Advice to Seniors
Dear Graduating Senior,
The other day I was conversing with a man (my dentist in fact) who claimed his daughters were in dance all their lives. He said they tried to pursue the career professionally but both were “too short”. He looked at me, congratulated my efforts, and after hearing my successes in college and variety of my experiences in the dance field, told me “congratulations you must be very successful, especially because you are so tall.” Little did he know I am “too tall”, as told by many companies this audition season, to pursue most professional ballet contracts. This is because average height for professional ballerinas is 5.7, but if you’re not that exact mold, don’t get discouraged.
Many professional companies require a specific body type, height, and appearance. It also helps to be in the right place at the right time, especially if you do not fit the stereotypical look of a certain company. Some people are willing to wait until the “right time and place” rolls around. I have seen this idea lead to successful careers, but it requires persistence. Sure, talent is a necessary application in audition processes but in the end companies are looking for specific body types and appearances. Some dancers may be too short, some may be too tall, others may be too blonde or even too muscular. The truth is, there is no precise way to know where you fit in. I do recommend researching, to the best of your ability, the best places to audition that will give you most opportunity or the best chances at receiving a position, contract, or job. These companies are companies that have dancers that appear similar in style, or body type to you. You may fit the mold of one company more than another. Even with this in-depth research and knowledge… auditions are still expensive and rates of hire are low.
As a graduating senior, I wanted to offer some advice to those in my position. It can be difficult after spending time and money, for training and then for auditioning, to wait for someone to get back to you with an offer. My advice is to do just that. Wait. Despite receiving contracts that “will do”, or are not exactly ideal for your wants and needs, do not accept them immediately. It is better to wait and sometimes miss opportunities that are mediocre for opportunities you prefer. Wait for what you really want, rather than accepting a contract or position with a company by defaultor because you thought you may not get any other offers.
This is truly difficult to do. You feel as though you are missing out or gambling on something that may or may not come by not accepting the first traineeship or apprenticeship you are offered. In the end, your happiness is what’s important and accepting a traineeship or unpaid opportunity rather than waiting for a real opportunity or paid contract will result in guilt and disappointment. (unless a traineeship was your goal in the first place, then by all means accept what you think is right)
Some additional advice I want to offer, is to try and decide whether you want to pursue a ballet career, contemporary career, or entertainment dance career before auditioning. I know professors and teachers will suggest that you audition for everything but the overlap of contracts is different between ballet companies and dance entertainment like cruise ships. For example, if you get an offer to a ballet company they will require a response by April, at the latest, cruise ships on the other hand may not even hold an audition until April or even respond with contracts until November. This is why you need to decide which is more important to you prior to asking for extensions from Ballet contracts or inquiring for other entertainment company contracts. Additionally, deciding ahead of time will save you time and money especially because ballet auditions begin sooner in the year compared to dance entertainment auditions. Otherwise I recommend spending one year auditioning for ballet companies and then prepare the following year for another style or dance career. This allows you to focus one specific goal rather than juggling overlapping options. This way all your efforts are dedicated towards your ideal career and if it doesn't work out then you can lean towards other options or similar interests.
Lastly, let me remind you, employers are looking for something “specific”. For example, I auditioned for Celebrity Cruises and got cut after the first combination. When I auditioned for Royal Caribbean Cruises, performing/demonstratingthe same combination, at a different location, in front of different panel of judges, I completed the audition process successfully as a finalist and got a job offer. I didn’t change my appearance, update my resume, or perform a different entry level combination. In fact, the situations/auditions could not have been more similar just with a different company titles. I wore the same audition attire, yet one company cut me immediately and the other kept me for hire. This concept is difficult to understand but a waste of emotion to try and grasp. What’s most important is to not give up or let yourself think you have failed.
On another note, it is still important to be realistic with yourself and your future. It is necessary to be prepared to take other opportunities you may not have considered at first. Do not give up on your dreams, but do know when is the time to start settling or adjusting your career path.
Lastly, although connections are useful, do not depend on these to get you a job. Youare what creates your success. Your hard work, your drive, your appearance, and your specific display of talents will earn you a career. During the audition process, I began doubting that “hard work pays off” but then, out of the blue, I was offered a contract I had been waiting for many months to receive. Keep at it. Look how far you’ve come.
Sincerely,
Danielle Dreis
Please feel free to reach out with any questions in regards to college, double-majoring, online courses, auditioning, life choices, or anything at all. I understand the stresses of this time of year and the pressure of making major life decisions. There are people to help, many will offer advice, and hear you out.
Written by Danielle Dreis
Ballet Program Alumna