Dance Major?

Question

I'm thinking of changing my major to dance, but the opportunities seem so narrow and I am unsure if it is worth it. But if i don't major in dance, I feel like I will never dance again :( So is there anyone who has majored in dance that can give me some advice?

Answer 1

When you really stop and think about it, the opportunities in dance are really no less narrow than any of the liberal arts majors. How many of the psychology majors will become psychologists? How many of the anthropology majors will become anthropologists? The point is that those students enjoy studying those subjects for now and use their college studies as a means of acquiring general skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers. The same can be said for dance, which actually gives you more hands-on and marketable experience (for example, in stage management or event production) compared with many liberal arts majors. I was a psychology major who double-majored in education just to get some hands-on, practical skills, so I know what I'm talking about.

Since you started out as a non-dance major, you seem to be comfortable with the idea of not having dance as the main focus of your life. Between you and me, I actually think this gives you MORE options and that you'll be happier in the long run compared with my daughter who cannot imagine life without dance as her main focus. (The life of a dancer is a really hard one.) Therefore, I agree with cookie to look into combining a major in dance with something else, even if it's just a minor. Some very practical options are studies in arts management, costume design, or fitness instruction.

By the way, it's not true that the career path of a dancer is necessarily short. It's just very hard and doesn't get any easier. So that is why most dancers SWITCH careers to do something else, which includes being able to buy a house and settle down to have kids. Otherwise, there are many dancers who teach and choreograph well into their senior years and my daughter looks to them as role models.

Answer 2

Though I have never majored in dance, I do have some advise.

I suggest you major in dance, but also get an education in something else. The life of a professional dancer is short. Very short. So, be a dancer if you want. That will last about 10 years at the most if you are a ballet, or pointe dancer. So then, when your dance career is over, you can get started in your other career. It will keep life interesting. Remember to continue dancing for fun and exercise after your professional career, if you have a strong passion for it.

Or, you don't have to go pro at all. It's your choice. Have a nice day!!

Answer 3

i am double majoring in dance and anthropology you should do it if you really love it because dance is not something you can come back to in ten years like other majors your body well be old and damaged you dont want to have regrets wishing you would have done it if you do double major you can teach at a studio perform in companys and during the day you can do what ever else you decide to major in good luck

Answer 4

why not minor in dance and major in something more marketable?  I started our in music but just didn't have the chops for a professional grade career.  if you love dancing that much you will always find a way to do it, whether or not it was your major.  i still take a music class every semester just for fun and i've realized that there are other great things you can do for work without turning your passion into a job.