What is musical theater dance?

I want to major in musical theater but I have no dance experience!!!?

• I have been in many musicals, and I take an acting workshop with my performing company. I was going to take dance this year but it is just so expensive! I wont be able to afford it, because I will also be taking singing lessons. In order to get into a musical theater college do I have to be in dance before hand? I want to do dance so bad but I dont have the money.

• Answer:

  Dancers who sing, will have an advantage over someone who can just sing but doesn't dance. But they do have beginning dance classes in some M.T. programs. Sometimes they just want to see if you can move well. Taking dance classes will help. It certainly wont hurt. Especially ballet as it will condition your body better for movement than other dance training will. See if you can do a work study at a local studio where you watch the desk or do other chores. Just taking dance in high school will put you at a disadvantage for comparison to dancers who have taken daily classes since they were little. However, it wont leave you out if you have strong acting and a good voice. The more you come to your audition with, the better chances you will have. * EDIT: You cannot teach yourself to dance as Claire suggested and expect to learn proper dance technique. You need a teacher's eyes and hands on for correction not to mention a sprung or floating dance floor that you will only find in a dance studio. Dancing on a floor without "give" leaves you open for all sorts of injuries. Especially if you spend any decent amount of time doing it.