If you are thinking about a career in dance, earning a university degree is something you should be considering. It isn’t your only option in your dream of becoming a professional dancer, but it is a path that can help you increase your technical proficiency while at the same time documenting your learning.
As you think about which institute of higher learning to consider, below is a quick guide to help you pick the right school in pursuit of your dream.
Prepare a Plan for Your Dance Career
Write down where you want your career in dance to take you. Think about the type of dance that most interests you, the type of dance career you want (e.g. performing, teaching, owning a studio) and maybe what region of the country you want to dance in.
Answers to these questions will help you pick the right school for you. Different schools have different strengths, and some might be a better fit for you and your dance ambitions.
Do Your Research on the Schools You Are Considering
Doing your homework about various dance programs across the country is a necessary first step in choosing the right school for you. You should also consider which type of school is the best fit for your personality.
When doing your research, here are some of the things to look for:
- School Reputation
- Dance Faculty Experience
- Performance Opportunities
- Admission Requirements
- Audition Requirements
- Any affiliations with Dance Companies
- Tuition/Fees
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Other Non-Dance course options
While there may be other factors to consider, the above list will serve as a great starting point.
Click HERE for a recent article in the OnStage blog, rating the Top 10 dance schools in the U.S. for 2016/2017—Note, Point Park University (Miss Kate’s School) is rated #3 in the country.
Talk to Your Parents
Make sure you talk with your parents about your process of choosing a school and understand the budget your family has for your college education.
Find out if your family situation qualifies you for scholarship possibilities. Determine if it will be necessary for you to get a job while attending school in order to help pay your college expenses.
Talk to Your Teacher(s)
Your teachers probably faced the same decisions you are facing and can be great assets in helping guide you to the right school choice. They can also add insight to the “college experience” and what other things to look for in a school.
Try coming up with a list of questions you may want to ask your teachers about their college experience such as:
- What schools or programs they think you should consider?
- What other non-dance courses should I consider taking?
- What non-dance classes should I consider taking?
- What is the college audition process like?
- What advice would they give you on any audition requirements?
- How can I prepare myself now to get ready for my next step in my dance education?
- Are they willing to provide you a letter of recommendation?
Don’t Forget About Other Areas of Study
Take time to consider other areas or subjects you should take as part of your college curriculum. This will help you get a well-rounded college experience and help you in future career choices both in dance and outside of dance.
One consideration you should think about is the possibility of taking business classes as part of your course load. This background might help you if you decide to start a dance-related business in the future, such as opening your own dance studio or dance performance company.
