Career Development Plan - Career Dreams

by Sylvi
(US)

Career Development Plan - Career Dreams

Hi,
I have always wanted to be a professional ballerina, and recently this dream has become even more persistent. I love ballet. It is my passion, which is ever becoming stronger within me. I cannot get away from ballet, it is in my heart and soul and has become a part of me. I dance everywhere, and it is in everything that I do. It feels natural to be graceful and beautiful and strong all at the same time.
The time has come in my life that I have to start weighing my college options and figuring out where I want to go to college, what will be my major(s) and minor, and what I want to do with my life. I want to pursue ballet. I could never imagine my life without ballet, and to my knowledge one cannot dance as an adult unless they are a professional. The problem is, my parents are insistent on me pursuing a career which will make me money. They absolutely do not approve of me pursuing ballet in college/after high school and will not let me do it. I cannot imagine life without ballet. I love it so much, and I could dance all day every day if only I could. My question to you is what can I do? Is there a way to meet the expectations of my parents along with my dreams of the future? Or should I just follow my dreams without any support? (Even though I understand that that is not rational?)
Thank you,
Sylvi
Thanks!

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Career Development Plan - Career Dreams

Reply by Odette

Hello Sylvi,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you.

Firstly, your passion and love for ballet is very encouraging. It highly depends on your self-motivation to how you succeed in becoming a professional ballet dancer. If you have the drive and determination, then it is possible to follow your career dreams.

I am unsure of your age? As this is a big factor in advising aspiring young dancers. I expect you are in your late teens if you are deciding on colleges. It can be hard for dancers to know whether they are pursuing the right career in dance, as injuries can occur or money can be an issue. Yet I would always advise you to keep your options open. As a training dancer, I always kept on top of my academic studies to make sure I had another option if my dance career didn't work out.

I understand it is this crucial stage now that you need to decide your future plans. There are options to still pursue your ballet dreams whilst also studying academic qualifications. I know that the majority vocational dance schools offer academic studies as well as full time training. These schools are located around the world and offer training for young aspiring dancers from the early age of 11 right up until they are 18.

It is natural for parents to be concerned about your future possibilities. I understand your parents are insistent to pursue a career which will make money. A dancer will always need their families support, so I advise you to discuss your concerns with your family. Talk to your ballet teacher and explain your dreams to fulfill a ballet career.

I advise you to explore all the possible options to pursue your career dreams - is there a school that offers academic studies as well as dance training? Will it be possible to fall back onto your academics if dance doesn't work out?

It is always advisable to keep your options open. There are many people who have trained in ballet and become successful in other areas.

Ballet is such a unique and admirable art form, there is no doubt that if you have the drive and motivation it can lead you into a successful career.

Follow the personal development plan which will give you an insight to the gradual stages to becoming a professional dancer.

Best Wishes,

Odette

ps. To become the best dancer you can be, learn the Seven Secrets ..... go to my 'Seven Secrets of Ballet' page