Should I take a gap year after highschool?

Dancer wanting to take a gap year before college?

• I'm a junior in highschool and I've been dancing for a few years, I want to major in dance in college and get my BFA. However, I want to take a gap year to improve my ...show more

• Answer:

  A dance career has a short shelf life. That is why some BFA programs have dancers graduate in three not four years so they can get out there and work. As you are looking for a BFA in dance, can I assume you want a performing career and not a teaching career? Unless you have really poor or not near enough training to get you into a decent dance program, there is no reason to take a gap year as you will get your best training in school in a good BFA dance program. Regarding schools, pick up a copy of DANCE magazine's College Guide. It lists all the major dance programs, what they offer and what they require. Try to visit the schools that interest you and see a school showing and meet with the head of the dance department to see if you are a good fit. While a gap year can work well for many careers, dance is not one of them as there is a limited amount of time you can work as a performer.