Being a dance parent

Dance parents. Studio life may be something old hat that you have your own experience of from way back when, or it may be a new journey, learning about costumes, stretching and types of pointe shoe afresh. What happens when your child wants to become a professional dancer? How can you encourage their dreams but help keep their mind focused and their feet on the ground? The dance industry is renowned for its competitiveness and there may be lots to consider.

Dance, unlike sport, does not have clear steps as to ensuring success. Success in dance may mean many things, as becoming performer, choreographer, casting director, abroad or at home. Dancing is extremely subjective and aesthetic, and there is no correct age to begin focusing on and training for a career in dance. Most dancers train vocationally from 16 or 18, however this has shifted, with institutions preferring to take students at 18 after they have completed school exams and gained some life experience. Often physical assessments are required to ensure the body is ready for intense training, and strong enough to dance fulltime.

Some students begin fulltime training even earlier, attending stage schools where vocational training is balanced with academia. Often additional tutors are required as the hours in the classroom are low in comparison to those in the studio. It is important to gain academic qualifications too where possible, to give students the best possible start in life. It may be useful to seek guidance from those in similar positions, or who have done something similar in the past, as they will understand the requirements of the institution and the questions that may crop up. Training abroad may too be an option, so guidance here is even more important in ensuring the correct decision is made.