4 answers
Marley
Student
Longmont, Colorado
2
Questions
Updated
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What should I do if I want to do pre-med for college but I also want to do ballet? I have never really done ballet though...
Ever since I was young I have always been interested in doing ballet but due to financial issues I never could have. I also really interested in doing pre-med but I don't think I'll be able to do ballet. What do I do?
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4 answers
Roel Ramon
Product Management and Development
91
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roel’s Answer
Look for schools that interest you and apply as a pre-med student. Once there, check if they have kinesiology courses related to ballet, or find a nearby ballet dance studio.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Marley,
At what level would you want to do ballet? As you know, professional dancers start training very early and require many years of training. So, a professional career is probably not going to happen. But nothing keeps you from starting to learn ballet as a hobby. You might even be able to combine a medical career with ballet (or sports in general) as a sports physician or an orthopedic.
A medical education is long and demanding, but you also need some hobbies and down-time. You could look for a school that offers ballet at a non-professional level for your undergrad or just take private lessons. There are also many forms of dance that are not quite as demanding as classical ballet that you could pick up and enjoy.
A small liberal arts college where you can do a sciency major as well as ballet classes might be a good fits for you. Look for non-credit or "open" classes, hobby classes or student clubs and teams.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
At what level would you want to do ballet? As you know, professional dancers start training very early and require many years of training. So, a professional career is probably not going to happen. But nothing keeps you from starting to learn ballet as a hobby. You might even be able to combine a medical career with ballet (or sports in general) as a sports physician or an orthopedic.
A medical education is long and demanding, but you also need some hobbies and down-time. You could look for a school that offers ballet at a non-professional level for your undergrad or just take private lessons. There are also many forms of dance that are not quite as demanding as classical ballet that you could pick up and enjoy.
A small liberal arts college where you can do a sciency major as well as ballet classes might be a good fits for you. Look for non-credit or "open" classes, hobby classes or student clubs and teams.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Hi KP,
Thank you for your thoughtful response, I really appreciate it.
To clarify, I’m not aiming for a professional ballet career. I understand the demands of that path, and for me ballet would be a serious but non-professional pursuit alongside medicine. I see it as a lifelong discipline and a way to stay grounded while pursuing a demanding academic path.
I like your suggestions about open classes, private lessons, and schools that allow flexibility between science and the arts, and I’ll definitely explore those options.
Thanks again for the encouragement and guidance.
Best,
Marley
Marley
You are very welcome! Check out Eva Nys' YouTube channel. She is a professional photographer who specializes in ballet photography. She also takes ballet classes as an adult and documents her journey.
https://youtu.be/uRnp_Inzfmw?si=kTpB58bapjpeZtm4
Karin P.
https://youtu.be/wr13tU8Nqsc?si=u8Wv2mygdc21UbVq
Karin P.
Alexis Gerth
10
Answers
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Hi Marley!
As a student about to graduate with a pre-health emphasis, I would recommend it, as it is a stable field. However, that doesn't mean you can't do ballet. One thing I regret throughout my years is not taking breaks and focusing on myself. This lead to a multitude of health issues due to the ongoing anxiety (had my third surgery today THIS year, two were stress related).
Does your school have a dance minor?
I know a few people who are minoring in dance and they love it. Or, see if your school has a club/ team and join it! Pre-med is a difficult program, but in the end it is really rewarding. My suggestion is to do both!
As a student about to graduate with a pre-health emphasis, I would recommend it, as it is a stable field. However, that doesn't mean you can't do ballet. One thing I regret throughout my years is not taking breaks and focusing on myself. This lead to a multitude of health issues due to the ongoing anxiety (had my third surgery today THIS year, two were stress related).
Does your school have a dance minor?
I know a few people who are minoring in dance and they love it. Or, see if your school has a club/ team and join it! Pre-med is a difficult program, but in the end it is really rewarding. My suggestion is to do both!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, and I’m really sorry you’ve had to go through so much. I truly appreciate your honesty and advice.
I actually don’t know which school I’ll be attending yet, so I’m still exploring options. Hearing about your experience really reinforces how important balance and self-care are, especially in a demanding pre-health path. I definitely want to avoid burning out and neglecting myself.
I love the idea of doing both, whether that’s through a dance minor, a club, or open classes, depending on what the school offers. I’m keeping that flexibility in mind as I look at different programs.
Thank you again for the encouragement.
Best,
Marley
Marley
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Marley !
