2 answers
Madeline
Student
Valparaiso, Indiana
1
Question
Updated
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How common is it for professional ballet/dance companies to hire graduated dance majors?
I am currently a first year at Butler University as a Dance-Arts Administration major and Business minor. I would love to dance professionally after graduating, but I have heard how more and more companies only hire from their trainee or second company programs. How true is that?
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2 answers
Jennifer Edgcomb
community engagement, previously in fundraising. I also teach dance
5
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
I agree with Charlotte. If you are particularly interested in getting hired by a ballet company, it would serve you well to attend summer intensives and perhaps join a training program after you graduate. Contemporary companies also use intensives and training programs as recruitment paths, but I think they are more open to hiring dancers via auditions (more so than ballet companies).
If there are specific companies that you aspire to be in, engage in as many of their training opportunities as you can so that they come to know you and recognize you. Sometimes its about being in the right place at the right time in this business (actually, in life!), so put yourself in the realm that you wish to be a part of.
As someone who has a BFA in Dance Performance, I can tell you that companies doesn't care if you have a degree, they care about how well you dance and if you have the look, shape, size, etc. for the role they are looking to fill. It's a harsh reality, and I don't mean to be negative, just realistic. The degree helps with in other ways, most definitely, but its the training Butler is providing you that is most valuable if you wish to dance professionally.
Good luck!
Good luck!
If there are specific companies that you aspire to be in, engage in as many of their training opportunities as you can so that they come to know you and recognize you. Sometimes its about being in the right place at the right time in this business (actually, in life!), so put yourself in the realm that you wish to be a part of.
As someone who has a BFA in Dance Performance, I can tell you that companies doesn't care if you have a degree, they care about how well you dance and if you have the look, shape, size, etc. for the role they are looking to fill. It's a harsh reality, and I don't mean to be negative, just realistic. The degree helps with in other ways, most definitely, but its the training Butler is providing you that is most valuable if you wish to dance professionally.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
You're absolutely right to consider the current landscape of professional ballet hiring. In today's dance industry, it's increasingly common for ballet companies to recruit dancers through their own trainee or second company programs. These programs serve as a bridge between academic training and professional careers, allowing companies to closely assess dancers' fit within their specific style and culture before offering main company contracts.
For instance, companies like Ballet West often promote dancers from their second company, Ballet West II, into the main company, valuing the familiarity and consistency these dancers bring. Similarly, Boston Ballet's second company, BBII, has been a significant source of talent for their main company, with a notable percentage of dancers making that transition.
Dance Informa Magazine
DanceUSA
+1
Wikipedia
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While it's less common, some dancers do secure positions in professional companies directly after college. However, this typically requires exceptional talent, extensive performance experience, and strong networking connections. Given the competitive nature of the field, participating in a reputable trainee or second company program can enhance your visibility and provide valuable professional experience.
As a Dance-Arts Administration major at Butler University, you're already building a solid foundation. To further your prospects, consider attending open auditions, summer intensives, and networking events hosted by professional companies. These opportunities can help you gain exposure and potentially lead to trainee program invitations.
For instance, companies like Ballet West often promote dancers from their second company, Ballet West II, into the main company, valuing the familiarity and consistency these dancers bring. Similarly, Boston Ballet's second company, BBII, has been a significant source of talent for their main company, with a notable percentage of dancers making that transition.
Dance Informa Magazine
DanceUSA
+1
Wikipedia
+1
While it's less common, some dancers do secure positions in professional companies directly after college. However, this typically requires exceptional talent, extensive performance experience, and strong networking connections. Given the competitive nature of the field, participating in a reputable trainee or second company program can enhance your visibility and provide valuable professional experience.
As a Dance-Arts Administration major at Butler University, you're already building a solid foundation. To further your prospects, consider attending open auditions, summer intensives, and networking events hosted by professional companies. These opportunities can help you gain exposure and potentially lead to trainee program invitations.