Originally posted by TangoTim:
what does it take to begin competing? The second question I have is how does ballroom dancers support themselves. Is it possible to train competitively and still go to college or do you need to give all of your time to training and if so how does one support himself.
To begin competing, I would think that to start with all you need is desire. Lots and lots and LOTS of desire. After that, you need a partner. After that, you need a routein or if you can't choreograph, you need to find someone who can choreograph one for you. I seriously suggest that you start taking a lot more private lessons first though before you think about competing. If you go through a good studio, you can get lots of experience with your dancing but most studios also offer packages where you can to a competition with your teacher and get some experience that way before you go out and do it all on your own.
As for your second question... it is possible to live off of dancing but you gotta be pretty damn good in order to do so. I am currently living off dancing as an instructor, my (hopeful) future partner isn't an instructor but dances almost non stop all week. For the most part, until you get to a full time competitive schedule you're gonna be living off a different full time job and then using the rest of your time to practice. I'm not the best to ask about this though and I think that Jonathan might give a better answer than me but this is all my opinion. I hope that my answers have helped a little and that you're able to get your goals!
~LB
You Haven't Truly Made It Until Your Head Is On A Pez Dispenser
