Can you study dance in the USA as a career path?

I've always loved dance and want to continue it in college. Is it possible to study dance seriously in the USA? What are the best schools for it, and what career options might there be afterwards?

Absolutely, you can study dance in the U.S. Many colleges across the country offer dedicated undergraduate dance programs, ranging from private liberal arts colleges to large public institutions.

A few of the top dance programs in the country include those at The Juilliard School, known internationally for its strong performance-focused curriculum, and the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, recognized for its emphasis on various styles and techniques of dance. Also, the University of Southern California (USC) provides a popular dance program through its Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. These schools allow you to study a range of dance styles from ballet to hip-hop to modern dance, as well as related fields such as choreography and dance history.

Career options for dance majors are diverse. Of course, professional performance is probably the first career that comes to mind as you could join a dance company or work in commercial spaces like music videos, films, and live shows. However beyond performance, you could also pursue careers in choreography, dance education, dance therapy, or even arts administration. You could work in schools, studios, or in community programs. If you like writing, you might consider dance criticism/journalism or even dance photography.

It's also common to couple a dance degree with another field of study. For instance, if you're interested in healthcare, you might look at dance therapy. If you're more interested in law, there's entertainment or copyright law. The possibilities are abundant and exciting! Just remember, as with any arts major, a successful career in dance requires not only talent and training, but also dedication, resilience, and a bit of entrepreneurial spirit. I hope this helps, and best of luck with your dance journey!