Dance School

Dance is a demanding profession that requires years of training and tremendous dedication. Dance schools train dancers in a variety of forms, from classical ballet and tap, to modern dance such as hip-hop.

Children begin attending dance school at various ages from 5 and 15, but older dancers can also be trained successfully. Girls, as well as boys, often begin by studying ballet. Some students enjoy ethnic or folk dancing, while many others prefer modern dance forms. Dance school students have a very demanding schedule that requires daily study and long hours of practice. A full-time dance student may spend eight hours practicing in the studio while also studying dance videos, listening to dance music and reading about the history of this art form.

Because of the great physical demands of such programs, some professional dancers skip traditional college to focus on their craft and to perform. Yet others do attend undergraduate college to earn a degree that will prepare them to either teach dance or work in another area, such as choreography, arts administration or education.

The top dance schools are very competitive and accept only a few applicants who are strong, graceful and hard working. Dancing itself is a very competitive profession, with only about 30,000 dancers currently working full-time in the United States. The remainder must work part-time or on a contract basis.

Dance School Choices

A dance school provides students with an in-depth background in all forms of dance. Many students receive their dance training and education in private schools. While that education is valuable, it often does not translate into a college degree that is marketable to employers.

Offering students the option of majoring in dance at college has been a tradition in this country since 1949. Texas Christian University was the first college to introduce a Bachelor of Arts in Ballet degree. Since that time, colleges and universities across the country have introduced dance programs into their curricula.

When researching a private dance school, college, university, or community college, the following factors must be considered beyond cost and convenience:

What does the dance school offer in terms of a degree, diploma, or certificate? A certificate may be a good option for a pursuit of dance as a hobby, but not as a path to pursue a professional career in dance.
Are the styles of dance varied in the curriculum?
Does the dance school have adequate opportunity for a student to pursue the type of dance that interests him most? For example, would a student be able to develop jazz dance as a specialization?
Is the teacher’s instructional style appropriate?
What is the student/teacher ratio for performance classes? Is there individualized instruction?
Is the school accredited? Accreditation is granted by an independent organization, such as the National Association of Schools of Dance, only after careful review of a dance school’s offering. Accreditation gives prospective students some level of comfort that an independent authority has vetted the school and program, and that certain quality standards have been met.
What is the admissions process? Are there auditions? Are references needed or video submissions of past performances?
Has the dance school had success in helping graduates obtain jobs?