Sunday, August 1, 2010

A LONG OVERDUE Update

So it's been a MINUTE since I last posted. So much has been going
 on in my life up to this point. First of all the show "Miles of Styles" did not pan out. Let's just say I got my first taste of dealing with an unscrupulous "director". I was down about that for awhile, but then I threw myself back into training and recovered.
Eric and me :)
I booked a big model gig! My good friend, Eric Sanchez, sent me a casting notice to be a dancer and hair model for Clairol. I immediately sent in all my information and waited to see if I would be invited to the call. FINALLY I heard back from the agency and I went to the casting call. When I arrived at the studio (Milk Studios in NY) I was amazed at how gorgeous the place was. The waiting area had more than a few chicks waiting from boutique agencies who were clearly "models". I began to feel a little insecure. Here I was, with no representation, barely a portfolio and no model credits whatsoever. All the other girls looked chic, and I had on a hoodie and sneakers. However, I learned from previous auditions to always be prepared, so I changed into a pair of heels I had in my bag. That helped a little. The call was more of a go-see than an audition. I could see into the space that they were asking the girls to dance to the radio. My confidence went back up. Most of  the models couldn't move! When it was my turn, I kicked off my heels and went for it. The casting group was very excited. I ended up in a line with all the girls and they narrowed it down to 4 girls and 2 guys, including me. Needless to say I left feeling very optimistic! A few days later I got a call from the agency saying that they were interested in possibly using me for TWO shows! Wow! I thanked God for his blessings right then and there. In the end, I only booked the one that I originally auditioned for, but the money is awesome and I get a work vacation in Atlanta! God is good!

I haven't been auditioning much, but one audition really lifted my spirits. I auditioned for "The Color Purple" tour and got the furthest I ever have in an audition. I made it through two dance cuts and then was let go right before the singing. My ballet has improved alot since being in NY, and it showed when we had a short center barre. The choreographer made it feel more like a workshop than an audition which really helped to ease my nerves. Another thing that happened that isn't common was that once you were cut, she invited you to speak with her about why you were cut and what you needed to work on. I need to be more specific in my movement, meaning understand exactly what the choreographer is asking you to do and do it that way. It has more to do with placement than technique. That's why some people who may not be as technical make it through to the end. Although I didn't make it, that audition really helped me, and she will see me again at the next audition!