Auditions: Cutting Dancers at Barre is Stupid

A former student has been given a full scholarship to the RAD Geneé competition. She'll be flown from LA to Sydney, Australia, everything paid for, because she is a brilliant dancer. Out of thousands of eligible dancers from around the world, she'll be one of a small handful to receive a full scholarship that runs into the tens of thousands of dollars, but if you are one of those jerks who cuts people at barre, you'd tell her huh-bye after pliés. She has hip issues that make her grand pliés look awful, but everything else is fantastic. Beautiful legs and feet, spectacular jump, 5-6 pirouettes, strong as an ox, wonderful port du bras. 

Anyone who runs an audition, charges dancers for it (which I think is heinous), and cuts people at barre, is a fool. I know many dancers whose barre work is okay, not from lack of hard work or talent, but who can dance beautifully. I also know dancers who look astounding at barre, but can't move if you put a gun to their heads.

Yeah, yeah, I know, you're only cutting dancers because you need the room in the center. I don't care. They paid you. If you cut them, refund their money. Better yet, give them every chance to impress you. It's only your loss if you cut someone because they're not flat turned out, but can jump like an Olympian, or do nine pirouettes.

Don't be a snob.

See you soon in class (which I will let you complete).