| As the famous song lyric goes... "Gotta Dance!" | | | | marketable you are... and ultimately, the more work |
| Being a professional dancer is one of the most | | | | you will get. |
| rewarding occupations out there. You have the | | | | 3.) What is your tolerance to economic instability? |
| exciting opportunity to perform on stage, travel and | | | | Ask yourself: Are you reliant on a steady stream of |
| the world, be in film and television, and more. | | | | income? Because if you are, the dance field may not |
| Being a professional dancer (as in, you get paid well | | | | be for you- as "gigs" tend to be inconsistent. You |
| to dance) easily keeps you in shape, brightens the | | | | could find yourself with a solid six weeks in a show |
| day of others and inspires the next generation of | | | | contract, but then be without work for three |
| performers. Most importantly, you get to share your | | | | months. One weekend gig here, a few weeks of |
| joy of dance, express your individuality, and connect | | | | waiting and auditioning there. You must know your |
| with others in the world on a unique and artistic level. | | | | tolerance to economic instability. If you're a good |
| But in order to make your dream a reality, you | | | | planner and make smart financial choices, that could |
| should seriously take a minute to assess your | | | | prevent you from being a "starving artist." |
| strengths, weaknesses and tolerance to the ups and | | | | 4.) Do you have the right support system? A career |
| downs of the biz. | | | | in dance is tremendously rewarding. But you need to |
| 1.) Are you deeply passionate about dancing as a | | | | have the best support system to keep you in the |
| career? As the saying goes, only the strong survive. | | | | right state of mind and body during your effort to |
| In this highly competitive industry you will encounter | | | | "make it." It is imperative that you continue your |
| roadblocks, injury, frustration and rejection. If you're | | | | training, and work with the very best coaches and |
| not deeply passionate about making dance your | | | | motivating dance instructors to help you reach your |
| career, your chance of success will diminish. Always | | | | goals. Family and friends must be encouraging, and |
| remember, someone else out there is hungry and | | | | should be your biggest cheerleaders during your |
| passionate about making dance a reality. You MUST | | | | growth period. A professional career in dance is |
| know in your heart and gut that dance is what you | | | | achievable. The more you surround yourself with |
| want as well. | | | | nurturing, optimistic people, the more ambitious and |
| 2.) What are your strengths and weaknesses? As | | | | focused a person you will become. |
| with any skill, trade or occupation, you need to know | | | | If you want to be a professional dancer, take the |
| your skill set. Are you a strong jazz, ballet or African | | | | time to answer these essential questions. They will |
| dancer, but weak at tap dance or hip hop? Are you | | | | give you insight, clarity and help you to assess what |
| a solid singer, but weak at acting? Know what you | | | | you're passionate about. |
| need to work on, and improve those skills. To be a | | | | And always remember to believe in yourself, and |
| regularly working pro dancer you need to not be a | | | | reach for your goals. Anything is possible! |
| "one-trick pony." The more skills you have, the more | | | | |