Dance Education and Career Options

There will come a time when a young dancer must decide which path to take in their chosen field after leaving High School. The options are quite varied these days. Performing is not the only one. Dance History, Dance Therapy,and Dance Education are just a few of several roads to choose from as an alterna-tive to the grind of auditioning, performing and touring. There are many universities that offer Dance as a major if college is decided. I come from a generational background of Teachers and Medical Practitioners so for me going to college had already been decided. If college becomes the course of action for a young dancer there are still many choices to make, in- cluding the type of program or degree to be pursued.

A Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts or even a two-year Certification Program are just a few choices placed on the table. Not all dancers are wholly desirous of a career in performing full-time yet still seek some involvement in the art form. Some desire to gain experience as a Choreographer right away, not just when they are injured or too old to dance. Dance Teaching and running a school can be an option so some may desire taking Business coures or maybe seek a Business Minor. Those seeking to concentrate on Performance or Composition more often than not would seek a school that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Most programs such as these are pretty intense offering alot of performing oppurtunities as well as Lighting and other Technical experience. They will also require many hours of Technique classes in many styles with a focus on one particular style such as a Ballet major or Modern Dance major. Many comprehensive Dance classes such as Folk, Tap, or Ethnic will be added to the curriculum.