Expert: David Lynch - 1/1/2008

Question
Hello
I am sixteen and have done highland dancing since I was very young and took up classical ballet a couple of years ago.  I am really interested in dance but would love to do ballroom dancing as a career. The only thing is there is nowhere in my area that teaches this.  I am still unsure what to do when I leave school but want to do ballroom dancing, however I don't know if I would be good enough or what it envolves. I am undecided whether to go into an academic career or dancing as I think I would do better at that but i really love dancing and don't know what to do! Do you know if I could go to university and do dance in my spare time and take it up afterwards if I still want to as a professional career? I don't know if you will be able to help as I am not asking a specific dancing question but if you could offer me some help it would be much appreciated
Thanks for your time
Sarah

Answer
Sarah:

    I have sent this to you several times but it must be getting lost in cyberland. I will resend a short version of my answer because I am getting tired of answering. You have done well with your dance classes of  highland dancing and classical ballet. You could do  ballroom dance teaching  as a career and also go into an academic career.  You  could go to university and  dance in your  spare time or take it up after a masters or PHD degree.
    You know you love dancing. It is easy to find that out It will take longer to learn to enjoy your carreer, but it will  or can be as satisfying or more.   Most people do a new career every 5 years. You could do 2 years of one then switch.
     Most people tho, get a solid academic education and also enjoy dancing.  As a Male I am in more demand as host or instructor. There are many female dancers and teachers. You could do it if you want to. Do not worry.

    Try to find support  on the web, or amoung friends. go dancing, hang with others .  Do not get distracted with drugs, alcohol, stupid friends,  or sex.   Be carefull as there are dishonest dance and modeling schools who take your $ and cheat you. I enclosed info about my successfull life you may get some ideas there.    
Thanks for your Q.

Sarah, here is my dance bio:

 I am a ballroom dancer. I was professionaly trained and have taken lessons from over 30 different instructors in Minnesota, California,  and Washington State.
I teach swing, lindy, be- bop, tango, east coast swing, west coast swing, charleston lindy charleston, salsa, cha cha, merengue, rulmba, mambo, bossa nova, waltz, foxtrot, Night club two step, texas polka, c/w two step, cowboy cha cha, varsuviane, hustle, 4- count swing, rock, jitterbug.

I teach over 20 hours every week. Both groups of up to 70 and private lessons  to individuals. I earn over 75 $ per hour When I teach on cruise ships.
   I donate lessons to non -profit groups like churches or  the YMCA. I give discounts for teens,  groups, families, seniors, or handicapped individuals.  I give free demos in commmunity fairs and exhibitions.  I judge dance contests, I train local instructors. I even teach new steps and styles while dancing on the floor.  I do choreography and help students prepare for contests. I teach at weddings, and schools.   I answer questions about swing dancing  thru allexperts.com If you are looking for an instructor go to google and ask for swing dance instructors, or schools.
    Students say I am very patient and helpfull. I have a strong lead. I also have several black belts in Karate, Kung Fu, and Kempo, and teach self- defence, and  Tai-bo. I have been a dance host on cruise ships. I have combined several carreers in admistration, business, service work like bodyguard, counseling, education.  
Have a good life.  
dw