Dance Major Journal

When casting, professional choreographers often prefer dancers they know, or ones they have worked with before. In universities, however, should the same situation apply? Is it worthwhile to audition if you haven't gotten to know the choreographer outside the theatre? Dance majors are often told they need to "network" and get to know choreographers in order to be cast, yet these skills are not taught. Could such skills be taught along with performance and choreography?