Hi this is my dream? any tips on how to pursue it?

Question:

Hi this is my dream? any tips on how to pursue it?

Hi im 19 years old from Gibraltar. Im currently in Uk at Bath Spa University doing a degree in dance (contemporary dance). My dream is to become a professional dancer in a well known company, my fear is not to be good enough, dance students here envy me they say im a really good dancer i even got a first for my technique module but i dont think im good enough to be a professional dancer. My weakness is flexibility which nowadays is a big issue in a dancer. I would have loved to study in Rambert , or the Alvin Ailey Dance School in Usa but due to my flexibility i cant even apply because they ask for photos in certain postures which i cant do. Im a really determined dancer and i know i can be good but obviously with the right training which i cant afford either. I was also thinking in applying and going to auditions for the So you think you can dance program in Fox Tv or even Bump and Grind in Trouble but thats just a dream which obviously thousands of people aspire to. Any tips?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Many years ago I auditioned for the Royal Ballet School, aged 10, and got right through down to the final 28 girls and then they chose 26-I was not one of them, and the reason-I didn't have enough flexibility in the hip region and was even told that I would never "make it" as a professional dancer because of this! Well, I went to Elmhust Ballet School instead-worked my *** off for 7 years and then worked professionally as a dancer in Contemporary dance productions, West end theatre, music vids, etc etc for the next 18yrs! I now teach Pilates and am a Personal Trainer-( being a married mum of 2 - dance no longer fits in with life - but I can still do it!!) My point is that with enough determination and hard work you can do it - flexibility takes time to achieve and there's no quick fix just daily practise-do all stretches after class and hold statically for at least 30secs to allow the stretch reflex to relax, then take the stretch just a little further if you can. Increases in flexibility will increase if you do this regularly. You can and will get there - but don't give in, mental attitude is half the battle! I was told I'd never be a dancer because of inflexibilty - yet became one of the top commercial dancers in this country(not my saying but choreographers!) Good luck!