Do Dancers Need College?

College and University Dance

Earning a degree in dance, or studying dance in college can take on many forms. One can major in dance, in a more concentrated course of study earning a BFA (Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts). Some BFA programs are even comparable to conservatory programs, offering a course load primarily in physical dance classes. If one has another major in mind, minoring in dance is always an option. The BA (Bachelor of the Arts Degree) in Dance is usually more conducive to having a double major.

College and university dance programs offer a structured environment, and set curriculums. This creates time to mature as a dancer and as an artist. Dancers learn their bodies, their individual physical body patterns, and consequently injury prevention.

To a young dancer contemplating collegiate dance, this may mean nothing. But I challenge you to find a professional dancer who has worked more than a couple contracts that has not endured some type of physical strain or injury. Dancers with long dance careers definitely have an understanding that injury prevention and self care is a full-time and non-negotiable part of being a professional dancer.

Some dance programs offer courses in teaching methods, as well as numerous dance-related courses and concentrations such as somatics, kinesiology, movement therapy, and wellness/nutrition. All programs create a network for dancers, as the make connections that, in some cases, last a lifetime. Clearly, there are many benefits to expanding one’s dance education in an accredited program.

It is a misconception to think that 22 years of age is too old to join the professional dance world. Spending three or four years in college does not set a dancer back. It does slightly delay “living the dream” of auditioning and hopefully getting paid to do what one loves. But it is fair to say the educated performer is in a better place at auditions than they would have been prior to attending college.

The Professional Dance World

Many dancers, and some not so scholastically inclined, are dying to get into the professional scene. It is understandable, especially if a student struggles in school, to want to take another route. A college education is not inexpensive. To pay for or to have a load of student loans, when someone’s heart is not in it, may not be sensible. If you want to skip college and get into the world of auditioning, be sure to get informed. Know what to expect and where to find auditions to save time and money. Also, look for professional workshops. A dancer is always honing skills and adding to the bag of tricks. Unfortunately, it can often seem like a “Pay money to make money” industry. It is also an option to take convenient on-line courses while auditioning, or even while in a company program, hoping for an apprenticeship. This way one is using time wisely and not fully abandoning their studies.

Being involved in the professional dance scene includes circumstances not always anticipated by the aspiring dancer. To get jobs, gigs, and even apprenticeships, auditions are required. Young dancers will be auditioning against dancers who are older, more seasoned with full resumés, who also have a full college dance education. Handling rejection is not easy for anyone, especially a young dancer who is familiar with performing on a regular basis, and is suddenly feeling unnoticed.

If a dancer is fortunate and lands a gig, life as a pro includes spending large amounts of time with older people. This may or may not include the after-hours party scene. Young dancers breaking into the biz are often more impressionable, as they understandably want to fit in and be accepted. This is not to say dancers only live a sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll lifestyle, as it exists in any profession. But with the travel, late hours, and unconventional lifestyle, it is easy to adopt some unhealthy patterns.

I am not trying to sound like anyone’s mother. No, seriously. There are many professional dancers out there who wish they would have made better decisions at some point in their careers. Including decisions involving caring for their bodies. All it takes is one injury, and the dancer is out of the game entirely. One can surely learn injury prevention, and physical maintenance in numerous arenas. Learning on-the-fly, when one is already hurting, is not ideal. Dancers cannot afford to lose time in the game. Time is money, and money is survival.

So What is the Right Answer?

The real question is “What is the right answer for YOU?” Everyone has their their own unique situation, and parents may have two dancing children that take two different paths. I would guess that the ideal situation is a merge of the two options. Should a dancer choose to go to college, it is ideal to use the summer vacations. One can get involved in summer dance programs exposing dancers to professional companies, or travel to a large city to get a taste of what comes after college. There are number of summer dance programs at professional dance schools in major cities. Scholarships are available for all of the above.

What ever you choose, you need to commit. Period.

Do not move to a major city, and not attend every audition and class you possibly can. Do not go to college and waste money flunking out of courses because of disinterest. The dance world is small and people will remember. Besides, there is always someone waiting in the wings to take your spot.

I can not say I would have paid any real attention to an article like this when I was a driven and determined young dancer. I get it. I get that young dancers have something to prove, and are at an age when they just need to get out in the world. And I encourage anyone wanting to take a risk to be a dancer. That said, when you get out in the world, don’t walk blindly. Be prepared – be successful.