My situation is very similar to "dancer-to-be." I too am dying to dance and perform professionally. I'm also unsure of the first step to take. I started ballroom dancing in my last year of college. I have also had ten years of solid classical ballet training. Consequently, I learn steps quickly. I have been advised by teachers and fellow ballroom dancers to go to New York, where I can get 'the best training available.' I also have a dance connection at a reputable school in the city. I am intimidated, though, by the cost of living in the city and paying for dance lessons, and worried that I will not be able to make ends meet. Also, I love ballroom dance. I don't want to be in a situation where I would burn out, or lose any of the passion I have for it. Is New York worth the hassle?
Are there schools outside New York that are equally worthy?

I have recently graduated from college so I'm willing to relocate anywhere. What should I do? Any advice would be greatly valuable to me.

Many contract studios will support you with some sort of minimum guarantee salary. Not only that, but they bring you the clientelle, so you don't have to worry about where your next student is coming from.

The Murrays and Astaires are decent as a starting point, but they don't pay well enough to support you in a big city like New York. You'll either have to find a contract studio that pays well, or try a cheaper city.

Los Angeles and San Francisco also happen to have some of the best in the U.S., (e.g. Victor & Heather, David Hamilton, all 4 Suvorovs, Donald & Kasia, Stuart Cole, Michael & Toni, Brian & Kristi McDonald, etc). But these cities also have a high cost of living. But you can always live in an area that's not right in the center where the cost of living is highest. I hear Lancaster is dirt cheap these days (c:

Anyway, if you have the desire, there's no reason you can't do it. You just need a good support system. Just pick a city that has a good studio that pays reasonably well, a handful of good teachers, and a couple of potential partners, and you'll be set.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Atkinson