No experience necessary?

Every Princeton student knows somebody in at least one of them, even though members comprise less than 1.5 percent of the undergraduate student population. Their pickups, shows, and cast parties are well-known around campus — and not merely for their volume and sex appeal. They have their own Facebook groups — and their own fan clubs. Chances are, by the time you graduate, you will have seen a show by at least one of these three Princeton dance companies.

BodyHype, diSiac and eXpressions all held spring auditions on Feb. 12. The companies plastered the campus with audition posters from Rocky to Scully, inviting dancers of any background to try out. DiSiac's posters encouraged even the most timid or clumsy students, proclaiming "No experience necessary."

The only real requirement at auditions is simple: "Just do your best. It's only one audition, so you should just come in, dance with heart and leave knowing you did the best you could do that day. If you are satisfied, then we are satisfied!" said diSiac's artistic director Andria Mirabal '08.

Each of the companies boasts a repertoire of styles ranging from urban hip hop to classical ballet, with a good deal of modern, lyrical and jazz dance thrown in the mix. If you've never heard of some of these styles of dance, much less actually danced them yourself, how will you fare as an auditionee on the big day?

Company auditions can be fiercely competitive, with up to 90 individuals vying for a handful of spots. Traditionally, all companies hold auditions on the same day in different time slots, and potential members who try out for all three companies scurry from one audition to the next in an exhausting day of dance.

Each company runs auditions differently, though all three include the same elements. BodyHype, like the other companies, usually includes "a warm-up, kicks and turns, improvisation [freestyle], a lyrical combination and a hip-hop combination," said president Marisa Swenson '06.

To be sure, the statistics are not exactly encouraging: this spring's admit rates ranged from 33 percent to nil. BodyHype offered membership to five newbies, diSiac welcomed one, and eXpressions accepted no new members.

Companies know what they want, and though they rank good dance skills as the number one attribute needed to get a callback and then a pickup, they also look for other qualities in auditionees.

"In auditions, we focus on a dancer's diversity and his or her proficiency in both lyrical and hip-hop. We also look for stage presence, which includes emotional facial expressions and big smiles. We like to see auditionees be outgoing, and we especially like to see them have fun. DiSiac encourages its auditionees to show us their specialties, such as pop'n lock or breakdancing," Mirabal said.

Dance companies function as social groups in addition to their primary role as artistic outlets. While the audition process is not a social contest or a beauty pageant, companies do look for individuals who can bring something to their group in terms of creativity and energy. Auditionees should enjoy their time spent dancing — technical proficiency alone is not enough.

"We also value a great personality and stage presence, versatility, individuality and, of course, a positive attitude that will work well with a group. We don't really have one type of dancer that we look for because we want diverse talent that would add a new dynamic to the group," BodyHype's Swenson said.

Potential members should not be shy about their love for dance or the company. A genuine smile makes a big impression.

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"We don't judge on personality, but we do look for good stage presence — we will be less likely to accept someone if they come off as stiff or dead-faced. We also like people who are enthusiastic about the company and are willing to make a commitment," said eXpressions member Gillian Pressman '07.

Though the three companies audition on the same day and have similar repertoires, a look at current company members reveals a little bit about what type of dancer each company tends to admit.

eXpressions, known for its balletic style and meticulous technique, is a company comprised mostly by what those in the dance world refer to as "bunheads," or seriously trained ballerinas.

"The majority of our members have had extensive ballet training. Most other members have also done some modern, jazz, theater dance, tap or hip-hop, although we have some people who did only ballet before coming to Princeton. Some other girls have had cheerleading or competition dance experience," Pressman said.

BodyHype and diSiac include members of more varied backgrounds and experience levels.

"The levels of training our members have ranges from no experience to training with professional institutions. Some of our girls and guys have had ballet backgrounds, although we've had members whose previous dance experience has included Scottish dancing, jazz and other types of dance. A lot of our members have had little or no experience, so we all work together to get everyone at the same level," BodyHype's Swenson said.

Girls and guys are held to different standards all over Princeton's campus, and the dance world is no exception.

Most male auditionees are hip hop dancers of some sort, and their prior experiences differ widely. The audition processes of diSiac and BodyHype, the two coed companies, both recognize that most guys on campus do not have prior training, whereas many girls have extensive dance backgrounds.

"We look for guys who are giving their all, doing their best, and smiling all the time. Guys who are willing to jump into the freestyle and bust out some moves definitely catch our eye. It's important that we see the boys trying to do all the steps because such dedication demonstrates potential, and that's huge for our company," Mirabal said.

Standard male checkpoints include good rhythm and a good attitude. Of course, guys must also be able to "move well," Swenson said. "A lot of times athletics are a good background for dancing because you have to be coordinated."

eXpressions, currently known as Princeton's all-girl dance company, is in fact not all-girls by design. The company's stance on male auditionees differs markedly from that of the coed companies.

"Contrary to popular belief, eXpressions does accept boys," Pressman said. "However, we hold boys to the same standards as girls; we are unwilling to lower our standards simply for the artistic freedom we would gain by having boys in the company.Thus, boys, like girls, must have a good sense of movement, ability to pick up choreography, and, probably most difficult to find in guys — at least American guys — the technical ability to do the lyrical pieces. In the last few years, we have taken only one boy."

In the end, regardless of sex, talent, or training, all auditionees must work hard to make the cut. Certain characteristics put potential members into that "yes" pile a little more quickly than others. Every company wants its auditionees to exhibit confidence and energy. The person who enjoys himself or herself at a company's audition will be more likely to receive a callback.

"Auditionees should expect first and foremost to have a lot of fun," Mirabal said.

What have you got to lose? Auditions are essentially a big dance party anyway, just sober and with hotter-than-average guys and girls with real rhythm. A little eye candy and a little cardio workout — what better way is there to spend your Saturday morning?