how to decide your next steps
As someone who has been there and done that, I know how daunting it can be to make a decision about your future as a dancer approaching the end of high school. There’s so much pressure.
Maybe your parents want you to get a “practical degree.” Maybe all of your dance friends are auditioning for traineeships and second company positions. Everyone’s path diverges after high school and it’s hard to know what’s right for you.
When I was in my senior year of high school, I auditioned and applied to everything possible because I honestly still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. That was both good and not so good. On the one hand, I kept my options open and left no stone unturned, meaning I felt very confident about my decision in the end. But on the other, it was incredibly overwhelming and stressful to complete so many applications and auditions that season.
Knowing what I know now, here’s my top 4 tips to navigate this stressful time like a pro:
1. Know your training level.
An important thing to consider is simply if you feel ready to be seen and considered by companies. Try to be objective with yourself. Consult your teachers for their honest opinions of your technique, artistry, experience, and professionalism.
For me, I was decently technically and artistically proficient as a senior, but had zero versatility of training , a limited resume, and lacked knowledge of the professional dance world. I needed time to learn these skills, so I chose college. However, I have friends who emerge from high school as beautifully trained, multi-faceted, mature dancers who are ready for the pressures of company life.
The key is to be honest with yourself so you can choose what’s best for your dancing, not your ego.
2. Know that college dance is viable.
When I was growing up as a young ballet dancer, I always heard negative things about college dance programs. They were for people who had given up on dancing professionally or wanted to teach. But I’m so grateful to have learned how far that is from the truth.
Today, there are more options than ever for aspiring dancers. As dancers’ careers get longer and longer with better dance medicine and healthier environments, we have more and more flexibility with how and when we break into the industry. While time is everything, you don’t have to feel harried to get into a company at 15. Many dancers get hired after a full four years of college.
3. Consider the money.
College is expensive. But so are most traineeships. When you’re thinking about your next steps, keep in mind what makes most financial sense. Ballet dancers don’t necessarily need a degree to dance professionally, so do you need the skills and knowledge you will gain from collegiate coursework? Or would you prefer to invest money into being seen at a company.
It’s also important to remember that, with dedicated effort, you will end up with a degree at the end of your college years. You are not guaranteed a position at the end of a traineeship. What is better value to you?
4. don’t burn bridges.
Although it’s a lot of work, if you’re really not sure, my biggest piece of advice would be to try everything. Learn about every path, explore each option carefully, and take the time to apply and audition for the things that interest you the most. I learned so much from actually going to the places and auditioning and doing the research as I applied.
When you get your results back from your busy audition season, some of the tough decisions might be made for you anyway.
Those were my key tips for deciding your next move. If you’re still not sure, check out this list of college pros and cons.