What Books the job? Is it Who You Know, What You Look Like, Or How Good You Are?

erinlamont | Aug 26, 2009 | 0

I was just involved in audition that I KILLED.  I mean, I felt amazing.  I had a great dance partner, feet stretched, body released, face expressive......and I got cut.

Now trust me, this isn't the first time, more like the millionth time, that I've been cut.  It makes the bookings sweeter.  :)
However, I wanted to raise this discussion - is it your contact list, your hairstyle, or your technique that books the job?

Which one is it? Which one should it be?

I definitely think that it is a combo of the three, but I WISH it was:

15% of who you know - that is why you get the audition
15% of how you look - because if you didn't look good the choreographer wouldn't have called you in in the first place
70% technique, ability to pick up quickly, and make the choreographer's movement look AMAZING.  Even if it is as I like to call it "BOO BOO" choreography.

This is what I really think that it is, in L.A. at least

45% of who you know
30% of how you look
25% of technique

I'm not complaining, I'm not saying that I should have booked the job, but what I want to know, is why didn't I? Which percentile took place?

I mean, I take class and teach class weekly, I take my yoga, and I workout 4 days a week.  I'm not horrible to look at, I'm a phenomenal dancer......and it just boggles my mind!

(That is why when the day comes and I own the choreography world, and people are calling me and asking for ME, instead of the other way around, I will change around the percentages.  At least on the gigs that I work :))

Agree? Or Disagree?

E
www.erinlamont.com

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