Many people would like to have the opportunity to dance for work. However, the life of a professional dancer can be exhausting and stressful. To break into the world of dance, it takes years of training and dedication. It is certainly possible to acquire a good command of ballet for pure enjoyment and personal enrichment, but you still have to train to become good and perfect your artistic skills.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Preparing to Do Ballet
Step 1. If possible, start small
To become a dancer, it takes years and years of dedication and training. Dancers often pursue a career in the world of ballet at an early age. Since dance is an art form that requires a lot of practice and commitment, professionals study for years before starting to do the job. At the age of 21, most dancers are already at the peak of their careers. If possible, it is good to start training during the first years of childhood.
- Many dancers start taking lessons in a dance studio at an early age. However, if you are older, you can still try to take a path in the world of ballet. Look for affordable dance classes.
- Consider that almost all professional dancers start from very young, as the real career starts around 20 years old.
Step 2. Get in shape
Dance is an art in which the body plays a predominant role. If you want to become a dancer, you have to enjoy excellent physical shape in order to compete with professionals.
- Classical dance requires the use of pointe shoes, which is why it is necessary to learn to support yourself on tiptoes. Dancing at the tip arouses an image of grace and delicacy (and it seems easy), but in reality it is incredibly painful and requires a lot of technique. Since the tips of the shoes have wooden blocks in the front, a huge amount of physical effort is required to support them. A dancer must therefore develop a rather high tolerance to pain.
- Pilates is a training program that uses the execution of certain movements, strength exercises and stretching to obtain long and tapered muscles. If you want to have the body of a dancer, integrate Pilates into your workout routine. Sign up for a course or search for an online program.
- Cardiovascular exercise is also important for dancing. To be a dancer, you will need a lot of physical stamina. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic workout each day. This includes activities like jogging, running, cycling, swimming and so on. You can also look for cardiovascular workouts to do at home.
- Strength training is just as necessary to become a good dancer. To have a lean but strong physique, use light weights and do a lot of repetitions. For example, use a light enough load that you start to struggle after 18-20 reps instead of 8-15.
Step 3. Prepare to pay the costs
Becoming a dancer is not cheap. You have to consider the costs involved in the lessons, equipment and travel required to participate in casting and shows. You need to make a major investment before you start getting a return. Even those who dance as a hobby have to bear more than one cost to buy everything they need.
- If you want to dance for work, you have to enroll in an academy. The tuition of the most prestigious institutions is high. Given that you have to start studying when you are young, many dancers do numerous training courses over the span of 15 years. This means that along the way it is possible to spend up to 20,000-30,000 euros in tuition. Enrolling in a dance school also involves other costs, such as registration fees and costumes, which over time can amount up to 1,000-2,000 euros. However, if you want to study ballet only for personal satisfaction, there is no need to invest in such training. You can reduce costs by taking classes in an amateur studio, rather than spending it on enrolling in a dance school that offers a full course.
- Many dancers do summer workshops during elementary, middle, high school and university. Over time, the costs of these courses can amount to a total of 20,000-30,000 euros. If you do not have the goal of becoming a professional, it is not necessary to do all the workshops you are aware of. However, it may be helpful to make a few during the first few years of training to gain additional knowledge.
- Pointe shoes are expensive and wear out over time. Over the years, you may end up spending € 20,000-30,000, especially at the beginning of the course, as the shoes need to be replaced more or less every three months. There are also other costs, such as leotards and stockings, which can involve a final cost of around 2,000 euros over the course of 15 years. People who dance as a hobby still have to invest to buy everything they need.
Step 4. Adopt a healthy diet
Dancers must maintain a certain weight to compete. It is therefore necessary to follow a low-calorie but healthy diet, which allows you to obtain all the necessary nutrients.
- The majority of the diet should consist of whole grains, fresh and unprocessed foods, including nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, rice, and wholemeal pasta.
- Pre-packaged and processed foods should be avoided. They contain empty calories and are also often high in sodium, which is responsible for water retention.
- Contact a nutritionist for a prescription for a tailor-made diet. You need to make sure you are getting all the calories and nutrients you need.
Step 5. Practice
Dance is an art form that aspires to perfection. To advance, the dancers study in order to masterfully perform increasingly complex and elaborate steps and choreographies. If you want to be good and have all the necessary qualifications to compete with other dancers, you need to train regularly. Studying is sometimes exhausting and painful, but dancers who want to make a difference must prepare to work hard throughout their career.
Method 2 of 4: Take a Professional Path
Step 1. Sign up for a training program between the ages of 6 and 11
Many professionals start studying as children. In addition to schools and academies, you can deepen your knowledge by enrolling in summer workshops and seminars. If possible, try to join a training program between the ages of 6 and 11.
- To be accepted into a prestigious academy, you will need to sit an audition. Consequently, before you write down for a casting, try to take some preparation lessons.
