Dancer S.O.S. - How To: Get Ready To Make It In The Dance World

Today's question comes from Tasha:
Im 16 and I really want to be a dancer. I live in kelowna b.c canada. I also act and sing. But how can I make it? I am in grade 6 ballet and beginner pointe. Im also doing my grade 5 ballet exam. But what should I do in the summer and how can I improve and by the time I'm 19 be really good. - 
Thanks

Well, Tasha, unfortunately there's no magic formula that can prepare you for a career in the dance world. However, there are some simple things that you can do to work towards that goal that everyone dancer should know about. 

Firstly, you have to work hard in every class. As a dance teacher, I see many students who take class every day a week and are improving, but not as substantially as you would think. Just because you take a million classes a year does not guarantee success or your improvement. You have to learn to push your body whilst in class. It's not necessarily just about quantity. You also have to have quality. It surprises me that I find myself sweating after tendus and am in good shape, then I'll teach my students and their faces aren't pink until we're long into barre. I remember being their age (13-16) and I was still as tired after a few combinations then as I am now. You have to know how to push yourself.

Secondly, going away to summer intensives is one of the best things you could do. It's worth the money to get that professional training elsewhere. The teachers will see your dancing without bias and they're all there to help you improve. The best summer camps for training that I would recommend are the following: New York City Ballet's Intensive (if you get in to this program, GO), Boston Ballet's Summer Intensive, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey, San Francisco Ballet, Anaheim Ballet, and Miami City Ballet. There are other very good ballet programs in the U.S. but these are just the intensives that either I have had good experiences with, or have heard are wonderful from friends.

Thirdly, get your name out there. Audition, audition, audition. Make connections. Meet people in the field that can give you advice and guide you in your career. Those connections are invaluable.

So there you have it! A few tips on furthering your dance career.

If you have anything to add or have any questions please post a comment below or e-mail me at: rhiannon@maine.rr.com. Send me your questions for the Dancer S.O.S. advice column! Thanks for asking, Tasha!

Rhiannon -