Ballet is a beautiful but demanding art form. I have found that it takes three things to produce a professional dancer: natural talent, years of dedicated study with a reputable professional ballet program, and a tremendous amount of dedication and perseverance. Without any one of these pieces, often a dancer will not succeed. Ballet is an extremely competitive field and it takes a lot to get the edge to make it. Simply having talent is no good unless the technique is studied and mastered to allow the talent to shine through. Learning technique will only go so far, without the talent to bring it to a higher level. And having both talent and technique still requires the determination to make one’s own opportunities, to seek out the classes one needs, to be involved in performances, and to market oneself. Sometimes I have had students who were extremely talented and they often didn't make it as far as the student who wasn't quite as gifted but worked extremely hard. It's almost like they are too used to everything coming easily and don't go the extra mile to push themselves. In some ways those who are given a little less natural ballet ability are given the blessing of learning to work hard, which can take one a lot further in the ballet world. I noticed in the April/May issue of Pointe Magazine that Johan Kobburg of the Royal Ballet feels it was his hard work and determination that got him where he is rather than talent. Talent only takes one so far, but one has to put oneself where one will be seen, create opportunities, find ways to learn more and challenge oneself, and do quite a bit of self promoting.
Self promotion is often neglected, but can make the difference in getting noticed and getting that next coveted role. Nowadays, savvy dancers network and find ways to make their name stand out from the crowd. Appearing in a publication such as Dance Magazine has often done much to boost a young ballerina’s status in a company. Some dancers have become involved with photographic projects featuring dancers which has brought them into the spotlight. Auditions for Summer Dance Intensives, Dance Companies, and Dance Schools often require a headshot and a photo in a dance pose, such as first arabesque. Always check the requirements for each audition you are going to well in advance so that you have a chance to get your photos done. Many dancers simply hand a point and shoot camera to a friend while they are in the studio and get them to snap a couple of photos. These type of photographs can turn out grainy, badly lit, blurry and do not always catch you in your best pose. Naturally, you will be judged on your dancing, but in a close decision, it is often the little things that make a difference. In a field as competitive as dance, any edge you can get is worth having.
Self promotion is often neglected, but can make the difference in getting noticed and getting that next coveted role. Nowadays, savvy dancers network and find ways to make their name stand out from the crowd. Appearing in a publication such as Dance Magazine has often done much to boost a young ballerina’s status in a company. Some dancers have become involved with photographic projects featuring dancers which has brought them into the spotlight. Auditions for Summer Dance Intensives, Dance Companies, and Dance Schools often require a headshot and a photo in a dance pose, such as first arabesque. Always check the requirements for each audition you are going to well in advance so that you have a chance to get your photos done. Many dancers simply hand a point and shoot camera to a friend while they are in the studio and get them to snap a couple of photos. These type of photographs can turn out grainy, badly lit, blurry and do not always catch you in your best pose. Naturally, you will be judged on your dancing, but in a close decision, it is often the little things that make a difference. In a field as competitive as dance, any edge you can get is worth having.
So, in dance, remember it takes three T’s: Talent, Technique, and Tenacity. You can’t rely on just one of these elements but need them to work in concert with one another. If you have talent, do everything you can to get the best training in technique, and do everything you can to give yourself the edge.
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| Professional audition photo of a student in 1st arabesque by BrucePeter Photography |
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| Professional headshot taken for a student's audition by Bruce Peter Photography |
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