Step It Up: How To Pick Up Choreography Quickly

Often when dance auditions are posted, the casting notice will include a list of requirements. Requirements may be related to age or height and often you’ll have to know a particular style of dance like tap or hip-hop. One of the most common requirements included in dance casting notices is that the dancers must be able to pick up choreography quickly.

Dancers who are able to pick up choreography quickly are most likely to be hired for jobs. Directors and choreographers prefer to save time (and money) by working with dancers who are fast learners. Both new and experienced dancers often struggle with choreography, so if this is a problem for you, don’t feel that you’re alone.

Here are a few tips that dancers often use to help them overcome this common problem:

-Visualize yourself performing the movements as the choreographer runs through them. Repetition is the key to learning new moves, and doing them in your head repeatedly can be just as effective as physically performing the routine over and over again.

-Give each step a name. Creating a name for each move often helps dancers remember the steps more easily as well as anticipate the next move as they’re going through a routine.

-Imitate the choreographer using small movements as he or she goes through the routine. By imitating the movements as soon as you are shown the steps, you begin acclimating your body to the moves, which can also help you remember them better when it’s time to perform them.

-Pay close attention to how the choreography relates to the music. If the choreographer inserts a jump at a point in the song when the singer sings, “jump back” or something similar, those keywords can be a big help.

Lots of dancers create their own techniques for helping them pick up choreography. By talking with other dancers, as well as teachers and choreographers, you can find out lots of creative ways to help you learn choreography more quickly as well as become a better dancer overall.

To discuss techniques with other Star Search Casting members who are pursuing careers in the field of dance, log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com. Our community forum is a great place to trade tips and get great insights into the industry. Don’t forget to check out our auditions for upcoming dance opportunities near you.

Putting Yourself In The Character’s Shoes… Literally

If there was such a thing as an actor’s toolkit, what do you think would be in it? Of course all actors need a headshot and resume. A Star Search Casting membership is another essential item that every actor should also have. Some might say that every actor should prepare and have committed to memory a song that they can sing well to audition for roles that require both acting and singing. And for actors who are interested in musical theater and audition frequently, a pair of character shoes is a must.

When auditioning for musical theater, many casting notices specify that actors must bring character shoes for their audition. Character shoes are named for their use in theater because they are worn when actresses and actors are performing “in character.” They look very similar to tap shoes, and some actually can be ordered with taps. Character shoes typically come in tan or black, with leather soles, and are designed for rigorous movement and dancing for long periods of time. Directors and casting professionals also prefer character shoes for actors because they provide a sense of uniformity. Character shoes, especially for men, may also be referred to as jazz shoes.

If you’re purchasing a pair of character shoes for the first time, here are a few tips you may find useful:

- Although character shoes are sold widely online, you may consider visiting a retail establishment to try on a few pairs to determine which style you prefer. You can then comparison shop for the same brand and style online.

- Character shoes for women are made with varying heel heights. Be sure to pick a height that you’ll be comfortable with.

- Break your character shoes in by wearing them around the house.

- Wipe the bottoms of your character shoes (if worn outside) before dancing on wooden floors

Character shoes are available at a variety of price points and can range from $30 - $130. One of the most popular brands of character shoes is Capezio, however there are lots of consumer reviews online that can also help you decide which brand would be best for you.

Feel free to discuss brands, prices and the best retail stores and websites to purchase character shoes on our community forum. Log on to http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today to talk to other singers, dancers, actors and models about career related apparel, supplies and more!

www.StarSearchCasting.com Is The Industry’s Leading Website For Talent Resources

Star Search Casting has been a leading casting website for 10 years, serving both casting and entertainment executives as well as singers, actors, dancers and models seeking opportunities in the industry. While Star Search Casting has developed a solid reputation for providing casting information for some of the industry's most popular television shows and feature films, the website is also a leader in providing the most comprehensive database of industry resources on the web. From agents and photographers, to production companies and dance schools, Star Search Casting provides all of the information an aspiring performer needs to get a head start in the industry.

Founded by Jonathan Parker, an experienced entertainment industry executive, Star Search Casting provides all of the essentials for getting started in the industry. "For many, pursuing a career in entertainment can be overwhelming because there's so much to learn," says Parker. "In addition to providing singers, dancers, actors and models with casting information, we also felt that it was important to give them access to everything from hair stylists to professional associations so that they have everything they need in one place to ensure a smooth transition into the industry."

For most, developing a career in the entertainment industry takes time. And aspiring performers interested in acting, modeling, singing and dancing will have to learn the ropes, and sometimes even get additional training, before they are ready for stardom. To help aspiring performers along the way, Star Search Casting guides them with critical information in their community forums, supplemented with comprehensive lists of contacts and resources organized for easy access.

"I wasn't introduced to modeling until I was in my early 20s, so when I decided that I wanted to pursue it as a profession, I felt like I had a lot of catching up to do," says Amy Reynolds, a Star Search Casting member. "However, at Star Search Casting I was not only able to find lots of modeling casting calls, but I was also able to get a list of photographers, agents, fashion stylists, makeup artists and even books which were all extremely helpful."

SSC is committed to ensuring that aspiring actors, dancers, models and singers have all of the tools they need to become successful in the entertainment industry. To learn more about how Star Search Casting helps its members make their mark on the competitive entertainment industry, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com today!

