I'm 14, been dancing since I was 4. The more I dance the more I want dance to be my career. As a guy, I'm told I will have an easier time finding a job, but I'm being to wonder if my dream can be a reality. Where I live I'm at the top. Get all the lead roles essentially without auditioning. I dance lead roles for 3 separate studios. Two are the largest studios in our state. I've gone to SI's for 4 years now. This year I'm at CPYB. Level B2. I was a little disappointed and thought I would be placed a little higher. Partnering class level 1, but am told this is my first year. At home, my dance instructors tell me I have talent. But how do I tell if I'm good enough? How do I know if I should pursue this career? I don't want my parents to have to pay a lot of money to send me to an all year school if I'm not good enough.
How can I tell if I'm good enough to be a professional
Started by
alaskandancer
, Jun 27 2012 02:14 PM
4 replies to this topic
#1
alaskandancer
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Posted 27 June 2012 - 02:14 PM
#2
Willimus
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Posted 28 June 2012 - 07:50 AM
In my opinion it would be nearly impossible to know at 14 if you are/will be "good enough". There are many beautiful dancers who are 14 and 15, who burn out by the time they are 17 and never have a career. I have also seen "so so" dancers at 14 and 15, who work hard, study with the best teachers they can find, and improve and improve and do actually have careers. I also know many beautiful dancers, really wonderful dancers, who never are able to secure full time employment as a dancer in a company for a variety of reasons. There are no sure things in this business.
I know...this was totally not helpful, but ballet is a risky business at best.
I know...this was totally not helpful, but ballet is a risky business at best.
"Never Stop Moving"...Luigi
#3
dancemaven
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Posted 12 July 2012 - 05:32 PM
Oops! A parent wandered into the Men's Forum by mistake and a post was removed.
#4
MJ
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Posted 17 September 2012 - 07:17 PM
Every Dancer is one injury away from the end of their career. You can begin to audition when your teachers say you are ready, you might want to audition simply to see how stiff the competition is.
I know pro dancers who took online university classes while touring, so you don't have to give up on your second career. They wrote their research papers in the dressing rooms.
Unlike attending school and taking class, performing in a company is competitive. It can be stressful.
I know pro dancers who took online university classes while touring, so you don't have to give up on your second career. They wrote their research papers in the dressing rooms.
Unlike attending school and taking class, performing in a company is competitive. It can be stressful.
#5
PlatinumTiger
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Posted 19 September 2012 - 04:02 PM
I know one dancer who got a company job at 14, but then again, he was a prodigy.
Like MJ said, it's best to audition and just see what it's like.
Like MJ said, it's best to audition and just see what it's like.
"If ballet were easy they would call it football" -Anonymous
