3 answers
Taylor
Student
Brentwood, NH
1
Question
Updated
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What steps can I take to build a successful dance career?
I am a college dance student transferring to Boston Conservatory at Berklee for commercial dance. I've been dancing for 16 years and have recently focused on commercial and street styles. I aspire to choreograph and perform for music artists, as well as travel and teach at conventions and competitions. I would also like to continue furthering my battle experience.
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3 answers
Anilkumar Hanchinal
Learning and Development
89
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anilkumar’s Answer
Build a Strong and Flexible Foundation
Talent is important, but being versatile helps you get more opportunities. Focus on your main dance style, but also learn others like ballet or jazz to improve your skills and awareness. The more styles you know, the more roles you can try for. Keep learning by taking classes and attending workshops to refine your technique. Practice picking up choreography quickly, as this is crucial in professional settings where time is limited.
Treat Yourself as a Business
In the dance world, you are your own brand. Have professional headshots and a well-organized resume. Create a short dance reel that shows your best moves and versatility. Keep it updated. Use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase your talent and connect with others in the industry. Understand contracts and know your rights to ensure fair pay and safe work conditions.
Master Soft Skills and Networking
Being a great dancer is important, but professionalism keeps you in demand. Treat every class like an audition; be punctual, visible, and open to feedback. Be easy to work with by being reliable and positive. Network with not just famous choreographers but also your peers, as they may become key figures in the industry.
Prioritize Resilience and Longevity
A dance career can be tough on the body and mind, so take care of yourself. Learn to handle rejection, as it is common in the arts. Separate your self-worth from casting decisions. Cross-train with activities like yoga or weightlifting to prevent injuries. Build a medical support team to help maintain your health.
Broaden Your Dance Career
A successful dance career may include various income sources. While performing is often the main goal, consider other paths like teaching, choreography, dance photography, or arts administration. Be open to how your career might change over time.
Talent is important, but being versatile helps you get more opportunities. Focus on your main dance style, but also learn others like ballet or jazz to improve your skills and awareness. The more styles you know, the more roles you can try for. Keep learning by taking classes and attending workshops to refine your technique. Practice picking up choreography quickly, as this is crucial in professional settings where time is limited.
Treat Yourself as a Business
In the dance world, you are your own brand. Have professional headshots and a well-organized resume. Create a short dance reel that shows your best moves and versatility. Keep it updated. Use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase your talent and connect with others in the industry. Understand contracts and know your rights to ensure fair pay and safe work conditions.
Master Soft Skills and Networking
Being a great dancer is important, but professionalism keeps you in demand. Treat every class like an audition; be punctual, visible, and open to feedback. Be easy to work with by being reliable and positive. Network with not just famous choreographers but also your peers, as they may become key figures in the industry.
Prioritize Resilience and Longevity
A dance career can be tough on the body and mind, so take care of yourself. Learn to handle rejection, as it is common in the arts. Separate your self-worth from casting decisions. Cross-train with activities like yoga or weightlifting to prevent injuries. Build a medical support team to help maintain your health.
Broaden Your Dance Career
A successful dance career may include various income sources. While performing is often the main goal, consider other paths like teaching, choreography, dance photography, or arts administration. Be open to how your career might change over time.
Anuj Gupta
Software Engineering
330
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Anuj’s Answer
Leverage the Berklee Network: Collaborate with Berklee music students to choreograph their videos, establishing early connections with future industry artists.
Bridge the Scene and Agency World: Actively enter regional street battles to build raw credibility while compiling a high-quality digital reel to secure commercial agency representation (like MSA or Bloc).
Assist and Network at Conventions: Apply for assistant programs with major dance conventions to learn the touring circuit from established faculty while building your brand as an educator.
Bridge the Scene and Agency World: Actively enter regional street battles to build raw credibility while compiling a high-quality digital reel to secure commercial agency representation (like MSA or Bloc).
Assist and Network at Conventions: Apply for assistant programs with major dance conventions to learn the touring circuit from established faculty while building your brand as an educator.
Bargavi Errabolu
Tax Accountant
6
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Bargavi’s Answer
Even though I'm not in the performing arts, I've learned how important it is to be resilient and network with others. Whenever you get the chance, chat with as many people as you can to see things from their point of view. Making connections is crucial for discovering new opportunities and achieving your goals. Don't hesitate to contact people you admire in your field. They might not always reply, but you won't know unless you try. Taking that step could open up exciting new doors for you! Even if you are not in sales, you are always selling your self and your worth. Take time to think through your elevator pitch in advance of any networking opportunities
Thank you!
Taylor