Higher Education for Dancers: Fact or Fiction
Fiction:
Don’t go to college for Dance! Get out and Dance while You’re Still “Young”!
I remember teachers who told me not to go to college, because by the time I graduated, I’d be too “old” to have a successful performance career (Wow, since when is 21 old?).
Fact:
My B.A. in Dance helped me to acquire/obtain the necessary qualifications to not only be a great dancer/performer/choreographer, but also to be an educated dance instructor for my students. Many dance studios and schools are more inclined nowadays to hire a dance instructor with not only a strong performance/teaching resume, but also with a degree in Dance. I personally chose to do a double-major in Hispanic Studies, which allowed me to travel to Spain and develop strong Spanish, bilingual skills, which are extremely useful in a global business market as well as in the performing arts.
Fiction:
A B.A. Degree in Dance is useless.
Fact:
You can do A Lot with a degree in Dance! Many great dance companies start with dancers that attended the same college dance program. College dance programs offer you in-depth education on choreography, staging, production, and lighting, not to mention access to all types of dance training and performance opportunities with top dance industry professionals. And in my case, my company, Kiner Enterprises Inc., the 1st and only national dance teacher staffing agency in America, was born out of my experiences over the past 20 yrs, which college was a huge part of.
In the end, college may not be for everyone, based on finances, circumstances, or personal preference. This may especially be the case if you’re an aspiring Hip-Hop dancer or Ballerina. However, my advice is, do your research, pursue your passion, and figure out what path is best suited for you. Whatever you choose to do, always be proactive about growing in your specific field of dance, and learning the ins and outs of choreography, staging, lighting, and performing. And of course, always have a Plan B, and other skills to fall back on, as this business can be very challenging and inconsistent financially at times.
Lastly, don’t listen to the nay-sayers. You were born for this. Follow your dream, work hard, and the rest is history…
Related Posts: “The Professional Dancer’s Survival Kit”, “Dance Your Way Into Business Success”, “Window Into Wages”, “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Professional Dancers“, “Kiner Enterprises Inc. is Recuiting Dance Teachers Nationwide“.
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About The Author
Ashani C Mfuko
Ashani Mfuko is a Social Media Strategist, Digital Marketing Specialist, Award-Winning Blogger, and Professional Dancer. Ashani works with small businesses, corporations, & non-profit organizations as a Social Media Strategist and Digital Marketing Specialist. She creates results-driven, innovative social media strategies that are proven to increase your revenue and catapult your brand to expert status in your niche! She has an extensive track record of creating and implementing successful social media strategies for her clients. She is also the Host and Executive Producer of the “Inside New York City Dance” television show on MNN, and is a proud wife and new mom. Ashani has been featured in Dance Magazine, as a “Media Maven”, as well as in Dance Mogul magazine, Inside Woman magazine, & Dance Studio Life magazine, in addition to various dance blogs online. She is the author and creator of the, “Finance Your Dance: How To Turn Your Passion Into Profit“ e-book and workshop, and her dance blog won the Reader’s Choice, “Top Dance Business Blog” of the year award, two years in a row. She is a leader in the field of social media and digital marketing, and is highly sought after as a dance performer and dance teacher in the New York City dance community. Ashani is on staff at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, and teaches Advanced Jazz classes for their Jazz & Contemporary program & Ballet program.
I once had a job that required me to have a degree. It didn’t matter what the degree was, but the job was with a contractor to the federal government and those were the requirements.
In that regard, ANY degree is worthwhile.
I never knew until today that people could earn a degree in dance. I am sure that having a degree in dance will help someone land a job or will expand your range of employment. A degree in dance is no different than a degree in journalism. You basically have a degree in your field and I think this is a good thing.
I totally agree, most jobs require that you have a degree and most dont care what area the degree is in as long as you have had that college experience.
It seems that you can’t really go wrong with a college degree! Great comments guys! Thanks!
Right our wrong, most employers that I have come across require some kind of college degree b/c to them it shows that you are competent. I think it does depend on the individuals path and I think you nailed it when you said that not matter the path to “always be proactive” and to have a “plan b”. Great post!