The Simple 4 Question Test You Must Pass If You Want To Become A Professional Dancer

 

How To Be A Professional Dancer

As the famous song lyric goes… “Gotta Dance!”

Being a professional dancer is one of the most rewarding occupations out there. You have the exciting opportunity to perform on stage, travel and the world, be in film and television, and more.

Being a professional dancer (as in, you get paid well to dance) easily keeps you in shape, brightens the day of others and inspires the next generation of performers. Most importantly, you get to share your joy of dance, express your individuality, and connect with others in the world on a unique and artistic level.

But in order to make your dream a reality, you should seriously take a minute to assess your strengths, weaknesses and tolerance to the ups and downs of the biz.

The Simple 4 Question Test You Must Pass If You Want To Become A Professional Dancer

1. Are you deeply passionate about dancing as a career? As the saying goes, only the strong survive. In this highly competitive industry you will encounter roadblocks, injury, frustration and rejection. If you’re not deeply passionate about making dance your career, your chance of success will diminish. Always remember, someone else out there is hungry and passionate about making dance a reality. You MUST know in your heart and gut that dance is what you want as well.
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses? As with any skill, trade or occupation, you need to know your skill set. Are you a strong jazz, ballet or african dancer, but weak at tap dance or hip hop? Are you a solid singer, but weak at acting? Know what you need to work on, and improve those skills. To be a regularly working pro dancer you need to not be a “one-trick pony.” The more skills you have, the more marketable you are… and ultimately, the more work you will get. 
3. What is your tolerance to economic instability? Ask yourself: Are you reliant on a steady stream of income? Because if you are, the dance field may not be for you- as “gigs” tend to be inconsistent. You could find yourself with a solid six weeks in a show contract, but then be without work for three months. One weekend gig here, a few weeks of waiting and auditioning there. You must know your tolerance to economic instability. If you’re a good planner and make smart financial choices, that could prevent you from being a “starving artist.”
4. Do you have the right support system? A career in dance is tremendously rewarding. But you need to have the best support system to keep you in the right state of mind and body during your effort to “make it.” It is imperative that you continue your training, and work with the very best coaches and motivating dance instructors to help you reach your goals. Family and friends must be encouraging, and should be your biggest cheerleaders during your growth period. A professional career in dance is achievable. The more you surround yourself with nurturing, optimistic people, the more ambitious and focused a person you will become.

If you want to be a professional dancer, take the time to answer these essential questions. They will give you insight, clarity and help you to assess what you’re passionate about.

And always remember to believe in yourself, and reach for your goals. Anything is possible!

– Shawn Byfield

 

© 2009 Shawn Byfield

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About The Author:

Shawn Byfield (www.ShawnByfield.com) is an award winning choreographer, show director and a leading expert in dance lessons and industry advice. His extremely fun approach to learning is a must for anyone looking to achieve their highest potential through dance.

How To Get Higher Marks At Your Next Dance Competition- PART TWO

(Read PART ONE here)

Here’s more expert tips to impress your judges at your next dance competition:

3.) PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS.

So you’re in a large group. What does your group do to stand out from the rest?

– ONE: Pay attention to spacing details like lines, levels and formations. A straight line is a straight line. You need to be responsible for your part in that spacing, so use your peripheral vision while you dance.

– TWO: Perfect your arms,  hands, feet and body positions in a group. It’s amazing how great a group can look when everyone’s arms are EXACTLY the same. Even if choreography is simple, making sure your body movements are as exact as your dance partner is a sure way to higher marks.

– THREE: Work on shared Sightlines. What does that mean? This is more advanced, but it’s simple… When dancing in a group, find common focal points to make great moments. For example: in your lyrical group, everyone is performing to an imaginary person downstage right. So through your dance, at the same moment, everyone looks right at them. Think of your dances as movies, and you’re always looking and having a conversation with a real person.

– FOUR: Have a solid BACK ROW. So many times, dancers think they can get away with being sloppy, forgetting steps or just faking their dance because they’re in the back. WRONG! We still see you. In fact, the back row is sometimes more important than the front- especially when in formations. Plus, sometimes it’s easier to see the back dancers depending on where us judges are sitting. So if you’re holding down the back, pay special attention to details.

Stay tuned for more useful tips to help you put your best foot forward!

– Shawn Byfield

About The Author:

Shawn Byfield (http://www.ShawnByfield.com) is an award winning choreographer, show director and a leading expert in dance lessons and industry advice. His extremely fun approach to learning is a must for anyone looking to achieve their highest potential through dance.

The 4 Biggest Mistakes Dancers Make In Auditions

“The 4 Biggest Mistakes Dancers Make In Auditions- And How To Avoid Them”

For many performers in the dance industry, the word AUDITION can bring feelings of excitement, clarity and a world of opportunity. For others, it can bring feelings of anxiousness, confusion and unnecessary tension.

Like it or not, dance auditions are a way of life as a performer. But unfortunately, many dancers are NOT prepared for the moment that could potentially change their income, their way of life, and their happiness and passion toward their craft.

If you’re heading to a dance audition soon, use these 4 tips to ace your next audition, and gain an unfair advantage over the others in the room:

1. Not Prepared- Dancers who didn’t do their research, arrive with no headshot, no resume or bio, stayed up too late, lines aren’t memorized, forgot their prop, didn’t study or train, brought wrong dance shoes, etc. All above reasons are unacceptable. Be thoroughly prepared!
2. Not at the Right Ability– Don’t kid yourself if you haven’t danced in years, it’s been even longer since you’ve stretched, but you expect to get hired? Next please. Step your game up and show that you take yourself seriously.
3. Not Dressed Appropriately – When you arrive to the audition, make sure you look the part and act the part. Make a positive impression! Show up, act and look as if you are already hired. And a smile won’t hurt either.
4. Talking Too Much– Here’s the most important suggestion: DON’T waste people’s time, DON’T make excuses to your auditioning panel, and DON’T be defensive. DO take corrections and be open to direction. Be humble, be approachable, be interested in the FREE feedback, because these tips will get you closer to landing the job next time!

Remember, you are there to GET A JOB. Wouldn’t it make sence to put your best foot forward?

Yes, you always want to encourage others. Show the panel you are one they want to work with, and you’re supportive of your peers. But don’t forget: the more prepared you are, the better the outcome.

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About The Author:

Shawn Byfield (www.ShawnByfield.com) is an award winning choreographer, show director and a leading expert in dance lessons and industry advice. His extremely fun approach to learning is a must for anyone looking to achieve their highest potential through dance.