to create enough space for those left to actually move in the centre.

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Thinking about auditioning overseas?

Singapore Dance Theatre's Jessica Garside

tells Nina Levy about the highs and lows of

looking for work outside Australia.

JUNE / JULY 2017 | WWW.DANCEAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

FLYING

THE COUP

PHOTO: JON GREEN