7 TIPS FOR DANCING YOUR WAY OUT OF THE STUDIO

Is it time to transition into the world of professional dance? After countless hours working and growing in the studio, your teachers and friends have become a second family. It’s hard to break that bond and step outside your comfort zone. But here’s how to make the jump from student to professional less overwhelming.

BE A CLASS REGULAR
Find classes you really enjoy and take them on a regular basis. This will help you to develop a relationship with the teacher and the other students in the class. You will get to know the warm-up and begin to feel comfortable with the style of choreography, giving yourself a class that feels as natural as a class back home.

Mix up your schedule with other styles and teachers. Your goal is to prepare for auditions, so take as many different classes as you can. Studying a variety of styles will get you ready for whatever you may encounter in an audition.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
If your goal is to dance on Broadway, then you should no longer consider yourself only a dancer. You will need to hone not only your dance skills, but your acting and singing skills as well. Find a voice teacher and an acting coach to study with. The reality is that if your dream is to dance on Broadway, you will need to be a confident dancer, singer and actor.

If you hope to dance with a company, then it is time to do some research. Investigate the company you hope to dance with and find out if they offer open company classes. Is there is a school attached to the company? The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago and Decidedly Jazz (Calgary, AB Canada) are three companies who offer workshops and professional/junior training divisions at their affiliated schools. There are countless others. Taking class within the company setting will help you develop the style that they look for and meet choreographers and dancers involved with the company. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and becoming a familiar face could be just what you need to get your foot in the door.

MARKET YOURSELF
Don’t be afraid to let others know that you are talented and eager to work. Many teachers are also choreographers, so taking classes and getting to know them may be helpful to your career. It might just get you recognized at an audition. If the final choice comes down to you and another dancer, then being known by the choreographer may be just the edge that you need. Many teachers also showcase their own work. Being cast in a showcase is a great way to work in a professional environment and gain experience onstage. It may be non-paying, but prove to be a wonderful opportunity to invite agents to see your work.

SEE SHOWS
Frequently check flyers and posters at your dance studio or browse our “News” section to find independent shows. These are affordable places to discover emerging choreographers. The monthly Choreographer’s Carnival in LA is a perfect place to network and meet new people. Attend every month if you can. Introduce yourself to choreographers. They are always happy to see fresh faces and you might be just the talent that these up and comers are looking for.?

GO TO COLLEGE
A dance or theatre program at the college level can be a smart step to ease you into life as a professional dancer. College is a great place to hone your skills in a safe environment. It can offer new challenges and put professional goals within reach. You will work with industry professionals who can be great contacts when you enter the professional world. College is also the perfect place to experiment with your own choreography through student performances and workshops.

DON’T GET DISCOURAGED
You may have been the star of your studio, but now you’re surrounded by established, professional dancers. Are you feeling a bit like a small fish in a big pond? Don’t let it discourage you. Everyone has to start somewhere. In no time you will find friends and teachers who make you feel confident and unique among a pool of great talent.

GO BACK FOR A VISIT
When you find yourself back home, go take a class. Stop in to catch up and share the trials, tribulations and success stories of your life in the dance world. You’ll be able to offer advice of your own see just how far you’ve come. It’s always nice to revisit the studio that first instilled your passion for performing and to realize that it will always feel a little bit like home.