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Many children have a desire to dance. Some proclaim that when they grow up they want to become professional dancers. While many youth share this dream, only a few make it.
While it may be difficult to have a career in dance, it is definitely possible. Here are some helpful ways to make your dance dream into a reality:
- Become more knowledgeable about your craft
- Take a variety of dance classes
- Become a choreographer
- Consider a degree in Dance
- Build connections through networking
Become more knowledgeable about your craft:
Like in any profession, the more you know the better off you will be. The same rule applies for dance. It is a common misconception that dancers rely solely on their muscles. In reality, dancers rely much more on the brain. Learning choreography at a fast pace, reversing combinations, and timing movement to new music takes some serious brain power!
Aside from the physical aspects of dance, become knowledgeable about the entire field. If you are interested in ballet, perhaps research the history of ballet and see how your favorite arabesque came into existence. For Hip-Hop lovers, why not research the early Poppers or see where Krump dancing originated? Remember that a well informed dancer is a promising professional dancer who can contribute to the field in new and exciting ways.
Take a variety of dance classes:
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It can be scary to break out of the comfortable confines of your local studio. But branching out has many benefits for an aspiring dance professional. By taking a wide variety of dance classes from different sources, you become a more versatile dancer. In today’s dance industry, versatility is extremely important. Sure you can specialize in a specific dance genre, but it is also important to be well-versed in a variety of styles. Most private studios offer the standard ballet, jazz and modern combination of courses. However, some offer tap, ethnic forms (like African and Latin styles), hip-hop (house, breaking, popping, locking), lyrical, contemporary and modern!
Take as many different dance classes as you can from different sources. If you belong to a studio, why not supplement your training with additional workshops and master classes? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, so if you can survive a grueling dance schedule than you are taking a step in the right direction.
Explore choreography:
Many leading industry professionals are required to contribute to the choreographic process. Even if your goal is to dance for a company, you should still be able to choreograph or create new movement on your own. Some choreographers ask dancers to improvise movement during a rehearsal or develop a phrase to go along with set choreography. Being able to create new movement is not rocket science—it takes creativity. Explore the way your body moves by improvising on your own. Try new things and do not be afraid to break outside of the barriers when creating new movement. After all, the objective is to create something new and exciting—so take a chance. You might surprise yourself and gain a new appreciation for choreographers. You may even become one!
Consider a degree in dance:
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Dancers and artists fight an economic battle. To defeat debt, underfunded programs, and unemployment, it is important to come equipped for battle. One of your most reliable shields can be a degree in dance. There are now a host of higher education dance departments across the country. Some offer Bachelors of Arts (most liberal arts colleges and universities) while others offer a Bachelor in Fine Arts Degree (most conservatories). Some programs are large and require dance 24/7. Conservatories are dance training programs that prepare dancers to go out into the performance world ready for battle. Liberal Arts programs offer life skills such as writing, public speaking, problem solving and developing the inner artist. These programs also prepare graduates to become professional dancers and advocates for the arts. Conservatories and Liberal Arts programs have different approaches to dance training, but each has had countless success stories and many graduates currently working as professional dancers. A degree in dance sets you apart from the competition and exposes you to newer dance forms such as partnering, postmodern, and contact improvisation.
While some schools focus more on dance training, some specialize in dance scholarship and the academic component of the field. So explore your options and see if there is a dance program that suits your needs. Chances are you will find at least one program that can challenge your dancing and intellectual pursuits all at the same time.
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Build connections through networking:
Some dancer landed that dream job because he had a cousin whose best friend’s fiancé knew the artistic director of a company. While this scenario is extreme, it is often how things play out. Somebody you know knows people in high places who can give your resumé some extra attention or land you the audition you always wanted. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there and network. Design a blog, web site or social networking page dedicated to your work in dance. A resumé, headshot (professional photos) and reel of performances and choreography are never a bad idea. With new technologies, promoting yourself as the dance professional you want to be is becoming easier and easier. Do not hesitate to talk to friends, family and co-workers about your goals, because you may be surprised at who can help you become a professional dancer.
Final Thoughts:
Hard work and dedication always win out in the end. If you believe in yourself, never give up, and work until you see your dream become a reality. Go out into the world and make your own creative opportunities. You have the power to create your own career.
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About Roger Lee
Great, detailed post with a lot of sound advice. It can be hard to know how to build a good career in dance and this gives those who are interested some direction. Nice!
Thank you, Catherine! It is tough for dancers to carve their way into the industry. Yet, there are numerous ways to do it. Using different tools will help a young dancer find their “niche” and go forth with confidence. The dance world needs more creative individuals to make their mark of originality!
I’m very proud of your intrest in the field of dance, your knowledge is far beyond the entry level in this field. For those who are intrested, please take advantage of this great advice, because he’s been through it all, and has never quit or deviated from his dream.
Thanks so much Uncle!! I appreciate it!
Thank you Roger! I grew up at a dance studio where many girls went on to ABT’s school and places of that caliber, so all they thought about was dance 24/7. I also have a lot of friends who decided to skip school to move to Los Angeles to pursue that idolized career in dance. What I wish a lot of them would have realized is that a chance like that is 1 in a million and an education is most important. Many schools have wonderful dance programs and give dancers a chance to not only express themselves, but to learn theory, history and choreography as well. You have great advice, and I appreciate it even more so because I chose to go the route through school to pursue my dreams. I especially appreciate the networking through dance because it has helped me on my resume and impressed my potential employers because it showed dedication, teamwork and responsibility.
