British dancer discusses plans to return to US and join San Diego Ballet

Georgie Parfitt, a dance graduate of Tring Park School for Performing Arts, has recently decided on a professional company which allows her to continue her career in the US.

Whilst working on a yet-to-be-published dance-themed webzine, I was kindly allowed the pleasure of ‘sitting down’ with the newly-professional dancer following her move to San Diego to join their ballet company. In the following interview I discussed with her the audition process and thinking behind that all-important decision.

Tell me about the auditioning process for a professional dance company. Are they different from the usual audition experience?

'Actually auditioning for ballet companies takes a lot of planning! There are lots of companies in Europe which require you to first send an application with a CV and photos and then attend an audition'

Interesting, and how were your auditions? What sort of experience did you have?

'The audition usually consists of a ballet class and sometimes a solo is performed after class. I've been to auditions where there are two hundred girls, and they have cut people after barre exercises, and I've been to auditions where there are only eight people there.’

Did you enjoy your auditioning process? Did you ever think it wasn't worth it?

'Although it is a little time consuming and stressful, auditions are a great way to gain experience and see what other dancers you're competing against are like. It is also a fun way to travel around and see where different companies perform.'

Sounds like you saw some amazing places. How did you make your final decision?

'I made my final decision based on where I would be happiest and most comfortable living. Although for me San Diego is a long way from home, its a beautiful city and everyone speaks english so I decided on the company there in the end.'

I know you are no stranger to life in the US, having moved there for your fathers work in the past, but how are you finding it in San Diego now?

So far I am absolutely loving working there and it has definitely been the right decision for me. I am looking forward to going back next year.

Photos taken by Martin Bell and provided by the dancer herself. To see some of my own dance photography follow @dance.here on Instagram.