I've only really discovered that I want to persue Dance as a career, the only problem is, I've never had any lessons, but I'm starting some lessons next week. I'm 17 and was wondering if I could still have a career as a Dancer? I love dancing so much and it's the only thing I really want to do.
Dancing as a career
- Thread starter Gemma
- Start date
Gypsy Wishing
New Member
Yes you can.
But you may be asking are my goals reasonable, don't know, more info.
Or, how is the best was to start a career, don't know, more info.
Lots of people on this site are in the industry, probably one of them is on the exact career track that you're interested in.
But you may be asking are my goals reasonable, don't know, more info.
Or, how is the best was to start a career, don't know, more info.
Lots of people on this site are in the industry, probably one of them is on the exact career track that you're interested in.
suburbaknght
Well-Known Member
I decided at twenty-four to make dancing my career. It has proven feasible though is still not independently economically viable. The thing is to ask what you mean by a career dancer. I regard dancing as my career because it is something I'm dedicating my life to, working 40+ hours a week at, and generating most of my wealth from. In my view that makes me a career dancer.
On the other hand, some people have a lot more in mind when they think of a career dancer. If you mean a professional competitor and a champion at that, well there's Tony Dovolani and Jesse Desoto as ept777 mentioned, but other than them I can't think of anyone who started beyond their preteens. The thing is, though, most of us don't have the talent or drive to reach those heights, and for us that's okay. Our goal is simply to dance as much as we can.
Ask yourself why you're doing this. If you haven't taken dance lessons before how do you know you love dancing so much, to the point that you're ready to devote your life to it? Have you thought about those days when you're bone-tired from staying up til 2 AM getting your open telemark right and you still have to come into the studio to teach three classes and four private lessons without a break? Have you considered how you'll keep your smile when your students are not the friendly, exuberant learning sponges you envision but ordinary people, many of whom are only there under duress? How much have you thought about the fact that your real job will not be a dancer or even a teacher but a salesperson and that everything else, including the dancing and teaching, is just part of your sales technique? What about never having a life outside dancing because your studio hours are deliberately scheduled over most people's free time?
If you can unhesitatingly answer, "Yes!" then I say go for it. Go for it and don't let go. If your answer is anything else, I say go for it anyway. Dancing is a wonderful thing to do with your life, and if there are more obstacles than you realized, that's true for any path. Learn to dance anyway and work towards becoming a professional dancer - it's always easier to change your mind and not become one - but keep your eyes open and talk to everyone you can, especially your teachers, about the path to becoming a professional.
Good luck!
On the other hand, some people have a lot more in mind when they think of a career dancer. If you mean a professional competitor and a champion at that, well there's Tony Dovolani and Jesse Desoto as ept777 mentioned, but other than them I can't think of anyone who started beyond their preteens. The thing is, though, most of us don't have the talent or drive to reach those heights, and for us that's okay. Our goal is simply to dance as much as we can.
Ask yourself why you're doing this. If you haven't taken dance lessons before how do you know you love dancing so much, to the point that you're ready to devote your life to it? Have you thought about those days when you're bone-tired from staying up til 2 AM getting your open telemark right and you still have to come into the studio to teach three classes and four private lessons without a break? Have you considered how you'll keep your smile when your students are not the friendly, exuberant learning sponges you envision but ordinary people, many of whom are only there under duress? How much have you thought about the fact that your real job will not be a dancer or even a teacher but a salesperson and that everything else, including the dancing and teaching, is just part of your sales technique? What about never having a life outside dancing because your studio hours are deliberately scheduled over most people's free time?
If you can unhesitatingly answer, "Yes!" then I say go for it. Go for it and don't let go. If your answer is anything else, I say go for it anyway. Dancing is a wonderful thing to do with your life, and if there are more obstacles than you realized, that's true for any path. Learn to dance anyway and work towards becoming a professional dancer - it's always easier to change your mind and not become one - but keep your eyes open and talk to everyone you can, especially your teachers, about the path to becoming a professional.
Good luck!
Well to be honest the reason I never went to dance classes when I was younger is because I was too shy. As a child I was very shy and didn't want to go to anything like that. But now I'm older I'm definently not shy anymore and alot more confident. I always have loved dancing though, the only dancing I would ever do would be in my bedroom dancing to my favourite pop group! I only just realised that I really want to do is be a professional dancer. I'd love to be a backing dancer for singers/groups and dance in TV shows, Theatre and things like that.
The type of dancing I was talking about was Jazz, Contemporary etc..
The type of dancing I was talking about was Jazz, Contemporary etc..
suburbaknght
Well-Known Member
The advice applies for performance dance as well as ballroom, though those styles of dance are much harder on the body so take all the physical discomfort I mentioned and multiply by three.
Check out Careers in Dance. Although the information is UK-centric, the descriptions of the different jobs available in the dance industry are spot-on. Are you too old to become a professional performer? I can't answer that for that type of dance. The most important thing is to get in some classes and try it out. See how quickly you learn, get feedback from your teacher, and most importantly, see what the reality of dance is like compared to the fantasy.
Check out Careers in Dance. Although the information is UK-centric, the descriptions of the different jobs available in the dance industry are spot-on. Are you too old to become a professional performer? I can't answer that for that type of dance. The most important thing is to get in some classes and try it out. See how quickly you learn, get feedback from your teacher, and most importantly, see what the reality of dance is like compared to the fantasy.
I can give numerous e.g. -- but 2 of the most recognised , both who became US Champs-- Larry and Betty Silvers and Joe and Nancy Jenkins .
etp777
Active Member
Definitely go for it. Even if you don't become a world ranked dancer, does not mean at all you can't have a fulfilling life with dancing as your career. Most of my friends are pros who started ballroom later in life, after various other dance experience, and a wide variety of degrees and other jobs before they started balllroom.
Thanks very much everyone for your replies, I think I will definantly give it a go and see how I get on
And--- dont forget us when you are famous ! ---
Dancer_4_Life
New Member
You are not alone
I started taking dancesport(latin) when I was fifteen and I had to stop for over half a year. So techniqually I've only been dancing for one year and a bit, but I haven't given up on trying for a dance career.
Once of my idols that I absolutely look up to is Carmen Vincelj partner to Bryan Watson, she is now retired but she is the 9 time reigning world champion and she didn't start dancing until she was seventeen!!
I started taking dancesport(latin) when I was fifteen and I had to stop for over half a year. So techniqually I've only been dancing for one year and a bit, but I haven't given up on trying for a dance career.
Once of my idols that I absolutely look up to is Carmen Vincelj partner to Bryan Watson, she is now retired but she is the 9 time reigning world champion and she didn't start dancing until she was seventeen!!