future in dancing

[Guest petitecat]

I've been dancing since I was 5, so I guess it's quite young. But it's only been recent that I've started thinking about a career in dancing. I've just finished my first year of GCSE's, so it's about time I started thinking of my future. The thing is, I don't really know much about having a future in dance, I've always wanted to go to a boarding school or summer school even, but I get worried that I won't be good enough. I'm tempted to send an application off for a summer school for next year, but I think my nerves just get the better of me.

 

What should I do to either get the courage to do it, or improve my dancing? I keep thinking that I've gotten to that age where I can't improve anymore, but whenever I look at myself dancing, I tell myself that there is definately room for improvement. I just don't know how. I also have my elimentary exam in about two weeks, and I've never done it before. What are they like?

[Mel Johnson]

Welcome, petitecat, to the Young Dancers' Forum here at Ballet Talk on Ballet Alert! Online!

 

When one goes away to a Summer Intensive, or a full-time program including academics, one goes with the objective of improving. It isn't about where you start, it's where you finish. If you cannot receive training locally that you feel will lead to a career track, then by all means, go elsewhere.

 

Any exams with which I am familiar, RAD or ISTD Cecchetti, consist of preset class material, and nothing that should upset you. You're probably very familiar with everything that will occur. You're already practicing the exam material.

[Guest autumn]

Hi petitecat,

You're at the right age to think about your future in dance. The best thing to do is to check out the Council for Dance Education website (www.cdet.org.uk) for information on dance schools and funding, and consider applying to schools such as the Hammond School in Chester, or ArtsEd(Tring) who aim their courses at 16 year olds and also include "A" levels in the course. You need to apply fairly soon now for entry next year after your GCSE's, usually September - December for funded places although some accept later applications. If you go for some auditions you will be able to see what the general standard is like and how it compares to what you have done. You may decide to wait another 2 years while you do "A" levels, BTEC or GNVQ and then audition for a degree course or a professional dancers course aimed at 18 year olds, but you will need to work hard at part-time dance classes because the dance schools expect a higher standard from 18 year olds. By the way, which part of England are you from, and what dance association is your exam with? Some of the well known dance schools have good part-time associate programs for 16-18 year olds.

[Guest petitecat]

Hi, thanks for the advice.

 

To autumn, thank you for the suggestions. I'll be sure to have a look at that website. I'm sure I'll manage to gather up the courage to find an audition for something! I'm from Reading...not too far away from London. I'll be doing my RAD elimentary exam.

[Mel Johnson]

Hi, autumn, and welcome to Ballet Talk here at Ballet Alert! Online!

 

I must confess that your profile doesn't let me know very much about you, so why don't you introduce yourself at the "Welcome" forum? You seem to have a good grasp of the education venues in the UK, and that information is very well taken.