18 Must-Know Facts No One Tells You About Being a College Dance Major

Are you thinking about going to college for dance or majoring in dance in college? I’ve got some experience and wanted to share some of my best college dance majors advice with this list of 10 things no one tells you about being a college dance major.

One thing I’ve realized through my time being a dance major in college, its that no one prepares or tells you what it is truly like. Being a college freshman is so overwhelming to begin with but when you add the pressure of auditions, judgement that comes with dancing, performing, and rehearsals it becomes even more overwhelming.

There are so many things I’ve had to learn along the way as a college dance major that I wish I had known to begin with. Which is why after four years of dancing in college, I’m sharing with you all of my best advice and tips for college dance majors.

Every single one of these college dance major tips comes from my personal experience dancing in college over the last four years. And I know for sure knowing some of these facts before starting college would have helped me out so much.

All of these tips are designed to help college dance majors, no matter where you are in your journey, succeed and get the most out of your degree. After reading this post you will know so much more about what it’s like to be a college dance major and how to succeed as a dancer in college!

This post is all about college dance major tips

Tips for a College Dance Major

1. Your Dance Schedule Will Be Different

Before I started my college dance classes I was taking up to ten or eleven hours of dance classes and rehearsals a week for at least five dance out of the week at my dance studio. When I started college dance classes, I was dancing closer to six or seven hours a week for four days of the week. My second semester I only had classes and rehearsals on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

At first these changes felt like a big shift. However, as a dancer I got used to it pretty quickly. It gave me more time to do some conditioning outside of the dance studio and focus on other things in addition to dance.

If you decide to major in dance chances are your schedule will also be pretty different. You could be dancing more frequently or less frequently like I was. It will likely take some getting used to no matter what but you’ll likely see some new benefits and positives to the changes in your routine.

2. Being a Dancer In College is A LOT More Serious

If you’ve committed to studying dance in college and potentially saying you want it as a career you need to realize it is now not just a hobby, it’s part of your life. This makes being a college dance major a lot more serious than being a studio dancer in high school. As a result, your classes and rehearsals will be a lot more serious.

Because you are getting a grade and of course paying more to be there your instructors expect you to take your classes seriously. This means reviewing choreography and combinations between classes, being prepared everyday, and practicing.

Related Post: How to Find The Inspiration to Keep Dancing

3. You’ll Have “Tests”

Just like any other college class, you’ll get a grade for your dance classes. You will also have times where you are tested on your dancing and knowledge in your college dance classes. This could be in the form of a juried performance or a movement exam.

My professors typically have us perform a given combination that we were previously taught in small groups while they film us. We would later receive feedback and a grade for that “exam”.

In my tap class we were required to film a variety of technique patterns and submit them by a given date. We would also have a “performance exam” in class of a larger combination that we would perform in small groups.

4. You Might Also Have Dance Projects and Papers

I can’t speak for all college dance programs but a lot of dance classes, especially in BA dance programs, will have creative projects and research papers you will be required to do.

For some, this might feel like a chore and less helpful to you as a dancer. However, it is still important for you to have and cultivate practical skills in your dance career.

When I started doing projects for some of my dance classes I was opened up to a new world of dance careers and opportunities. I personally came to LOVE dance research and intend to pursue it further as a career.

4. Your Class Schedule Will Change

In high school and in dance you were probably used to having essentially the same classes every semester or every year. However, college in general is a different story.

In college, you have to get a certain number of credits for a certain course or curriculum requirement. This means you only have to take a certain number of classes to fulfill each requirement. You might have a tap class one semester your freshman year but then not have a tap class again until your junior year.

This can make things a little complicated at times and you might feel as if you are losing consistency as a dancer or student in general.

5. Scheduling Can Get Complicated

Unless you are going to a strictly arts conservatory college or program, most dance programs tend to be pretty small in comparison to the larger university. This means a given class might only be offered once a year or there is only one class section. Meaning if the college ballet class you are required to take is only offered at 8:00 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you HAVE to take it then.

For other general education classes like English or Math and popular majors like Business there are more sections of individual courses offered. This can feel frustrating at times. And if you decide to double major or pursue a minor, it gets even more challenging to find a schedule that works for you.

When these issues arise I recommend working closely with your advisor or a dance professor that can understand your problems to get the help you need.

You Might Also Like: How to Prepare for Your Next Dance Audition

6. You Can and Should Do Things Other Than Dance

Now that dancing is part of your academics it can get easy to have it wrapped up in your identity. You need to find social activities, events, and groups outside of dance that you can engage and participate in.

Doing this as a college dance major will help you relax and find other things you enjoy outside of being a dancer, especially now that dance is part of your academic life.

Even if your activity is as simple as a group of non dance friends that grab dinner on campus once a week you can really benefit from some activities outside of the dance world, trust me.

7. Look Into Scholarships and Grants

There are likely so many different grants available for you to pursue travel, creative activity, and research. I highly recommend talking to an advisor to see what is available and how you can take advantage of opportunities like that.

This was something that changed my life as a college dance major. I’ve been able to travel to New York (twice) and Canada for dance related programs and activities and those were all made possible through grant funding.

I have some other dance classmates that have used their funding to attend summer dance intensives and programs abroad. Look into what your school has available and see what you can do with some funding opportunities.

