Hey everybody,
wow, I got a little sidetracked over the new year, but I'm back...and I promise I'll be more regular in 2008. So one thing that aspiring NYC dancers need to realize, is the city is chock full of catch 22s. Seriously, people, Keller would have loved this place. For example, to get an agent, you need to show experience and the ability to book a job...BUT, you need an agent to get into the really good, resume-building, jobs...hmmmmm, doesn't sound like a reasonable progression, does it? But that's the way the business is, and you can either throw your hands up in frustrated desperation, pack your bags and head back to the mid-west, OR, figure out how to make the game work in your favor. I will address the whole agent dilemma later, but for now, I want to discuss the importance of regular class attendance. Since we're talking Catch 22s here, class presents an especially difficult pickle for many dancers. We all know that dancers need to attend class regularly to be on top of their game when auditions come up. Unlike singers and actors(someone will probably hate me for saying this), maintaining your dance technique, requires constant class and attention. But(Catch 22 alert) dance classes in NYC are not cheap, for that matter, neither are gym memberships. Right now, class at BDC(Broadway Dance Center) is $18, STEPS is $15.50, and NDG is $14. Suffice it to say, taking class 5 or 6 times a week can really put a strain on your budget. So what can you do? Well, the easy option, if you are serious about keeping your technique on point, is to enroll in a "work study" program at one of the studios. If you are concentrating more on Hip Hop or commercial dance, I would recommend the BDC program, which allows you to take one $5 class for every hour worked. The STEPS program is better for dancers looking to further their classical ballet and traditional jazz, and they offer unlimited $3 classes to those enrolled in their work study. So in addition to your outside employment, audition schedule, one five hour shift on a Saturday could greatly benefit your pocketbook.
For more info on the STEPS work study program, contact Kristi Sutton at 212-874-2410 ext. 15 (or email at kristi@stepsnyc.com) and for BDC, contact Dawn Rumbaugh at 212-582-9304
"The point is not whether you are failing, everyone fails. But those who succeed, are the ones who are failing forward"
1 comment:
Hey Ryan... Kris Mohfanz checking in. I am so proud of you to start this blog! It's very well written and as a Producer in the business that is 9 times out of 10 looking for dancers, its good to know that there's someone trying to promote success and positivity. Far to often I run into the "bitter" and "jaded" dancers that moved to NYC or LA with that big dream and wanting it all handed to them as soon as they exited the coach section of Delta! I think that with this blog it will give potential STARS the chance to really understand that if you want that dream to come true you really must fight for it. Working hard, taking class, and just really wanting it. Those are the dancers, actors, singers, etc. in our world that truly have that dream come true...
Great blog. I will pop in from time to time and say hi. I may even let dancers know of any projects that I may have cooking for them.
Again, excellent idea and I hope it's a huge success...
KRISmohfanz
KMOcreative
www.kmocreative.com
Post a Comment