💫 Nurturing Aspirations: A Guide for Dance Educators in Supporting Students with Professional Goals

Open Communication Channels

Creating an open and trusting environment is essential for students to feel comfortable sharing their aspirations. Encourage them to express their goals, fears, and doubts. Create a safe space for them to work toward their big dreams. Show them what is possible if they are willing to continue showing up and putting in the effort. By understanding the specific aspirations of our students, we can tailor our guidance to their individual needs.

Setting Realistic Goals

Dance careers are not born overnight. The path to a professional contract is all about consistent growth, not instant success. It's crucial to help students not only dream big, but also set realistic and achievable short-term goals to keep them motivated on tough days. Breaking down the journey into smaller milestones makes the path more manageable and allows for a sense of accomplishment along the way. 

Expose Them to Industry Professionals

Arrange for workshops, masterclasses, or guest lectures by professionals in the dance industry. As a student, I was so fortunate that my teacher consistently brought in professional guest instructors to not only challenge us but also to pull back the curtain on the dance industry. Exposure to experienced dancers, choreographers, and directors can provide valuable insights and inspire students to pursue their goals with renewed vigor.

Provide Career Guidance

Many students may be uncertain about the various career paths within the dance industry. As a young student, I was fixated solely on a career in classical ballet - completely blind to all of the other amazing opportunities available to me. Educators can offer information on different dance genres, performance opportunities, choreography, teaching, and even dance-related fields such as dance therapy or arts administration. Even better, take it a step further and offer opportunities for students to choreograph in a production or assist in a dance class, giving them valuable real world experience.

Support in Audition Preparation

For students considering auditions for professional dance companies or dance programs, provide guidance on audition preparation. This may include tips on resume building, choosing appropriate audition attire, and honing audition skills. Most important of all, encourage them to get in the room! More than anything our students fear the unknown - the more auditions they go to, the more comfortable they will get with putting themselves in uncomfortable situations.

Encourage Versatility

While specialization is crucial, encourage students to explore different dance styles. Versatility not only enhances their skill set but also increases their chances of finding diverse opportunities within the dance industry. There’s no such thing as a strictly classical ballet company anymore. Dancers are out on stage performing Sleeping Beauty one night and an Jiří Kylián work the next. Simply put, the more versatile your dancers are, the more employable they are!

Provide Emotional Support

The journey toward a professional dance career can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Be a source of emotional support, offering encouragement during setbacks and celebrating successes. As dance educators, it’s never our job to tell a dancer whether or not they are cut out for a career in this industry. Our job is to give them all the tools and support they need to reach their goals. A nurturing and understanding environment is essential for students to thrive.

Facilitate Networking Opportunities

Help students build connections within the dance community. This can be through participation in dance events, networking sessions, or even introducing them to alumni who have successfully pursued dance as a profession. The dance world is small and it really is all about who you know!

Know When It’s Time to Let Go

For any student serious about pursuing a professional career in dance, there will come a time where they need to spread their wings and fly. This may mean attending a summer intensive, going to a full-time training program or even attending another local studio that specializes in the genre of dance they are hoping to pursue a career in. Although it can be difficult to say goodbye to our students, we have to admit when our student’s goals have surpassed our abilities and encourage them to take the next step.

As dance educators, our role extends beyond the studio walls. By actively supporting students with professional aspirations, we contribute to the growth and success of the next generation of dancers. Through open communication, realistic goal-setting, exposure to industry professionals, and a commitment to their holistic development, we empower our students to chase their dreams with passion and dedication. Together, we can shape a future where dance becomes not just a passion, but a fulfilling and sustainable profession.

Bonus:
At The Brainy Ballerina, I’m on a mission to empower dancers with the tools to build smart + sustainable careers in the dance industry. As a former School Director, I know how much you have on your plate and how difficult it is to fit career development into your already bursting schedule. I’m here to work with you to offer professional dance career support and guidance to your students so you can give them a bright future without feeling overwhelmed and overworked