| Students often used to ask me "should I pursue dance | | | | dance. Maybe you can take a class or two a week in |
| as a career?" My first thought was always - "if you | | | | your last year of high school and still get fair grades. |
| can live without dance, do something else. If you can't, | | | | Maybe you can schedule it into an education degree if |
| then pursue it". | | | | you are in college. |
| Sometimes Dance just doesn't let go! It may not be | | | | Defining goals is not easy - adults have trouble with it |
| the practical choice for you. Yet it just doesn't go | | | | all the time. Try to ascertain what your true physical |
| away. | | | | capacity is. Dance is a muse and does not just go |
| If you're young, I would say dance now, because it is a | | | | away. I know that sounds a little spooky, but that is a |
| physical training that needs to be done while you're | | | | fact. |
| young. Especially ballet. That doesn't mean flunk high | | | | Like, if you know anyone who is studying cello or piano, |
| school or anything, but I know that grades can be | | | | for a career with a classical orchestra - it's the same |
| re-created at a community college, and an academic | | | | thing. There is no balance, as balance is usually defined |
| career can ensue from there. However, the physical | | | | in our culture ("some of this and some of that") That |
| ability that a younger person has is not there later. | | | | sounds scary to some people. But it just is that way |
| What is your real goal? It is good to take time and | | | | with the arts. |
| define your goals. | | | | I hope this doesn't sound too abstract - it's just that |
| ***To qualify for a 4 year dance department university | | | | dance is one of the soul level "spirits" that calls some |
| that could lead to a professional performance career? | | | | of us. It may take you in any direction - it's hard to |
| ***To "run away and join the dance circus"? Talk to | | | | ignore. It will make sense...one day...just explore all your |
| your teacher, or your parent, tell someone you can | | | | options. |
| confide in, that you are having a hard time living without | | | | |