Approximately 85% of dance majors report being “fully employed in dance or a dance-related field.” But that’s not a compelling enough argument for majoring in dance in 2018.

Dance majors are enterprising…

One of the authors of a recent blog post titled “Why Major In Dance?” cites that truly compelling statistic, based on data gathered from Towson State University BFA dance majors. That program is quite established and has been ranked #12 in the nation this year.

(Full disclosure the author is also on faculty at Towson).

Coincidentally, I was a dance major at a small college a jeté away from Towson.  I didn’t really keep up with the 6 or so folks I graduated with, but I know at least 4 (including me) worked consistent gigs in NYC for some years.  So that matches Towson’s findings.  But that was in 1996.

This study’s data comes from 2008-2013 dance majors, and those were some rough years for the American economy.  If you committed to majoring in dance around that time, then you were probably also committed to making the investment in the degree work for you more than the average dancer.  

What can you tell about a person who decides “yeah makes total sense to spend big $$ on a super-niched degree at the very bottom of the ROI pile?”  

…but there are holes in the story.

First of all, we don’t know how many surveys were sent, how many answered, or the # in the sample population.

Second, the article doesn’t specify what the graduates are actually employed doing (though it does mention jobs like administrator, therapist, etc. related to dance).  I assume most are teaching in a school or studio setting or freelancing.  Maybe a few made it to Broadway or a cruise ship. Or working in the Capezio store? As bar mitzvah entertainers? We don’t know how the graduates defined “fully employed in dance.”

I know there’s a lot of work out there because I’ve cobbled teaching, performing, assisting, writing about and producing dance for the last 20 years (with a few years of full-time program managing in there).

Third, I personally know that “fully employed” in the dance world does not always translate to “can pay all my family’s bills on time without stress.”   ​

​Maybe it does it doesn’t matter because annuities and/or life partners  are supplementing the dream for those graduates?  (I didn’t have that, but it’s more common than I knew! No offense to anyone – use you resources, I know you acknowledge your privilege and blessings.)

That’s the kind of information I’d need to know before making the decision to major in dance today – or basing a decision off that stat.

BTW here are the authors’ arguments for getting a dance BFA:

• The creative process of making dances, and a constant focus on end result develops discipline and diligence. Dancers are also used to criticism and are often expected to push their physical/mental/emotional limits.  These are skills that employers desire.
• Some college programs combine arts and business to help artist-entrepreneurs plot a path.
• Most college programs also teach dancers about “technical, historical, scientific, and creative perspectives in dance.”

Um…ok. We can argue the “holes” here but that’s another post and not my point.

So what is the point?

The only four reasons to be a dance major today

My totally unscientific, experiential data shows that most young people entering college to major in dance either 1) come from a competition studio or conservatory and are on the company/commercial/stardom path or 2) may not be the best trained but are committed to creating ways to share dance with others. 

(Example: I took a workshop with a young MFA from Ohio State that admittedly learned much of her specialized knowledge from youtube and went back to school after being in the Air Force because she realized her true passion.)

1. If you need a certificate or license:

If you plan to make a career of teaching K-12 or dance therapy, then definitely major in dance at a school that will state certify you.  You won’t scratch the surface of being the best dance educator you can be, but you’ll be prepared to pass a test that qualifies you by a state.

2. If you plan on working in higher education

It’s becoming rarer to be able to teach or administrate in higher education without a terminal degree.  Think of school like an internship: your degree gives you direct insight to the politics of your future workplace.

3. If you have limited dance experience

Maybe you’ve trained in one style your whole life.  Maybe you’ve never danced with people from other states. Maybe you’ve only worn sequined booty shorts on stage. Maybe you’ve never heard of Denishawn or Dunham.  Maybe you don’t know all the possibilities that exist within the world of dance for you.  College programs can round you out as a dancing human.

4. You got dough

Someone’s paying for the dance degree in full without judgement and you don’t have to worry about living expenses for the foreseeable rest of your life.

These are the only reasons.  Argue publicly in the comments or with me directly.

Why did I major in dance?

1. Because my undergrad was paid for in full and without judgement.

2. Because I detested institutionalized learning as I’d experienced it and if I was going to continue in school, there was only one thing I was interested in.

And I don’t regret the decision.

Does this advice apply to any arts major?

Generally, I think yes. 

But, there are major and subtle differences between performing and non-performing arts disciplines – i.e., some needing a live body vs. others using inanimate media). And I truthfully don’t know enough about that process with other disciplines (except jazz music…’nuff said).

Can it apply? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Conclusion

A degree gives you legitimacy in certain areas/fields/populations. But establishing “authority” can be accomplished in many other ways (look at social media influencers!).  

And with direct access to much of the world in our pockets, we can find the training, mentors or continued professional development we need to find your way in the dance world without a degree in dance.

Whatever your choice, just go in confident and prepared – because that is half the battle.

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I truly do want to hear from you!  I appreciate any opportunity to pontificate on these subjects.  Or, if I can help in any way, let me know.  

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