Career Development Plan - How Do I Start My Career?

by Christine
(Nevada USA.)

Career Development Plan - How Do I Start My Career?

Dear Odette,
Hi!! How do I start my career as a ballet dancer? I really want to become a professional ballet dancer but I don't even know where to begin. I have been dancing ballet since I was 8 and now I am 18 going on 19. I have done 2 well known summer intensive programs, both times being placed in the top level, with really good marks. I have been told that I am ready to start a career as a ballet dancer but the problem is that I don't know where to begin. Do I just start doing different auditions for apprenticeships at different companies? All I know is that I can't just sit and wait for something to fly in my window, I have to go and get it, but I'm not sure where to begin. Could you please give me some advice? Thank you very much!!

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Reply by Odette

To:- Career Development Plan - How Do I Start My Career?

Dear Christine,

Thank you for contacting me, it is a pleasure to hear from you. I apologise for my delayed reply but I am always here for you so thank you for your patience!

You are at the stage of wanting to begin your professional career and I understand it can be confusing to know where to begin or what to do now.

To begin your professional career, you have to apply for auditions in ballet companies through emailing you CV, portfolio photos and any other information the company may require. This is the first stage and if they accept your application, they will invite you to their audition.

I suggest you research companies around the world and find out about their auditions are and if they have any available places.

You are right that you can no way sit around waiting for something to come to you. If you want a job you have to go look for it. So I suggest you find your key ballet companies you see yourself in and start networking. Keep up to date with on auditions through magazines and websites.

If you have done summer intensives then you must use this to your advantage. Who did you meet there? Who were your teachers? Stay in contact and if you did get good marks there, they will remember you and may be able to recommend you to a ballet company.

Guidance is crucial during this tough period of finding a job, so I strongly suggest you find a mentor or use your previous ballet teachers to help you further.

Taking that step into a professional career is a stage many dancers are going through right this second. Every dancer must have more options and back-up plans. The competition is extremely high and if you don't push yourself forward, you will get left behind.

Take a look at my ballet auditions page for more information on this subject.

Best Wishes,

Odette