Now what? After high school...

Some of you just getting out of high school have hopefully tried out for the college dance team where you are going. It's a lot tougher than you think. You will need to study SOLO style.

Want to work? Dance USA is a tryout only position. You may be asked to submit a video if that is the way that they want to view your choreography. Then again, depending on where try outs are this year, you may have to travel. Competition is tough there too.

Some of you are interested in becoming state drill/cheer judges. Again, if this is something you are considering, you will have to plan to travel at your expense. You are reimbursed up to a certain distance however, and a certain amount of money is given for the event. It's a fun time if you are up to it.

A few are even trying the studio route. Again, not as easy as you think. If you are challenged to open your own studio, a little word of caution may be in order - take up bookkeeping first. Another precaution is when you decide to partner with a friend to open a studio - that can also be a sure way to end a friendship. It might be something to consider before you put your name on the dotted line.

What are the perimeters, and who has the final say? Deciding not to partner with a friend in a
business venture can have a number of out comes - only time will tell. But even if your friend opens a studio of their own without you - oh well. Maybe the timing wasn't right. Open your own when you are ready. Don't be rushed into something you aren't ready for.

Here is something else to think about: James Robey did a wonderful job of identify one of the most significant business ethics dilemma's surrounding dance. Business Ethics for the Mindful Professional This is not optional reading for new owners.

The real talent in young dancers is discovered between the ages of K through 5th grade. This is when they start to solidify their technique - in these early years. If they are strong and study hard past this time, then hopefully they won't look gangly and thin in their teen years. The 7th through 9th grade is a very difficult time for dancers body wise, and unfortunately social wise.

Sure it is nice to work with older dancers - but if they don't have a strong dance foundation to back them up - you might as well be teaching the lower levels. Because that is what you will be doing, teaching beginner level technique. Having and owning all the video clips and dance choreography in the world won't help you if you don't have solid technical dancers to work with.

"In fashions swim with the current, in principles stand like a rock."