Did you know the famed 90s rap icon Tupac Shakur actually began his career in the world of ballet?
While his career as a professional dancer may have been short-lived, with the right mindset and choices your dance career may be just beginning. Thousands of dancers attempt to reach a professional level each day. however, there are some factors that set apart those who succeed from those who need to find the day job.
if you’re willing to do whatever it takes to become a professional dancer, read on for more information but how to get started.
Making the Choice to Become a Professional Dancer
Before ever taking your first step towards the direction of becoming a professional dancer, it’s important to get your mindset right. You need to be in a place where you can take the many challenges and hurdles that come with chasing your dream.
Professional dancers face a staggering amount of criticism and rejection on a daily basis. Which means you’ll need to develop a thick skin in order to survive in the World of Dance.
You’ll also want to embrace your unique style and choose a genre of dance where you would like to dedicate your studies in order to excel.
It’s also important to understand the physical demands that will come from being a dancer, including intense diets and countless hours of rehearsals.
All the challenges may seem steep, however, once you’ve set your mind on the fact that you want to become successful professional dancers you’ll find there is little you won’t be able to overcome.
Find a Mentor
Having a mentor can help prevent you from entering the world of dance with an unprepared mindset. It can be difficult to know what to expect and what’s a realistic outlook in this career.
For this reason, finding a mentor that has experience as a professional dancer can be a powerful tool. Not only can your Mentor provider real feedback as to what areas you need to improve in, but they may also be able to provide valuable connections as well as telling you when you’re being taken advantage of.
You’ll also be more likely to trust the advice of someone who has achieved what you’re attempting to achieve, rather than input from those who went on to pursue different careers.
Find Work within the Industry
Quality dance lessons can require a hefty investment. You’ll find that a number of dancers leave the industry simply due to the inability to pay for their classes.
One way to ensure that you’ll be able to continue your classes no matter your financial situation is to find work opportunities within the industry.
Whether it’s working the front desk of a dance studio or volunteering as the assistant to a dance instructor, you’ll be able to obtain dance classes at a discount or even for free while still earning some money in the process.
Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about your day job taking away too much time from your dance career. Every day will be an opportunity for you to observe and learn more.
Keep an Open Mind Set
You’ve been studying since the age of 3 which means you have an advantage, right? Actually, your extensive experience could be working against you.
This is due to the fact that dancers who have been dancing for longer periods of time tend to be less open to constructive criticism than those who are new to the craft. As a result, their skill set fails to grow and the dancer becomes stuck on a certain level.
Professional dancers understand that they must always be open to critiques and should always try out suggestions for improvement, even if it goes against their early dance education.
Avoid Distractions
These days we are overwhelmed with constant information flooding our televisions, phones, and tablets. As a result, people’s attention spans are shorter than ever.
Unfortunately, if you’re attempting to become a professional dancer, there is no room for distraction. The amount of time that it takes studying and perfecting your movement means that your focus needs to be consistent and unwavering.
Make an effort to ground yourself in your goal. find time to focus on your lessons, disconnect from the outside world and root yourself in the present.
You can even incorporate your favorite dance pins on to your outfits as a reminder for where you can be focusing your energy.
Set the Right Schedule
As with any goal, it’s important to have a plan that will keep you accountable. Write down your goals and make a step-by-step action plan that you can combine with a realistic schedule.
Find a way to squeeze classes between auditions and shows in order to constantly be enhancing and improving your craft.
Every minute dedicated to enhancing your skills will show when it’s time to audition for professional gigs.
Being Brave Enough to Chase Your Dream
Pursuing a career as a professional dancer takes courage and consistency. It also means finding the right balance in every area of your life to be the most proactive and disciplined version of yourself.
To enhance yourself in all areas from your health to your mental state, check out our blogs for more information. The more knowledge you obtain the more equipped you’ll be to make lasting changes that can help you conquer your goals.
You’ll also find that by taking time each day to read about the world of dance and the dance industry, your mindset will stay fixed on the finish line.
