Dance & Movement for Success In Entertainment
When you were a kid, a classmate took ballet lessons at a neighborhood dance studio. She had tap and jazz classes in her teenage years. Perhaps she studied at a ballet company-affiliated professional academy, or went the musical theatre route, apprenticing at a summer stock theatre. She might have even gone to a conservatory. Now, you see her at the same music video auditions and commercial and dance auditions you're going to but she's getting the jobs!
That's the path followed by most professional dancers for many years. Today, however, dancers have more options in designing their personal training curriculum to have a better chance of success at dance auditions.
To consistently land the entertainment job requiring dance or movement, most professionals agree you need to start training at an early age — and that ballet is the best foundation on which to build professional technique. That said, dancers now can choose among a much more diverse array of styles in which to train and kinds of programs with which to affiliate. Besides the traditional ballet and well-established Graham-esque techniques, there's everything from Paul Taylor and Merce Cunningham to Alvin Ailey and Twyla Tharp.
But there's more to consider besides technique. More and more dancers are choosing to continue their dance training while earning a college degree. University-based dance programs provide training and prepare students for the realities of a professional entertainment career. These programs are also a place where aspiring choreographers can learn the basics of their craft.
Many dance programs also teach the basics of movement training, including ways to strengthen the body against the rigors of performance. Success at dance auditions or music video auditions or any entertainment job will show through better for you with consideration from previous experience. Another area where this comes into play for actors is training in stage combat.
LINKS
Colleges/Conservatories with Dance Departments
A list of dance departments at selected colleges, universities, and conservatories in the United States offering degrees or certificates.
What's Your Specialty
College guide to the performing arts, including interviews with dance students.
Finding Work in Today's Musicals On and Off-Broadway
The high level of technique required of all performers can prove a daunting challenge to a dancer trying to make a career on Broadway.
Keeping in Shape with Choreographers
How dance-makers nurture their creative craft.
Where Choreographers Can Work Out
Places where a choreographer can try out material.
|
|
