For many people, dance is a fun hobby and form of exercise. For others, it’s a career. Careers in any field are never stagnant. Everyone should have a career roadmap that helps them achieve their career goals. If you haven’t built a successful dance career roadmap yet, we have three tips below to help you get started.
Set Realistic Goals
There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, but your roadmap should be realistic. Just as you wouldn’t buy an actual map for a road you didn’t feel safe driving on, you shouldn’t plan a career roadmap that’s improbable. Instead, set realistic goals for yourself.
Realistic means that the goals are measurable and achievable. Once you’ve identified your goals, write them down and break them into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you stay focused on achieving each goal and give you the confidence to tackle larger career aspirations.
Network and Connect
While much of your dance career will come down to drive, talent, and opportunity, it always helps to know people in the business. Network and connect with other dancers, choreographers, and dance company directors as much as possible.
Building valuable relationships can lead to opportunities you might not have otherwise discovered. They can also help you explore the latest trends in the dance industry. Don’t underestimate the power of social media, either. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer dancers a global audience and can help you build a following that could lead to new career opportunities.
Never Stop Investing in Yourself
Dancers are artists, and your body is your instrument. To succeed in dance, you need to take care of yourself and never stop investing in your abilities. Regularly attend dance classes, participate in workshops, and seek out feedback from other professionals.
Invest in related skills that also help with your career. For example, teaching a dance class helps you continue to strengthen basic techniques and improve your interpersonal and communication skills. As you create your personal career roadmap to success, you can add these skills to your resume and cover letter.
These three tips for building a successful dance career roadmap can help you take control of your career and create a plan to achieve your goals. No matter where you are in your dance career, building a roadmap can guide you toward success. If you continue to struggle with job opportunities, seek out advice from other dance professionals as well as talent scouts and employment agencies. The more you know about the job process, the more realistic details you can include in your dance career roadmap.