ALADDIN BLOG ENTRY #1 - The Auditions

In August I was browsing through Facebook when I saw a post by Delilah Dance pop up on my news feed. Delilah Dance was announcing that she was auditioning for a belly dance theatre production of the well known tale of Aladdin.

As a passionate dancer I've always wanted to be in a full theatre production, ever since I could remember it's been a childhood ambition of mine.  I thought "what have I got to lose, if you don't get it, well at least I get constructive feedback from the judges". So I put myself out there and emailed Delilah to apply for the audition.

I was one of many dancers from within the UK belly dance scene who auditioned at the beginning of September for a unique opportunity to be cast as one of eight characters in the theatre show.  Auditions were held at the Lost Theatre which is also the location for the London showing in February. As a dancer I always find the anticipation is the worst part of the audition. Sitting in unknown territory amongst other auditionees, some of whom i already knew, all in the same position waiting for your name to be called. Once inside the room my heart rate started to triple as I knew that for the next two minutes I would be analysed piece by piece and compared with the other auditionees.

I performed my prepared piece after which I had a 'chat' with the judges where I was asked to choose a character and choreograph a short dance for the character in twenty minutes. It was a great challenge and one that I felt both comfortable and excited by. After showcasing the character I had choreographed I was told I would find out the results in one week. That one week felt like one of the longest of my life, I really wanted a part in the theatre show and it was killing me not knowing.  Other dancers out there will understand.  I checked my email almost every thirty minutes on the day I was due to find out. After what felt like forever, I found out that I had been cast as the mesmerising yet dim character of Sorcerer's Assistant.