Performing arts activities like ballet and other forms of dance can be a very rewarding hobby. For many, dance classes are a way to keep in shape while doing something they truly love. Fortunately, there are some who are so artistically inclined that they are lucky enough to be able to make a career out of their favorite past time. If you think the dance is something you would like to pursue in a professional manner, here are some great tips to help you find a terrific school to cultivate your talents and land you the job of your dream.
Choose an Academic Track
If you are considering taking up dance as a course of study there are two different tracks you can follow to reach your ultimate goal.
Bachelor of the Arts: If your sure you would like to study the performing arts but aren’t sure where you would like that to take you, a Bachelor of the Arts would be the best track for you. Bachelor of the arts degrees offer you a wide variety of liberal arts study that can prepare you for graduate performing art studies or other courses of study should you change your mind.
Bachelor of Fine Arts: If you are positive about your career intentions you may want to consider a BFA. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is more focused on the performing arts and will prepare you for a career directly related to performance.
Research Schools
There are different schools that specialize is specific areas of study. Larger Universities will often offer a program in the arts but not have a school that specializes in your interest area. If your sure that you want to study something like dance, you should consider looking for conservatories or performing arts schools to pursue your professional dreams.
As part of your school research it is also important to visit the schools you may want to attend. When you visit these schools make it a point to check out the facilities that are of particular interest to you. For example, dancers should make it a point to look at studios, rehearsal space, and performance theaters.
Determine Requirements
Each school has different requirements so before you apply you need to check and double check those of the programs you are interested. Make a note of all deadlines, application fees, and portfolios or audition requirements. If your are applying to a performing arts school it is highly likely that you will need a portfolio or audition to be sure to have one prepared well in advance.
Get Feed Back
Sure your parents think you are terrific at what you do, and the audience may give you a standing ovation with ever performance but before you apply to schools it may be beneficial to get some professional feedback. This is particularly helpful when putting together your audition. Ask you teachers and instructors for some critical feedback. If you have the time, money, or ambition, it is also extremely beneficial for your to get criticism from the true professionals. This means you may have to travel to the bigger cities (if you don’t leave there already) and set up appointments with performers from well known dance companies or with instructors as Conservatories or Performing arts Universities.