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Rose asked in Arts & HumanitiesDancing · 6 years ago

(Dancers) im a 15 year old beginner to dance:?

I'm 15 years old and have been dancing for 2 years. I'm switching to a better school next year to really work on technique and everything else. Because I really want dance and performing arts to be my career, is it possible to get as good as the other dancers my age before I'm too old?

Also, are there jobs out there for dancers BESIDES being in a company like the new York city ballet or being a teacher?

basically, I feel like I've missed out on all those years I couldve been dancing. Is there any way to get up to speed? Please help! Thanks

2 Answers

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  • 6 years ago

    The other answer is completely wrong as there are so few jobs for dancers that only 10 % of the best trained dancers get work and only 10% of them can actually make a living at it. Broadway jobs are so coveted because they pay so well. Many retired professional ballet dancers dance on Broadway not only when they are done with their careers but during off season as well. Just look at the current Broadway cast of On the Town and An American in Paris. Those shows are filled with principal dancers from NYCB. Regarding backup dancers, I know Juilliard trained dancers who have been dancing lollipops for Katy Perry. The idea that many professional don't start until their teens is just incorrect information and not based on any facts. Most people have no clue what it takes for a dance career. You first have the be born with the right body, facility and musicality that a dance career requires. If you aren't born with the right gifts starting earlier or having the best teachers won't change that. Then you need professional not recreational dance training as recreational teachers don't have the right skills to pass on to you for a career. If you are very gifted and get the right training it is still possible but not highly probable to have a dance career outside of recreational dancer teacher at your age. Truth is it is hard for even the most talented people with great training who start young enough to have a dance career. I don't mean to be discouraging but I thought you should get a realistic idea of what your chances may be. There are so many people who want to do what you want and not a whole lot of jobs compared to the large pool of qualified dancers waiting to fill those jobs. You may be one of the few people who may be able to rise above the crowd and do it. That I couldn't tell you. It is however highly possible to pursue work as a recreational dance teacher.

    Source(s): My daughter is a professional concert contemporary dancer & choreographer. Ballet academy trained. Dance grad of LaGuardia Arts high school (the FAME school.) Graham & Horton modern trained. Juilliard SI. BFA in dance from NYU Tisch. Currently choreographing major music videos and performing in a world renown concert contemporary company. I worked for NYCB (New York City Ballet.)
  • y
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    Lots of work out there for dancers, ever see a music video, been to Broadway or the theater?

    As far as you skill set and starting late goes, many that have danced all their lives will tell you that there isn't any way to catch up, they would be wrong. Many dancers don't start until their teen years. It is all about the work and natural ability.

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