-Rachel
Thank you for your comments, Rachel! It sounds like you have had a wonderful experience with dance in education as well! Education can shape your thinking about dance, your approach to technique and performance. It is wonderful to hear that you have achieved your dance dreams by pursuing a degree. Great insight!
Great advice. Thanks. I do have a question, do you feel it’s better to do solos or group. My daughter takes private lessons for her solo dances for competition and also dances on a line. However, the line is not serious so they do not ever improve or go anywhere and the parents have no desire to do so. How important is dancing in a group in the overall picture of dance?
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for your comments! You pose a great question. Group dancing is very important to our field. Whether it is in a dance team, a college dance company, or a professional dance company, group work is always required. It is great for young dancers to develop these skills beginning at an early age. In addition, I would suggest that your daughter continue taking private lessons. This is a GREAT way for her to develop not only her technique, but also her stage presence–something that is often neglected by young dancers. If she combines her technique, stage presence, and group skills, she will surely be a force to be reckoned with!
Wishing you and your daughter the best this holiday season!
First, just acknowledging (for Roger) that Lisa did respond via email and say thanks!
Second, I just want to second Roger’s reply. Dancers most definitely need to function in a group. And yes, private lessons are a plus if she’s ready to work one on one and take technique to the next level.
I do want to add that there’s a distinction between training with a teacher privately and learning solo choreography. Learning a solo is a great experience and she will gain necessary skills, however learning choreography is not the same as training or developing strong technique. There’s a bit more on that in this article: http://danceadvantage.net/2010/05/13/well-rounded-myth/
So to address the solo/group, which is better question: for a dancer who wants to advance or take dance seriously, concentrate efforts on getting the best instruction possible, wherever that is is where she wants to be… choreography/competition comes second to training.
Thanks for reading!! Happy Holidays!
-Hi there:) I read your advice and it gave me alot of optimism to think that anything is possible with enough desire. Im 19 ,5’1,on my second year of community college, taking liberal arts & it has began to hit me ,that i really want to go into a Dance career. Growing up ,i’ve always loved dancing to any type of music if there is a good rhythm and beat.Until this day im getting better at dancing a variety of latin music . At the current college im attending,they dont have enough classes on dance. Im confused on where to start. I was considering majoring in Psychology or possibly Dance . the problem is i’ve never taken any dance classes before. For next semester im planning to take a dance class at the college i go to ,but do you think i would still have the possibility to go on further in dance? or is it too late to consider going into the dance area? If not where should i start? Please respond ,Thank You .
Hi Mayra,
Thank you for your comments. I LOVE that you have been bitten by the dance bug!
Welcome to the family! I think that you are on the right track by taking your first dance class next semester. I’d recommend trying it out first, and if you love it, take up a major in dance! I think that double majoring with Psychology is a great idea because both disciplines can influence each other in new and exciting ways. Some of my friends from college pursued both pyschology and dance and could not be happier! Also, if your school is not offering enough dance, I would recommend 2 things: take dance classes outside out school, somewhere in your town or a close city, and consider starting your own dance appreciation club on campus! The possibilities are endless. I wish you the best of luck. I also look forward to hearing about your progress in the dance field, Mayra! Happy Holidays!
: First i’d like to thank you for taking time to comment back. Im definately in full agreement to what you stated. I was planning to head to New York this summer since i live only 3 hrs away. I heard of many places i could take dance classes there .Since in the town i live now doesn’t have much dancing to offer. I figured why not go out of town and spend a summer somewhere where i can get a taste of diversity in dance. Im determined to go as far as i can in order to make my dream come true.Although i haven’t ever taken dance classes before im optimistic that trying won’t hurt me. You gave me the motivation to pursue my dream & that’s where im heading soon !.And hopefully like you said “possibilities are endless” so why not give it a shot! I will definately let you know what happens. Thanks once again for your reply :]. Take Care& God Bless!
-Mayra.C.
Hi Mayra!
Sorry the late response! New York sounds like a great place to build some experience! I just took class at Broadway Dance Center and had a great time! Philadelphia also has some great spots including Koresh Dance Studio. I also plan to offer a beginner hip-hop class for adults this summer in South Philadelphia. Please keep me posted on your progress. I can’t wait to hear what happens! Keep in touch!
God Bless!
Roger
Hey, hi!
Im having a hard time making my mind in what to do, and im a lilttle discouraged also. Ive been studying psychology for three years, im 22 and since i was 15 i wanted to become a dancer, but never took any ballet lessons or anything close to it…..just school lessons that werent really that good or helpfull. My parents never encouraged me, they told me that dancing was not for me.
Some things have changed that until now i can actually have the chance to persue my dream, but im afraid its too late to begin. Ive been taking some dance lessons for 4 years, but nothing serious…..and i think that by the time i finish studying psychology it will be too late to begin from zero as a dancer and actually acomplish something as a professional.
I really love ballet, but i think that im too old to become a pro. I also have considered other dancing fields such as lyrical dance (in which im not that bad, but its not my personal favorite). So, my question is: is it too late?
Thank you!
Sarah