4 Questions to Ask Before Committing to a College Dance Program
If you’re a Junior in Senior in high school, you may be considering a college degree in dance. As you start to do your research on University websites you will likely find answers to some basic questions such as “What style of dance is the program focused in?” and “Who are the dance department faculty?”.
These are absolutely important questions to find answers to - however, they are just scratching the surface. A college dance degree is a huge investment. Before you dedicate your time and money to a program, you need to find out exactly what you’re signing up for.
Many college dance program auditions include an interview portion with the Dance Director or another faculty member. This is your opportunity to ask the tough questions. If you haven’t been able to locate the answers to these questions on the program’s website, here are four questions I recommend asking:
How many opportunities do students have to perform and choreograph - really?
Performance and choreography opportunities vary widely among programs. In some programs, freshmen are not eligible to perform at all. You may also find that some programs offer many choreographic opportunities while some focus more on performance. Think about what would be most beneficial to you and seek to find a program that aligns.
What percentage of your graduates receive employment as professional dancers?
Does the school have a track record of placing graduates in employment? Some schools may boast a handful of high-profile graduates, but their overall employment numbers are low. Make sure you get the full picture.
Does the Dance Department allow dancers (especially graduating seniors) to miss class/rehearsal to attend auditions?
In university dance classes, one of the biggest factors determining your grades is attendance. When I was in college, after two absences my grade automatically dropped one whole letter grade (from an A to a B for example). At many universities, dancers are not excused from class or rehearsal to attend auditions, forcing dancers to make the difficult choice to pursue employment or keep their grades up. Before signing on to a program, make sure you know the department’s stance on this issue.
Do you assist your dancers with making professional connections to help them secure jobs?
Does the faculty have connections in the professional industry AND are they proactive in helping you find employment? Remember - a university degree is designed to give you the educations and skills you need to obtain employment in your field of study after graduating. Make sure you will have guidance and support as you transition to your career.
These are just a handful of important points to consider! There is so much more you might want to find out - don’t be afraid to ask!
Remember that all auditions, college or otherwise, are a two-way street. When you attend an audition, you’re not just auditioning for them - they’re auditioning for you. You need to decide if what they have to offer is going to be the next right step for your dance career.
It’s tempting to go with a school because they offer you a big scholarship or because they have a few high-profile graduates. These are definitely considerations, but remember that you are the only one who can decide if a college is a good fit for you. Before investing your valuable resources, do your due diligence to ensure not only will you graduate with a degree, but a strong network and career opportunities.
Want to learn more about what it’s like in a college dance program? Check out The College Dance Decision mini course - a course for incoming Junior and Senior dancers to take stock of what they really want after high school, develop a plan (and a backup plan!) toward achieving their goals , and provide actionable advice to connect and unite with parents to bring their dreams to life.
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