A Career in Dance

DANCING IS A PART OF BEING HUMAN. Even people who have the clich "two left feet" and cannot learn to follow the steps of any social dance, still feel the urge to twirl themselves around in moments of joy. Even people who cannot walk and must get around in wheelchairs respond to the desire to dance - there is a Wheelchair Dancers Organization. For some people social dancing is not enough. They feel the need to make dancing the central part of their life. For these people, seeking a career as a dancer is an act of love. If you are one of those who think this might be what you want to do, you must think twice. If being a dancer is not something you absolutely must do with your life, then you should seriously consider some other career. You should understand that every other dancer against whom you will be competing for the limited number of professional dance jobs available is committed with all of their being to this art. You can certainly want to dance for fun, for your own pleasure, and as a recreational outlet for your creative spirit. If you are serious about a professional career in dance, then you must be prepared for disappointment, discouragement, and physical pain as you follow your passion. If you have the dedication, there are many things to do to give yourself the best chance for success. You will, of course, always be taking dance classes, probably from a very early age. You may already be interested in a particular technique or the work of a specific choreographer. Many dancers, choreographers, and teachers would encourage you to broaden your horizons and try to take in as many different dance, music, and art styles that you can. They would also likely encourage you to follow some form of meditation, to work on opening up your inner, spiritual self. Serious dancers believe that what they do is spiritual, that through dance they are connecting with humanity and with the universe. You will find that all the different qualities you need to be a professional dancer are connected. The spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional sides of yourself must all be in harmony and working together. Support will come from outside of yourself as well as from within. Although the dance world is very competitive, it is also an environment that nurtures its members. If you pursue this career, you will discover that you are part of an enormous family everywhere you go. They will be there to cheer for you when things are going well, and they will be there to give a helping hand when you are hurting, and when you need a push to keep going, they will be there for that, too.