You have wonderful interests and I think I could provide some advice that may help you.
We do not have to turn our interests or thoughts into careers. You are interested in a Life Science pre-med path at college and you also like Ballet. Even though it may be difficult to choose one of the two, you will have to focus and choose one.
As for Ballet, even though you haven't said what grade you are in or your age, ballet is something that the dancers start training with as young as 3 or 4 years old. It is a highly competitive field and your parents would have to oversee and provide the funding for training and transportation for you as a dancer while you are under 18 years old. You are right about the expense. Did you know that tuition for regular ballet classes, can amount to approximately $53,000 over 15 years at a top tier school, or $30,000 at less prestigious institutions ? So expense is actually a factor to consider. There are additional fees as well, such as fees for auditions and transportation, performances, and costumes, dancewear and supplies, makeup, remover, bandages, moleskin, toe wraps, and other self-care products. Physical therapy is a significant recurring expense, as dancers must maintain their bodies to prevent injuries.
Travel and accommodation costs are also to keep in mind, especially for dancers on tour or attending auditions. It is also an opinion business which requires heavy networking and nothing is guaranteed. It would just be a matter of going to whichever company is auditioning and waiting to hear if you are chosen. It is a serious venture as a career and all time consuming and most people that like ballet do it as a pass time in their spare time and for exercise.
Your better bet would be to pursue the medical career that you are taking the pre-med path for. This at least has specific steps that lead to an actual career. You would get your Bachelors Degree and then go to Medical School. You can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid for the four years of your Bachelors and also apply for grants and scholarships to help with college costs. After you obtain your Bachelors in a life science such as Biology, Anatomy or Chemistry, you would then go to Medical School to become a Doctor. The path is pretty much even and smooth and you will be prepared to work for a medical corporation and eventually open your own practice. You can apply for Scholarships and Grants to help with medical school costs.
So I know it's really difficult to choose one career and you have two career interests that would require many hours dedication, so when you decide upon one, you might be able to feel better about it.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
You have wonderful interests and I think I could provide some advice that may help you.
We do not have to turn our interests or thoughts into careers. You are interested in a Life Science pre-med path at college and you also like Ballet. Even though it may be difficult to choose one of the two, you will have to focus and choose one.
As for Ballet, even though you haven't said what grade you are in or your age, ballet is something that the dancers start training with as young as 3 or 4 years old. It is a highly competitive field and your parents would have to oversee and provide the funding for training and transportation for you as a dancer while you are under 18 years old. You are right about the expense. Did you know that tuition for regular ballet classes, can amount to approximately $53,000 over 15 years at a top tier school, or $30,000 at less prestigious institutions ? So expense is actually a factor to consider. There are additional fees as well, such as fees for auditions and transportation, performances, and costumes, dancewear and supplies, makeup, remover, bandages, moleskin, toe wraps, and other self-care products. Physical therapy is a significant recurring expense, as dancers must maintain their bodies to prevent injuries.
Travel and accommodation costs are also to keep in mind, especially for dancers on tour or attending auditions. It is also an opinion business which requires heavy networking and nothing is guaranteed. It would just be a matter of going to whichever company is auditioning and waiting to hear if you are chosen. It is a serious venture as a career and all time consuming and most people that like ballet do it as a pass time in their spare time and for exercise.
Your better bet would be to pursue the medical career that you are taking the pre-med path for. This at least has specific steps that lead to an actual career. You would get your Bachelors Degree and then go to Medical School. You can apply for Federal Student Financial Aid for the four years of your Bachelors and also apply for grants and scholarships to help with college costs. After you obtain your Bachelors in a life science such as Biology, Anatomy or Chemistry, you would then go to Medical School to become a Doctor. The path is pretty much even and smooth and you will be prepared to work for a medical corporation and eventually open your own practice. You can apply for Scholarships and Grants to help with medical school costs.
So I know it's really difficult to choose one career and you have two career interests that would require many hours dedication, so when you decide upon one, you might be able to feel better about it.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
Hello,
Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed advice, I really appreciate it.
I want to clarify that I’m not aiming to make ballet a career. I understand how competitive, expensive, and time-consuming the professional path is. My primary focus is a life science pre-med track, which offers a clear and stable career path. Ballet is something I value as a serious but non-professional pursuit, for discipline, balance, and personal fulfillment.
Thank you again for your perspective and encouragement.
Best,
Marley
Marley
You are welcome for the advice, Marley !
Michelle M.