Facing The Ugly Side Of Modeling

Recently we discovered a scammer who claimed to be from an agency called the 29^th Ave W Group. He said that he was recruiting models for an upcoming modeling competition. When we used Google to research the modeling competition and the agency, there were no websites to confirm the legitimacy of the agency or the competition. When we called the phone number he provided, it was an answering service that doubled as a fax, and made no mention of the agency or the competition. Lastly, while the scammer claimed to be from Washington D.C., we later learned that he was actually in Nigeria based on his IP address.

While we often use the Internet or other sources to investigate possible scams, sometimes we’re simply able to detect a scam based on our instincts. Perhaps the wording in the email seems suspicious. Or maybe the tone causes us to question the validity of the offer. But for many of us, our instincts can be our best defense in protecting us from both online and offline scams. That being said, it’s very important that we trust them.

Last year, the Better Business Bureau received 46 complaints from aspiring models and their parents who had been targeted by A New Concept Modeling and Acting Centre. While many of the victims later said that their instincts told them not to sign with the agency, they still allowed themselves to be pressured into the scam. Some of the allegations against the agency included:

• Charging models more than $2000 for headshots they never received
• High-pressure sales tactics
• Asking models to sign contracts and not providing them with copies of what they had signed
• Though the agency promised them work, the models didn’t receive any calls, auditions or jobs after investing thousands of dollars in the scam.

If you come across an email, newspaper ad, or even a talent scout in the mall and you get a “funny feeling” that something’s not right – don’t be so quick to dismiss it. Had many of the aspiring models targeted by A New Concept Modeling and Acting Centre relied on their instincts, they would have saved themselves a lot of money and a lot of heartache.

For more information about the latest scams and how to avoid them, log in to http://www.EliteCastingNetwork.com today and check out our Scam Watch.

Make Your Hollywood Dreams Come True In 2008

HOLLYWOOD - In 2007, Star Search Casting ( www.StarSearchCasting.com ) helped thousands of aspiring actors, dancers, singers and models launch careers in the entertainment industry. Now as 2008 approaches, Star Search Casting is prepared to help even more aspiring performers pursue entertainment careers in acting, modeling, dancing and singing and make their Hollywood dreams come true.

Star Search Casting helps aspiring entertainers all over the globe pursue careers in the entertainment industry. The website's members range in age, location, ethnicity, level of experience and skill set and are determined to do what it takes to become a successful actor, model, dancer or singer. They choose Star Search Casting because they know that they will get invaluable exposure, access to thousands of talent resources and opportunities and the benefits of online casting without the danger of Internet scams.

Star Search Casting was established nearly a decade ago and has since become one of the most popular tools entertainment industry professionals use to search for the next top models, singers, dancers and actors. Nearly a half million contacts were made in 2007 on Star Search Casting resulting in jobs in film, television, theatre, recording arts and the fashion industry. Just this week MTV, Court TV, ABC, NBC and Lifetime used Star Search Casting to post casting notices for opportunities on their networks.

In addition to the large number of entertainment industry professionals that use Star Search Casting to scout for new talent & entertainers, the website also features thousands of auditions & casting calls daily. There are sixteen categories listed on the auditions page including, film, television, kids & teens, modeling, singing, dance, theatre and music videos.

SSC's reputation is not just built on the invaluable exposure that the website provides for aspiring dancers, singers, models and actors or the number of opportunities posted on the website. Star Search Casting also meets all of the standards of the Better Business Bureau and is a hacker safe certified website. The staff at Star Search Casting also monitors the website regularly to prevent online fraud and Internet scams.

Star Search Casting has so much to offer actors, dancers, models and singers who have made it their New Year's resolution to pursue successful careers in the entertainment industry. SSC is the only website that provides aspiring performers with the exposure, support and resources they need to secure the job of a lifetime.

For more information on joining Star Search Casting in 2008, visit http://www.StarSearchCasting.com.

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Singer?

Have you ever watched American Idol and seen how many people truly think they have talent, but in reality, their dreams of becoming a chart-topping singer are probably not going to come true? How embarrassing!

There are lots of ways to find out if you’re really cut out to be a singer, without having to endure the criticism of reality show judges or record industry executives. It’s a competitive industry so you really want to make sure that you can hold your own against the thousands of singers who, like you, are determined to find their place in the music business.

As cheesy as it sounds, karaoke is a great way to test your chops. It’s a great opportunity to practice your skills as well as get feedback from an audience. Sometimes while our friends and family may enjoy our singing, the rest of the world may not be as impressed. Karaoke is a great way to find out if you have mainstream, wide appeal. And if you do then it’s a great indication that you probably have a shot at impressing record industry professionals.

Voice lessons are also another great way to get feedback from a trained ear, and determine what kind of potential you have. A great voice teacher can not only tell you if you have the talent, but he or she can also help you utilize it more effectively. Did you know that many Grammy award winning singers have had voice lessons? Even after they were signed and recording music? Voice teachers can help you develop the talent you already have and make you an even better singer. And every singer should always be looking for ways to improve their singing voice.

Once the verdict’s in and you’re ready to take the industry by storm, it’s time to check out some of the singing auditions & opportunities we have on Star Search Casting, Inc. ( www.StarSearchCasting.com ) for aspiring singers. Visit us online today!