- The experiences of the auditions are often difficult and intense. Prospective students are divided into groups to cast, and are then selected for a second audition or mini training program to assess whether or not they can be admitted to the school. If they don't catch you, you can usually try again later.
- The training programs allow you to acquire the basic skills of ballet. Academies organize afternoon courses to allow students to continue going to school, but in some cases school subjects such as English, math, science and history are also offered in addition to dance lessons. In some schools the classes are reduced. This allows the teachers to guarantee personalized attention to the students.
Step 2. Take advantage of the summer and the holidays to do dance internships
For some aspiring dancers, it is not possible to follow a full-time training program. If this is your case, try to do some summer workshops and take advantage of all the dance stages organized during the holidays. You can take courses in the area by asking your instructors to recommend affordable summer, winter and spring internships. Although it seems a less demanding option than a full training program, many dancers manage to go to school normally and do internships during the holidays.
Step 3. Make the right decision regarding university or open classes
As the end of high school approaches, the next steps need to be considered. You can enroll in a dance degree course, but in some cases it is better to participate in open classes at various companies if you are invited. Given that most professionals start their careers at a young age, many enter the world of work directly and postpone university for a few years.
- Open classes are dance lessons organized by renowned academies. If you are invited to participate, you will have the opportunity to dance in front of the directors of the company without undergoing a formal audition. By committing yourself and working hard, you may receive an offer to study or do an apprenticeship with a professional company.
- If you want to enroll at university, consider that many institutions offer complete and rigorous degree courses. High-level academies are extremely competitive, so give your all in view of the entrance exam. In fact, for the entry test you will need to be sure that you already have a solid background and good technique.
Step 4. Do an apprenticeship
This is a very important step in becoming a professional. It basically allows you to look out over the world of professional shows and understand the rhythms of a stable job. This is an entry-level position in which you will take on the role of a substitute, training daily in the event of having to perform. It is possible to cast for apprenticeships after high school or university. You may even get noticed at an open class and get an invitation from a company.
Method 3 of 4: Working in the World of Ballet
Step 1. Take part in casting
As your career progresses, you will have to learn how to better withstand auditions. Castings help to get a role in a dance company, but also individual performances. If you want to be a successful dancer, you have to move to a big city like Milan.
- Make sure you have fun during the audition. Love for dance is essential for success in ballet. Obviously a commission prefers to hire a dancer who can convey this passion. Try to have fun, however stressful the event is.
- Find ways to express your personality. Being yourself will make you stand out from other dancers. If you are given the option to choose a choreography, select movements that make your uniqueness stand out clearly.
- Strive to avoid panicking. If you make a mistake or miss a step, the reaction you will have during the audition will tell a lot about your abilities. Try to stay calm and carry on, even when you have some inaccuracies.
- You also have to audition for less prestigious shows. Even if you want to perform just for fun, sooner or later you will still have to undergo a casting.
Step 2. Go on a tour
If you dance for work, you may sooner or later get an offer to go on tour with a company. This means that you will have to move regularly from one city to another for months with a group of colleagues. Make sure you're ready to make a commitment of this magnitude.
Team spirit is important in the world of ballet. You will have to live together, travel, eat and dance with a small group of dancers. You have to learn to get along with others. Try to form a solid bond with the other members of the company
Step 3. Prepare for grueling days
Working as a dancer involves a considerable workload. The days are long and very intense from a psychophysical point of view. If you want to dance for work, be prepared to face endless and tiring days.
- Many times dancers train up to 10 hours a day. It is possible that you will have class at 9 in the morning and then you will have to devote the rest of the day to rehearsing. You must therefore commit to acquiring good habits and sleeping regularly to have all the energy you need to dance.
- The days of performance are even longer and more tiring. You need to get up early to rehearse and go to bed later. The life of a dancer can sometimes be lonely, as it leaves very little room for socialization. In any case, many professionals form a close bond with their colleagues.
Method 4 of 4: Coping with Adversity
Step 1. If you want to dance for work, be realistic
This is an extremely challenging and competitive sector. You need to be realistic about your potential and the odds of being successful. While following the right path and working hard, it is not always possible to make it. You must therefore psychologically prepare yourself for the possibility of not fulfilling your dream.
Step 2. Prepare for Injuries
They are very common in the world of dance, both professional and amateur. Ballet is an art form that engages in everything and for the whole body, so it is normal to have problems with the hips or ankles. Some injuries prevent you from dancing for some time. To make sure you are always well, check with your doctor regularly throughout your career. Although injuries can happen to anyone, taking care of the body through stretching and rest makes them less likely.
Step 3. Try to have a plan B
As stated earlier, the world of dance can be backbreaking. At some point along the way, you may find yourself forced to accept another career path. So take courses in other areas that interest you, both in high school and at university. Look for internships in non-dance fields. It's good to hone other skills beyond dance if you need a plan B.
