A showreel is a video introducing an overview of your work and abilities. It is often a requirement for audition applications. Having a showreel is a must have for every professional dancer. It gives you credibility once created to a high standard.
Dancing Opportunities has put together a useful guide to help you achieve that.
How to make a killer showreel:
- Keep it simple, short and clear. It’s best the showreel is between 2 and 5 min. Create a compilation of extracts from your work presenting yourself in the best possible way. Don’t use special effects or odd camera angles.
- Make sure the footage is not shaky, blurred or shot from a long distance.
- Be clever in choosing the clothes you’re wearing in contrast to the space you’re in.
- Keep your footage up to date and appropriate for the audition you are applying for. For example if the company is looking for a contemporary dancer don’t send a hip-hop video.
- It’s better to show solo pieces but if you are in a video with other dancers make sure the person watching can identify you easily.
- Create something specific and unique for the audition keeping in mind the work of the company you’re applying for.
- Don’t forget music is an important part of your showreel. Be careful when using copyright music as it might restrict the accessibility to your video in different countries if published for example on youtube.
Find music for free:
The Free Music Archive offers free downloads under Creative Commons and other licenses.
http://freemusicarchive.org/
http://freemusicarchive.org/
*Extra tip
Add the showreel to your social media accounts for further promotion purposes and to reach a broader audience.Do you have some other tips to create a great showreel? Share them with us in the comments bellow.
Add the showreel to your social media accounts for further promotion purposes and to reach a broader audience.Do you have some other tips to create a great showreel? Share them with us in the comments bellow.
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I am unsure as to what footage I can use in my showreel. Even if the footage is of me, is it copyright for me to use it if I haven’t got permission from videographer/ producer??
Hi Erin,
It’s best to contact the videographer or the company the video was made by. They usually don’t mind dancers to use snippets into their showreels. Make sure you let them know what you need the permission for and how are you going to use the footage.
Good Luck!