Audition reels can feel daunting — but they’re one of the most powerful tools a dancer can have during audition season. A polished, well-structured reel gives schools and companies a fast and effective way to assess your technique, artistry, and performance quality — often before they ever meet you in person.
At BalletScout, we’re here to help. Whether you’re applying for summer intensives, pre-professional programs, or company contracts, here’s everything you need to create a clear, professional audition reel that reflects your best dancing.
Before you start filming, check if your target school or company has specific video requirements. Many institutions provide detailed guidelines about what they want to see — including required exercises, order of footage, and how to present yourself.
If no requirements are given, a reliable place to start is the International Audition Pre-Screening Guidelines (IAP). These guidelines offer a standardized structure for classical ballet audition videos, including:
- Barre: plié, tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe, fondu, frappé, adagio, grand battement
- Center: adagio, pirouettes, petite allegro, grand allegro
- Optional: pointe work (for women), men’s jumps/turns
Some companies are less strict and may prefer to see stage or rehearsal footage, especially for experienced dancers.
Design exercises that show your technical strengths and match the level of the program you're applying for.
- Students: Work with a teacher to develop age-appropriate combinations and decide whether to film on flat or pointe shoes.
- Professionals: Your reel might focus more on variation or performance footage, but short clips of barre and center can still help show clean technique.
Make sure you know which side of the body you’ll demonstrate each exercise — some auditions ask for both sides, others accept just one.
Some schools or companies may request additional footage such as:
- Solo variations (ballet or contemporary)
- Improvisation
- Pas de deux
- Contemporary classwork or choreography
Double check these requirements early so you can plan accordingly.
The ideal audition reel is 3–5 minutes, with a 6-minute max for professionals. Most artistic staff will decide whether to continue watching within the first 30 seconds, so lead with your strongest material.
Pro tip:
For companies, you might open with a variation or performance clip.
For schools, follow the order they list (typically: barre, center, variation).
Your appearance on camera makes a strong first impression. Here’s what to focus on:
- Clean, fitted dancewear that shows your line
- Hair neat and secure
- Light makeup if desired
- Avoid bright colors or patterns that might distract
- Clean or well-maintained shoes
Treat your filming session like an in-person audition — because for many institutions, it is.
Find a clean, quiet space — ideally a dance studio with good lighting. Use a tripod or a stable surface, and make sure the entire frame captures your movement and positioning clearly.
- Check your angles
- Test the music volume in the recording
- Film multiple takes so you have options when editing
Ask a friend or instructor to help you film and give feedback between takes.
To get the best footage:
- Practice each combination before recording
- Warm up your body and your focus
- Think about how to make corrections between takes
- Make sure your movement feels natural and confident on camera
This prep work helps ensure that what the camera sees reflects your best dancing.
When filming center exercises, ensure:
- You stay within frame even during traveling movements
- The lighting clearly shows your line
- You feel comfortable with spacing and floor markers
For variations:
- Use footage where you are clearly visible
- Avoid group scenes unless you’re clearly the focal point
- If filming in-studio, use well-coached material that fits your strengths
- For students, 1 ballet variation is usually enough. For professionals, include both variations and rehearsal/performance footage when possible.
Your video should be clean and simple — no special effects or fancy transitions.
- Trim clips to show the best takes
- Add clear title cards or an optional intro if requested
- Double-check music volume
- Keep everything concise and aligned with the required order
- Ask a teacher or peer to review the final edit
Upload your video as an unlisted YouTube link (or follow specific upload instructions). Always test the link before submitting!
- Make sure your reel is easy to view
- Double-check all school/company guidelines before filming or submitting
- Update your reel regularly with fresh footage
- Lead with your strongest material and keep the energy high throughout
A strong audition reel can be your ticket into the room — and a critical first step in landing that acceptance letter or contract offer.
Explore BalletScout’s audition listings and filter by video submissions to start applying right away. You can also check out our other blog posts, like:
- How to Write a Resume for Dance
With BalletScout by your side, you’re never auditioning alone.
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