Ok ladies I'm going to help you out, as you all seem to have the same enthusiasm and some of the same questions. First who am I to help you out.

I am Orianna Carlson- Panko. I am the Artistic Director of a Dance Revue in Canada called Canadian Showgirlz. It is a Las Vegas Style revue. I am 32 yo a trained dancer, choreographer and costumer. I have many styles of dance under my belt not just tap, jazz and ballet. I have many international and national dance titles too. I have have performed and traveled throughout Canada and the United States and in the Circus!!

Tip 1: For Cruise ships and club Revues you do have to be 18+ so that there is no problem with travelling. No exception gals & gents. Dancers are a dime a dozen.

Tip 2: You do have to watch you're weight. Why? because the costumes are already made and are expensive. You may be a fabulous performer, but if you can't fit the costume NEXXXTTT!!
They WILL NOT make you a costume. You must keep your size through out the show. Notice I say size and not wieght. Muscles weighs more than fat, so don't go anorexic.

Tip 3: Stay between a size 6 and size 8 US sizing. For you Canadian gals that's size 4 to size 6 ish.

Tip 4: Eat healthy, Look Healthy: If you don't glow you don't get to the show. Slim is one thing too, bony is another. It is not attractive and looks horrible in costume.

Tip 5: An audition is NOT a dance class, do your hair and make up. Look glamourous. Tan or Put on some tanning lotion. If I have a choice between two girls it doesn't come down to talent. It comes down to asthetics. If drag Queens can make themselves look beautiful honey, so can you.

Tip 6: Wear a solid colour prefereably balck or Navy bodysuit or two peice ( 1/2 top and panty) that is figure flattering, tights and bring dance heels. If you have black shoes wear black tights. If you have beige shoes beige tights.

Tips7: For Gawd sake wear a bra!!!! I don't want to see those puppies bouncing around in auditions. Make them look perky.

Tip 8: the largest bust size accepted is 36C anything larger should be reduced. they do not fit it costume and do not look good in costume.

Tip 9: Notice earlier I said performer, not dancer. You are not auditioning for the Kirov here. This is stage dancer. While you need to be trained so you can pick up easily and portray a certain style or character, don't expect to be doing triple pirouettes and such. Doubles yes. High extentions and kicks yes, but more important PERSONALITY and VERSATILITY. This only comes from experience.

Tip 10: If you don't have an 8x10 and a bio you're not prepared or experienced. You better be damn hot to get passed the first look.

Tip 11: Sometimes you barely get to dance before you're cut. Don't be discouraged. They are always looking for something particular. You don't know what kind of show they are producing exactly nor what spot they are trying to fill. You may not be right. Size, shape, look, performing ability, dance style, natural movement, technique and attitude. These are all equally important.

Tip 12: Watch the attitude. When I audition girls, I don't look at them only when their dancing. I look at how they interact with others, if they are copping attitude beacuse they think the choreography is "cheesy" ( By the way, it's not cheesy. that's what stage choreography is. on cruise ships, night clubs and resorts through out the world. Not because those that produce the shows areen't as good as lil ol you, but because that is the style of the show... remember vaudeville...that's where your dance roots for entertaining come from folks.) When you have as much experience and knowledge to take the spot of anyone of those choreographers then you can roll your eyes. Till then keep it out of the audition. I will take less talent over a bad attitude everyday and twice on Sunday.

Tip 13: The auditions won't go to you. You have to go to them. Yes that means hopping a plane, or sharing the gas with acouple other girls in a car to go to the auditions. Contrary to popular belief opportunity does not knock, it is kidnapped.


Last tip: Get experience. Dance evrywhere and anywhere. Join a local non profit dance co. That is how you build you're bio and gain valuable experience. Keep up you're training and try new things... And don't forget to audition for everything and anything. All the training in the world won't get you the job. It's all those extras that help you make it.