Ask Amy: Can I go to college while dancing professionally?

I’ve been offered work in a company in New York, but my parents insist that I get a college degree. Is there any way I could earn a degree while dancing professionally?
—Pascale

You can definitely go to school while dancing professionally, and many dancers do. I myself am an English major at Marymount Manhattan College. Since most colleges offer evening, weekend or online courses, it’s easy to pursue a degree part-time. I load up on classes during the summer when I’m not performing and enroll in independent studies or online courses during busy touring seasons. Going to school part-time is a slow process, but credits eventually add up.

“I look for classes that fit into my schedule,” says New York City Ballet soloist Ellen Bar, who takes up to two courses a semester at Columbia University’s School of General Studies. This past spring, she scheduled one class on her day off and another in the morning, before rehearsal.

Time management can be challenging, but dancers are disciplined enough to handle the pressure. “I allot certain nights of the week to do homework,” says Bar. “And I usually have a lot of reading, which I can do on rehearsal breaks.”

Sit down with your parents and investigate your options—several are listed in the Dance Magazine College Guide. Hopefully, your parents will understand the rare and exciting opportunity you’ve been given, and be open-minded about part-time education.

Originally published in Pointe Magazine, August 2010