Prestige Isn’t Placement

How to interpret the audition landscape

Being accepted into a well-known program can feel like a clear message: you’re at that level. When interpreting what opportunities you should pursue it's never that simple. Acceptance alone doesn’t always tell the full story.

We’re not saying acceptance doesn't matter. If you earned a spot, that’s something to be proud of. But as current professionals who also run a trainee program, we invest energy into helping dancers understand what options are open to them, and which one might lead them on the right path forward. We’ve seen dancers enter big-name programs and plateau, simply because they aren’t getting real coaching or consistent feedback. We’ve also seen dancers choose alternative programs and grow quickly because they’re invested in, pushed, and supported daily.

That’s why the most important questions come after the acceptance. What level or program are you placed into? Who is the faculty? Are you getting specialized feedback and coaching? Choosing the right program based on these criteria will bring you to an environment that will shape your growth far more than a program’s reputation.

Rejections and being waitlisted can still be challenging — and we understand that deeply. But a "yes" or “no” doesn’t always show the full picture of your ability or potential. There are many deciding factors which dancers don't have privy to, and it’s important not to let one audition result define your worth.

We don’t want dancers building confidence based off of external validation or being "chosen". We want dancers to build resiliency and a foundation that will last throughout their lives and career. What lasts is solid training: consistency, work ethic, musicality, artistry, body awareness, coach-ability, and a strong sense of self.

Next in the series, we’ll talk about summer intensives—what’s worth paying for, and what’s just expensive.

- Sarah Clarke and Emma Michaux, Trainee & Conservatory Program Directors