Dancing in College?

Question:Okay, here's the deal. I am thinking on starting college in the fall at a community college (so I can catch up more before in Ballet), and then after a year (maybe two) transfering to a University so I can get a degree in dance. I have several "issues", though. For one thing, I have only been dancing for about a year. I have been doing very well, though. After only one month and two weeks, I started pointe. I will be in 9 dances in the spring recital (which is more than anyone else), I take 6 classes a week, I am the asst. teacher for 3-4 year olds, and over-all I am doing great. But still, one year doesn't sound too good. My other issue is that for the dance program I would be in you have to keep at least a 3.0 GPA, so I would have to study hard, and my parents say I have to be earning some money while I'm in school, so I would have dance classes, studying, and a job! Can I do it all?! And will a dance program except me even though I will have only been dance 2-3 years when I apply?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Okay, here's the deal. I am thinking on starting college in the fall at a community college (so I can catch up more before in Ballet), and then after a year (maybe two) transfering to a University so I can get a degree in dance. I have several "issues", though. For one thing, I have only been dancing for about a year. I have been doing very well, though. After only one month and two weeks, I started pointe. I will be in 9 dances in the spring recital (which is more than anyone else), I take 6 classes a week, I am the asst. teacher for 3-4 year olds, and over-all I am doing great. But still, one year doesn't sound too good. My other issue is that for the dance program I would be in you have to keep at least a 3.0 GPA, so I would have to study hard, and my parents say I have to be earning some money while I'm in school, so I would have dance classes, studying, and a job! Can I do it all?! And will a dance program except me even though I will have only been dance 2-3 years when I apply?

Dance Programs normally audition based upon ability, not on how many years you've been dancing. I don't think you will be looked down upon for that. Sounds like you have great experience so far! It is best for you to keep learning, keep taking classes, and absorb all of the dance you can! As far as dance classes, working and studying, that will be up to you to see if you can do it all. If you want it bad enough, you can do anything! Best of luck! Knowledge is the key!

The bigger question is what do you want to do with your college degree in dance? If you're hoping for a performance career, you're in for a real uphill climb: first to get in a decent BFA program with so little training, and then to juggle the demands of a BFA degree with a job. But if you're hoping to be a dance teacher, then you have more options, as dance programs that offer a B.A. or B.S. degree require less time in the dance studio, rehearsals and performances. On the other hand, they require more academic classes. Either way, no dance program that I know of can be done in two years. They are all four year programs (or three if you pack in summer classes). To transfer in, you'd have to come from another (approved) dance program. Your academic credits could transfer from the community college, but in all likelihood, you'd need at least three years to complete the dance requirements.

Meanwhile, there is the issue of your study skills and why you consider a 3.0 GPA so hard to keep up. If you're having a hard time keeping a 3.0 in high school, then it's hard to see how you'll keep up in college, much less get into one besides a community college. If academics aren't your thing, there are some far better places to get dance training than most of the college programs that would accept you. You'd be much better off getting your training from a top-notch dance studio while attending community college and working on the side.

Spend some time reading the web sites of the dance programs you're interested in to learn more about how much previous dance training they require and what the goals of their programs are.