Dance is a field that attracts many people, young and old, although the majority falls into the category of the youth. They are so inspired by dance reality shows like Dance India Dance, So You Think You Can Dance, Jhalak Dikh la Jaa, and Boogie Woogie, that they dream of being a dancer and end up attending all possible dance classes. As a result, they exhaust themselves completely in order to reach where their dance reality show heroes have reached.
Just watching dance reality shows and going endlessly for dance classes don’t make you successful in dance. Do you honestly dream of dancing and performing every day of your life? Do you have a passion for theatre and films? Do you have that have-to-do- it spirit? If your response to all these questions is a yes, then you are ready to begin a journey in the field of dance.
But before you take any decisions or steps towards your dream, it is important to know, as to where you belong and which path do you wish to choose. Musicals, theatre, Broadway, Bollywood, concert dance shows and teaching are among the number of options you can have in a professional dance career. Each of them look similar from the outside, but are a lot different once you get into it. So think carefully about your choice. If necessary, meet and take advice from someone senior in the field. But once you have chosen the path, you must proceed with confidence.
There is a formula to follow here. Start your research about the talents and skills needed to enter the area you have chosen. Train under a teacher who understands your dreams, and is most willing to guide you to your dream. Just having a dream isn’t enough, you must find out if you can make and keep that commitment too. Without that, you will never be successful.
Always be open to learning, from the teacher and other dancers, seniors and colleagues. Be prepared to work hard, accept rejection, have a good work ethic, be enthusiastic, respectful to others and always be positive. Be prepared to start at the bottom and learn with every rung of the ladder you climb to success. Remember, egos are not wanted here, on or off the dance floor. For a successful dance career, professionalism and a down-to-earth attitude is a must.
While your learning process is in progress, you will discover many things you can learn. See how seniors interact, how the teacher teaches, most importantly observe very carefully the people who have paid their dues and are now successful and at the top of their game.
If you follow your heart with determination, with fire in the belly, head firmly on your shoulders, a never-say-never attitude, and the will to stick to it whatever may happen, then there is nothing to stop you.
You will never feel you are working because you have chosen a path that you enjoy following. There are many talented people in this world, who are extremely creative and are amazing dancers, but what separates the successful ones is the ability to keep going and not give up.