Free Dance Mom Survival Guide: Growing a Great Dancer Without Losing Your Mind by Malena Lott, Jill Martin

yoga. Learn to be an artist in dance, not just a technician.
    At the college level, dancers need to look at their personal goals in dance and what the school’s programs can do to support that. Then other factors can come into play such as scholarships, affordability, etc. By the time a dancer is considering a college degree in dance, he/she should have a pretty good idea of what their individual strengths and weaknesses are, what styles of dance they like, and what they might like to do after they graduate.
    A college degree does so many things. In a top-level program, dancers learn from professional level faculty, learn repertoire that will help them get jobs, and often have the opportunity to dance internationally. They also make professional connections. In general, a dance degree helps students get that “polish” and technical improvement necessary to dance professionally. They also usually learn dance pedagogy, or the art of teaching dance, which will both help them get jobs and ensure that the next generation of young dancers has excellent training. A professional dancer’s career is short, like a professional athlete’s. Having a degree in dance from a major university helps dancers become more well-rounded, educated human beings, and helps them find their second career. Many of our dance majors have a strong minor in another field, or even double major. We’ve had dance majors study finance, marketing, public relations, art, pre-med and many other areas.
     
    A few more questions for Professor Redwine
    Do all schools of dance at the collegiate level require auditions?
    KR: All the programs that I’m aware of require an audition.
     
    What are dance instructors looking for in dancers 18+?
    KR: Each college dance program has their own focus, but in general, we’re all looking for wonderful dancers who can also be successful in a university environment.
     
    What tips do you have on dancers taking care of themselves?
    KR: Mind/body/wellness
     
    From Instructor/Dance Major Melissa Motte
    The third-year dance major says sticking with it is key.
    “Getting into a college dance program isn't too hard depending on your training background, but staying in it is. College dance programs accept you based off of if they are able to TRAIN YOU. If your technique is way off, you might not get in. But if they see you have some technique and you’re trainable, they will accept you. You don't have to be perfect. But if you DO get accepted, staying in is the hard part. It is HARD WORK and takes a lot of TIME and DEDICATION!! 
    Class attendance and improvement are the two biggest things. If they see you are not improving, they will tell you, "Hey, we need to start seeing improvements soon." If they don't, they may suggest a different major maybe, or remove you from the program. Being a dance major is a blast, but hard. Your body needs rest, and you have to be able to balance normal school work, too.
    To prepare for college dance — technique, technique, technique. Also be in shape, and start eating healthy. Listen to your studio teachers, especially if they are a dance major currently or have been one.
    Scholarships are everywhere!! You just have to search for them. There are even websites just for dancers!
     
    From Dance Mom Lauren
    Career planning is also tricky.  I can't tell you how many times I've wished for a crystal ball to give me a glimpse of the future!  My son is at an age right now (14) when he's beginning to get noticed.  For example, when he was at one big-name SI (Summer Intensive) audition recently, he was offered a scholarship on the spot, and they were really trying to talk him in to attending their program.  Then, a few days later a famous boarding school/conservatory offered him a full-ride scholarship (tuition, room, board) and expressed a lot of interest in him.  I thought he had decided to go there, but then yesterday at a competition, the director of different ballet company pulled us aside to