8. Conditioning is More Important Than Ever as a Dance Major

You may have been able to get away with focusing less on conditioning in high school but as dancing gets to be more intense and slightly less consistent in certain ways, conditioning and cross training can save your life.

By conditioning and cross training you can prevent injuries and improve your physical strength in a variety of ways.

If your school has a fitness center I recommend taking advantage of it and learning how to use the gym to your advantage. Your body will thank you in the future.

9. Network and Explore Professional Opportunities (In & Outside of Dance)

This is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your future career as a college student. Building a network and professional skills is something that will set you apart from other applicants as you apply for jobs, go to auditions, and seek out professional opportunities.

It is 100% okay to join a business or leadership group even if you are primarily known as a dance major. I personally have served as an ambassador for my college and know it has given me so many skills that set me apart as a dancer. I also know that because I am a dance major I stood out and made a positive impact in that organization.

Look for internships, ambassador groups, leadership opportunities, and more that can improve your career prospects and outlook going forward.

10. Prioritize Your Mental Health

It goes without saying that being a dance major in college can be A LOT at times. That is why it is crucial for you to take care of your mental and physical health when you are studying dance in college. College is a lot for all students, especially dancers so you need to prioritize your mental health.

Find coping strategies like journaling or meditation to help yourself deal with the stress of being a dancer in college. If you need to you can also find someone to talk to like a therapist or counselor. Some Universities even offer FREE counseling services to students.

I’ve been seeing a counselor in college and it has truly helped me succeed as a dancer and just college student in general. I also love to journal and just take walks around campus to relax and let off some stress.

No matter how you choose to do it, it is important to care for your mental health as a dancer in college.

11. Be Mindful of Nutrition

Nutrition gets hard for college students in general because you aren’t on the same schedule anymore. And it can be even harder for dance students in college.

It can be easy to both restrict what you eat and develop disordered eating habits and also not notice what you eat.

I recommend checking out Dance Nutrition for great advice on navigating nutrition for dancers and eating mindfully while in college.

If you are having trouble figuring out proper nutrition for your dance needs in college, you might look into working with a nutritionist. There are lots of nutritionists online that specialize in working with dancers and offer programs to help you with your nutrition needs.

12. Consider a Double Major or Minor

This is something I recommend doing sooner rather than later or at least within your first two years in college. Even if you want dance to be your main career there is nothing wrong with exploring another passion or interest and gaining some additional skills to add to your resume.

I recommend finding what you are genuinely interested in and have a passion for outside of dance and exploring education options there.

13. Use Campus Resources

If you are on or near campus, there are likely a lot of different campus resources that you can use to help you in all sorts of classes and professional opportunities. And chances are, these resources are funded by your tuition, so you should use them.

Look at the writing center, career development, and more to help you with no matter what you may need during your time in college.

Check it Out: Dancer Resume Tips and Tricks

14. Figure Out Time Management

For any college student, time can be difficult to manage. You have to find time to do homework, maybe work, do basic adult things, and spend time with friends. When you’re a dance major, you’ll likely have to add on time to practice and go to rehearsal.

This is where finding a time management strategy that will work for you and managing your time wisely is important.

I recommend using a digital calendar like google calendar or notion (one of my favorite organization tools). Use time blocking strategies to manage your time and find when you can do it all as a college dance major.

15. Remember, This is Your Time to Learn

If you were already perfect and knew everything there is to know about dancing you wouldn’t be in college. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn.

This should be the opportunity for you to discover what you enjoy, what challenges you, and learn how you can benefit from this time.

16. Be Okay With Saying No

It is very possible that no matter what you do in college your first few weeks that you will be overwhelmed with exciting opportunities and activities. This is something that is especially true for dance majors.

When things start to seem like they might be too much to handle or better yet before it gets to be too much, you need to be okay with saying no sometimes.

Remember, the right opportunity will not come at the wrong time.

17. Remember this is YOUR Journey, No One Else’s

You might be surrounded by dozens of other dancers that seem to be improving faster or getting opportunities before you do. It can be easy to feel jealous or wonder why you aren’t there yet. However, as a college dance major you must remind yourself that this is about your personal journey, not there’s.

Everyone progresses and grows at a different pace, and your professors should know that (if they don’t then shouldn’t be teaching in my opinion). Don’t compare or try to be anyone else because this is your journey.

Chase the opportunities that you want to chase. Don’t go after something just because everyone else wants to.

18. Find Joy

Congratulations! You love dancing enough to commit to it in college and just because it now feels more academic or there is more pressure on you does not mean you can’t find the joy in it all.

Remember that you love to dance and that you should be having at least some fun if you truly love and feel that you are meant to pursue dance as a career. Find ways to dance that are still joyful and fun for you.

This might be improving to some of your favorite music, creating some choreography for fun to use later, or having a dance jam session with your friends.

Before You Go:

Also check out a TikTok video I have on this subject– I LOVE connecting with other dancers on TikTok and Instagram

This post has been all about the best tips for incoming college dance majors. I’m so glad I could share all of this advice with you and help you along on your personal journey to becoming a dance major in college.

Comment your biggest piece of advice for college dance majors!

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This post was all about the best advice for a college dance major