First, congratulations for getting that acceptance letter from either a school or company. You might not have gotten into your top choice, but having at least one option is better than no options at all. If you have multiple options ever better!

When making any tough decision one tried and true method is the pro/con list. Grab a piece of paper and write down the pros and cons of each program or company. Here is a list of things to think about.

For summer programs consider:

• Cost: How much is tuition, dorms, a plane ticket, or daily commuting costs etc?
• Distance: Can I live at home or will I have to live in the dorms? If I live at home how long is my commute?
• Syllabus: What type of training do they offer? Is it similar to what I do at my home studio or completely different? What types of classes will I take?
• Teachers: Are there certain teachers you are dying to work with?

For college dance programs consider:

• Cost: How much is tuition, dorms, transportation costs, books, dance supplies, etc?
• Loans: Will I have to take out student loans? Will I sign independently or will my parents co-sign? What is the interest rate? How soon do I have to start paying the loan back after I graduate?
• Part-Time Job: Do I have time in my schedule to get a part time job to help pay for school expenses? Can I do work-study on campus? Would it pertain to my major? How will I get to work if my job in not on campus?
• Distance: Can I live at home or will I have to stay in the dorms? How will you get home for breaks?
• Teachers: Are there certain teachers you want to work with?
• Syllabus: What type of training do they offer? Is it more ballet focused or more modern focused?
• Academics: What type of academic classes will you have to take? Can you add a minor or double major? Will your degree be a B.A. or B.F.A.?
• Repertoire: Are they performing rep by choreographers you want to work with or experience?
• Job Rate: How many of their graduates are getting dance jobs after graduation? What companies are they dancing with?

For Companies:

• Repertoire: Are you interested in the repertoire they perform? What choreographer’s works are they performing?  Have you done any of their rep before? Will this rep help you grow as an artist?
• Artistic Staff: Is the artistic staff a group of people that you connect with, trust, and think will give you guidance during rehearsal?
• Distance: Is it close to where you live now? Will you have to move?
• Cost: What are you commuting costs going to be? Is the company covering your dance supply expenses such as pointe shoes?
• Pay: Are you getting paid? Does this pay cover all of your living expenses? If not, what other jobs will you get? Does your rehearsal schedule allow you time for a second job? Are your taxes being taken out?
• Schedule: How long is the season? What is a daily rehearsal schedule like? What is a typical theater schedule like? Do they give time for lunch or to take care of your body?
• Benefits: Do they give you benefits such as healthcare, gym membership, physical therapy, or chiropractic services?

Go through your contract with a fine-tooth-comb. Look for details such as having to pay back the company any money you make if you quit mid season, non-compete clauses, conditions on second jobs, when you get paid, how much you get paid, etc.

When going through these questions do your research! Look at the artistic staff, the rep, and any other information you can find on the school or company’s website. When researching flights, trains, or other modes of transportation look at several companies, to find the best deals.

A big choice takes a lot of time and is something that should not be made in one day. At the very least sleep on it!

The post Choose the right summer intensive or company offer. appeared first on The Whole Dancer.

You start to really see yourself dancing the roles you’ve dreamed of next to the dancers who’ve inspired you. It’s actually coming true!

Hearing from clients about their most recent successes is truly one of my favorite things. When Jessica C. recently texted to tell me she had gotten her first official ballet company contract, I was beyond thrilled!

Jessica’s story is one you might relate to so I asked her if I could share. Here it is :

“I was in a pretty dark place emotionally when I found the The Dancer’s Best Body Program.  I was dancing with a company that had no regard for my well – being and didn’t seem to care when my peers or I tried to voice our concerns and fears about the position they were putting us in.

I was left doubting everything about myself- my talent, my professionalism, my overall self worth.  

This career is already so hard that having any ounce of uncertainty can completely derail, if not destroy, any chance of “making it”.  I have always loved to dance and always looked forward to being in the studio everyday, so when those feelings turned to dread every morning I knew I had to do something…

Joining The Dancer’s Best Body Program was that ‘something’.

A lot of the concepts in the program seem so simple until you really sit down and go through all of the worksheets.  Having to literally write down your thoughts opened me up to a lot of things that I didn’t consciously know I was feeling.

Jess is so amazing and I cannot say it enough – at first I was nervous to open myself up to a complete stranger but Jess creates such a safe place with absolutely no judgment.

Being in a situation where I wasn’t being used in the studio made me feel useless.  I felt like I was wasting a year of my life.

The program gave me a purpose, I felt accomplished.      

When I talk to friends considering The Dancer’s Best Body Program, I tell them that Jess is literally the best!

I think that this is a program for everyone.  I think even people who are happy and satisfied with where they are physically and emotionally can benefit from what The Dancer’s Best Body Program has to offer.

The program allows you to explore so many things:

You learn to listen to your body.

You get to play around with different food ideas to see what works best for you.

And you definitely do some serious ‘soul searching’.

But the thing that is most important is that throughout the whole process you never feel alone.  Jess is always there ready to tackle anything so that you get the most out of the course.

Because of my participation in The Dancer’s Best Body Program, I went into audition season feeling confident.  I got so much positive feedback that the company I was currently dancing with no longer mattered.

I was able to go into the studio knowing I wasn’t crazy, that I have what it takes.  It sounds silly but I was no longer the victim, I felt empowered.

As for my actual career, I was offered my first paying ballet company contract! There are still a few other potential jobs I am waiting to hear from but it is a huge relief to know I have an option!

After the program, I continue to look at food as a source of fuel as opposed to a “treat”.  I think that having that mind – set helps take the pressure off when trying to make food choices.

I am also still working with Jess! Being able to touch base for 30 minutes once or twice a month keeps me motivated and inspired. ”

Are you in need of similar support? Check out The Dancer’s Best Body Program!!

Photos of Jessica by Rachel Neville Photography

The post From The Dancer’s Best Body Program to Paid Company Contract appeared first on The Whole Dancer.