Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 4/8/2010

Question
Hello! I am a 20 year old male dancer who has been dancing for almost two years now. I never danced when i was younger and I didn't start until I was a senior in high school. I started with a swing class at a local dance studio and then moved to other classes like hip hop, musical theater, Jazz, some modern and a technique class. I also started to take a ballet class once a week about six months ago. I have also been taking exercising classes as well in order to help with my endurance and strength. ( I have also been taking Tae Kwon do classes for the past two years as well which has complemented my dancing to the ut most!!!!) Over all I take dance classes three to four times a week.

Ever since I started dancing my senior year I have known i wanted to be a performer! Its my one and only passion!

My concern is that I am at to late of a stage in my life in order to successfully be a professional dancer. I mean when I see professionals dance I am amazed at their athleticism and their performance abilities. They inspire me and make me want to work harder so that some day I can reach my goal of becoming a professional dancer but then I also realize that so many of these dancers have been dancing all of their lives! Im just afraid that i dont stand a chance when I am auditioning against these dancers that have been dancing since they were five! Am I chasing after a dream that could never come true?!?

What I really want to know is what all can I do in order to ensure that my dream becomes a reality? I try to work as hard as  as I possibly can when I am at my studio, I go in extra when ever I can to work on technique and flexibility, I have gotten my splits in just one year, im learning how to pick up choreography quicker, and I was accepted to Ohio State University's Dance Major for this coming fall quarter. So soon I will be in program that will allow me to focus on my passion and too dance at a minimum of five times a week! Im excited but at the same time I feel like there could be so much more that I could be doing in order to ensure the kind of future that I want for my self.  

What else is there that I could be doing in order to ensure a successful career in the dance world?

Thank you so much for your time!
- Josh

Answer
Josh, it's exciting just to read about everything you're already doing! If you can keep it all up and get a degree that's great!

The only thing I could add to your studies, is acting.  I say this because I studied acting, performed, and also became an acting coach for dancers.

I came to believe that many dancers could do much more if they understood acting.

If you have electives in your dance program that involve acting, I would recommend that you go for that. If you can't in your first year, don't worry about it. Keep a mind open to it and see what comes. It sounds like your attitude is great and you have some natural ability physique-wise since you can do the splits.

You probably will never dance a lead role in classical ballet. But, there is so much more.

As you progress in dancing, study DVD's on partnering, which will get you knowledge before you get into those classes. Watch classical, modern ballet (like The Netherlans Danse Theatre, and William Forsthye) and  - well - everything! Fortunately there is so much on DVD by companies that don't tour to North America, but are amazing.(in my opinion). And there there is all the amazing American dance companies, many of whom you will probably see touring through the university.

And at the same time, seize every day....

Feel free to ask any more questions you may have anytime. All the best, Dianne