Company studios vs college education

[twinklingdance1990]

I am not sure if this is the correct place to post - but I'm wondering how important is college education for dancers aiming for a performing career. I realise that there are a lot of liberal arts requirements to fulfill despite being a dance major working towards a bachelor degree. I am thinking of switching to the professional training classes of the more established dance companies. Tuition will be a lot cheaper too..

 

 

any views on this?

[Mel Johnson]

Frankly, going for a degree before dancing professionally is usually unnecessary, and often counterproductive. In your particular case, however, where you are starting ballet practically from the start, even to having to learn the French names for the steps, a college environment may be the best place to learn right now. Switch later, rather than sooner.

[twinklingdance1990]

Thank you for that advice. I am actually contemplating going to a contemporary dance studio which I particularly liked after attending some classes. I was thinking if the same thing applies to ballet dancers and contemporary dancers.

[Victoria Leigh]

Most modern dance companies seem to like college educated dancers. They are not in such a hurry to take the very young dancers.

[twinklingdance1990]

Ok, thank you Ms Leigh