• Question: im 14 and i reeeaaallly want to danceeee. i want to audition for julliard by the time im going to college. but the problem is there is no money to take classes im already going to a dance class that give me lessons free but its just the basics and we never really learn much. i realy want to do acro but the clas im going to doesnt offer it. What can I do? - Anonymous
  • Answer:

    Attending college for dance is an excellent goal and Julliard is a fantastic program. Reaching these goals, you are right, will require money but will also take a lot of hard work.

    While they are available, I’d suggest you make the most of the free classes. You say that they are just the basics, but the basics are VERY important in dance. Professional dancers work hard at the basics every day. So while you have that opportunity (which many dancers do not) work very hard in every class and become stronger in the basics so that you can succeed in whatever paid classes or programs you join.

    Above all, you’ll need quality technique classes, especially in ballet, to be prepared for Julliard (or any college dance program) and most dance performance careers.

    Acro classes provide a unique set of skills that are nice to have but are not crucial - they are “extras”. So if funds are tight, to get the most out of the money you are able to raise, you should look for the best possible ballet instruction you can find/afford.

    And as for raising funds, this article on funding summer intensives has creative ideas for earning money to pay for training. Many could probably work for you, too. These ideas were shared by someone not much older than you!

    Here’s the link again: http://danceadvantage.net/2011/06/04/fund-your-dream/

    Best of luck to you!!