Question from Peter:

What are the job prospects for people with a dance major in college, especially for men? 

Nicole's response:

Hi, Peter --

We all know that dance is an extremely demanding and competitive field (and that you better not be going into it for the money)! The good news for you is that it's less competitive for men: many more women than men apply to dance schools and programs, so opportunities in general are better for men. Any of us who has ever been in a dance company knows that male dancers are at a premium!

If you're serious about dance, a very good reason to pursue a dance major in college is that while most dance studios and professional schools provide training exclusively in dance technique, training at the college level is broader in scope. The dance field itself embraces many more specialties than stage performance, and it's wise to remember that sooner or later most professional performers decide to shift their career focus -- because of aging bodies, touring burn-out, or naturally shifting interests and passions. In short, it's a good idea when plotting your dance career to prepare oneself in areas other than just technique, and you can do that in college and grad school.

When considering a program, always inquire about the curriculum provided (required course work, electives). Many programs offer both a B.F.A. (more practical/technical coursework) and an B.A. (more academic/threoretical coursework) option. Consider a second major or a minor to prepare yourself in more than one area of specialization. A master’s degree (M.F.A. or M.A.) may be needed for some dance careers. 

Here is a (non-comprehensive!) list of dance-related careers:

o                                                        Dancer

o                                                        Choreographer

o                                                        Artistic Director

o                                                        Rehearsal Director, Ballet Master/Mistress

o                                                        Dance Teacher, Community Dance Animateur

o                                                        Private Studio Owner

o                                                        Designer (Costume, Lighting, Sets)

o                                                        Dance Notator

o                                                        Dance/Movement Therapist

o                                                        Dance Critic, Journalist, Writer

o                                                        Dance Historian, Anthropologist, Researcher

o                                                        Physical Therapist, Movement Specialist, Sports Trainer

o                                                        Body Worker (massage, Pilates, yoga, Feldencrais, Alexander Technique, etc.)

o                                                        Dance/Arts Administrator

o                                                        Arts Advocate/Activist, Non-profit Arts Organizations

And some helpful websites:

http://www.collegeboard.com (Go to their "Career Browser" and enter "Dance Major")

http://www.ndta.org.uk (This is the website for the National Dance Teachers Association in Britain, but has some great universal advice -- see particularly their "Careers in Dance" page.)

http://www.young-dancers.org (Also has a nice Careers section.)

Good luck!
Nicole

NICOLE RICHTER works as a dancer, choreographer and teacher with AXIS Dance Company in Oakland, California. She has previously served as Co-Artistic Director and Education Director, launching the company's acclaimed Dance Access and Dance Access/KIDS! education programs for students of all ages with and without disabilities. As a dancer with AXIS, she has originated roles in commissioned pieces by artists including Bill T. Jones, Stephen Petronio, Joe Goode, Joanna Haigood, and Sonya Delwaide. Her choreography has been nominated for an Isadora Duncan Dance Award, and she has been the recipient of four California Arts Council Artist in Residence awards. Nicole discovered dance by accident while at Oberlin College, and became interested in physically integrated dance while working with CandoCo Dance Company in London. During her years in England, Nicole also founded Detours Performance Company and gained a Professional Diploma in Community Dance Studies and an MA in Dance Studies from the Laban Centre. As an independent dance artist, Nicole choreographs and teaches modern dance, Contact Improvisation, Pilates and creative dance to all ages. She is particularly interested in collaborating with artists of disparate media, in structured improvisation as a tool for performance, and in clambering about shamelessly in odd spaces. Nicole's latest work-in-progress, her daughter Kisa, premiered in October 2002. www.Teachingarts.org

Photo copyright Steven J. Gelberg