College alumni will be the first to say that their days at college were gone in a flash. Only when you are completing your studies will the speed of college sink in; before you know it you’re finishing your first year and then your third year is almost complete. For students studying at vocational or higher education level, a lot of academic and creative learning is condensed into the few years of studying so it is important for students to get the most out of those years.
Continue to think about your future while you are studying, not just the day to day studies, classes and performances. Think about what you need and what you must achieve in order to reach your future goals, and continue to work towards these. Invest in your studies and attend extra classes if you can - the end of college signals the start of paying for your classes! Develop your dance networks and try new things such as collaborating with musicians or choreographing a site-specific performance. The resources in order to do so are not so readily available post-college.
Stay curious and research the world around you; with the dance industry in particular there is a lot to be learnt from its history and the different dance artists that shaped your dance world today. Equally, stay aware of current dance affairs and keep informed as to what different companies are performing, new funding legislature and new productions that are touring to your town. If your future aim is to join a specific dance company, become hyper-familiar with their works and way of working, and hone your training alongside this.
College provides a semi-structure for young adults, less so than school but more so than in the big wide world! Use the opportunity to glean support from your tutors, ask questions and develop your own understanding of dance. Keep your body in check by understanding your physical and emotional limitations, and therefore maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Learn about what your body needs to perform at its best and if you are unfortunate in having to deal with an injury, use the time wisely to heal properly with adequate rest and nutrition.
The rollercoaster of college
College alumni will be the first to say that their days at college were gone in a flash. Only when you are completing your studies will the speed of college sink in; before you know it you’re finishing your first year and then your third year is almost complete. For students studying at vocational or higher education level, a lot of academic and creative learning is condensed into the few years of studying so it is important for students to get the most out of those years.
Continue to think about your future while you are studying, not just the day to day studies, classes and performances. Think about what you need and what you must achieve in order to reach your future goals, and continue to work towards these. Invest in your studies and attend extra classes if you can - the end of college signals the start of paying for your classes! Develop your dance networks and try new things such as collaborating with musicians or choreographing a site-specific performance. The resources in order to do so are not so readily available post-college.
Stay curious and research the world around you; with the dance industry in particular there is a lot to be learnt from its history and the different dance artists that shaped your dance world today. Equally, stay aware of current dance affairs and keep informed as to what different companies are performing, new funding legislature and new productions that are touring to your town. If your future aim is to join a specific dance company, become hyper-familiar with their works and way of working, and hone your training alongside this.
College provides a semi-structure for young adults, less so than school but more so than in the big wide world! Use the opportunity to glean support from your tutors, ask questions and develop your own understanding of dance. Keep your body in check by understanding your physical and emotional limitations, and therefore maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Learn about what your body needs to perform at its best and if you are unfortunate in having to deal with an injury, use the time wisely to heal properly with adequate rest and nutrition.