Choosing a Dance Program
Aspiring young dancers approaching the end of their high school years are often faced with the questions of whether to embark on a career or seek a degree and, if they choose the degree route, what kind of program would best suit them. Dance as a performing career is very time dependent and, considering that the average age of retirement from the stage is around 35, many dancers want to get started as early as possible. Many others, however, feel that a few more years spent strengthening and broadening their set of skills might not only help them in their performing careers but also provide a strong bridge to a post-performance career.
If a dancer is focused on a career with a particular classical ballet company, my suggestion would be to enroll in that company's training program. Most dancers in the larger professional classical companies are already dancing professionally by the time they reach the normal college entrance age of around 17 or 18. For everyone else there is a little less pressure in terms of time and a little more to be gained in terms of a broader base of knowledge and development of critical thinking skills.
So, if having decided that the degree path is the one for you, what sort of program will best suit your needs? A conservatory? A university? BFA? BA? There are many choices and they all have different things to offer. Generally speaking, conservatories are focused more on the intensive practice of the performing art with a performing career as the intended outcome and emphasis. The best conservatory programs balance professional level technical training with an academic education designed to support the work in the studio and the development of the artist as a thinking, well functioning citizen. University programs generally have a more heavily loaded academic thrust. They tend to be more broadly focused in terms of enrollment and curriculum, allowing students to experience dance as one of many diverse educational offerings not necessarily as a preparation for a performing career. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree differs from a Bachelor of Arts degree in that the majority of the program consists of a practical studio component, as contrasted with lecture and discussion classes. A typical BFA program consists of two-thirds study in the arts, with one-third in more general liberal arts studies; for a BA in Dance, the ratio might be reversed.
How to choose? Do a little research. First of all, ask yourself what you want to get out of the experience. Identify your goals and be honest with yourself. Accept that you don't have a crystal ball to see the future but go ahead with the best knowledge of who you are right now and what your intentions are. Look into various schools' curricula and what graduates of particular schools are doing in the profession. Are they in the kind of careers that you see yourself in? Is the faculty involved with the current professional world in a meaningful way? Is there significant exchange with working professional artists? How would their program help prepare you for your post-performance career? Do they offer pedagogy classes? (More than 85% of performers at some point try teaching.) Do they offer Pilates or other certification programs dancers can use to support themselves during or after a performing career? What is the student/teacher ratio?
Once you have narrowed the field, visit the school. I have seen many a fine dancer in equally fine programs but somehow the match is not good and both parties suffer. Also, schools, like people, change over the years. Directors and faculty come and go. Even the most prestigious programs go through natural cycles. Make sure your information is current. Most schools have opportunities for prospective students to visit and even "shadow" a current student through their classes. It's a great way to see what the culture of the program is and if it provides an environment you can see yourself working hard and thriving in. Try to sense how the program educates and develops its students. Is there a good balance for you between theory and practice; studio, classroom and performance; different techniques and styles? Would you be challenged at the right level and in the right ways? Is there a shared and consistent vision within the program? Is there a sense of harmony, nurturing, and constructive leadership within the school?
Finally, after having made your decision, trust it. Give everything you can to your education. Don't hold back on your passion or effort. Your contribution is the most important. Take everything you can from your teachers. Help them help you by thoroughly involving yourself in acquiring and mastering all they have to give. You will be empowered by knowing exactly why you chose to be where you are!
Editorial content provided by Stephen Pier, Director, Dance Division, The Hartt School, University of Hartford.
