Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 1/5/2010

Question
Hello,
I am 21 years old and a college student. I have danced on and off most of my life...most recently was in high school for a small dance company. I began pointe very late (16 years old) because of the time off I had taken to pursue some other interests. The teacher thought I was good and I performed on pointe in both of our recitals. I stopped dancing after I graduated high school and have not been able to find time for it since. So this brings me to my question. I have been dying to start dance again. Though I would love to dance professionally, I know that it is not possible. I would however like to perform (a little) again and possibly teach someday. I am pursuing a degree in child psychology and I wanted some advice as to how I could also work toward teaching dance.  

Answer
Hi Stephanie. I think that what you want to do is realistic, although it will depend on scheduling possibilities.

For example, if you were in a university with a dance department, you could somehow work on a double major and keep up with dance training. Especially if there were classes in creative dance, which is what you would teach to children too young to begin ballet.

Otherwise, you could attend a studio with a grades system like Cecchetti or R.A.D. that would eventually qualify you to teach dance. This could begin simultaneously with your academic studies, or begin afterwards. So you might do a search on your local dance studios and see what they offer. I'm sure the teachers would be willing to have a talk with you as to how you could train up to the teaching exams.

As for performing, I don't see that it would be easy to fit that in somehow. However, if you think on your options and possibilities, you never know what you will find.

All the best with this, Dianne