Myths #2, #3, and #4

Still unsure about dancing in college? Well lets continue discussing the next three myths about dancing in college and clear up any questions.
 
Myth #2: "You can't be on the dance team and in the dance department."

Well this one just gave me shock that people think that they are unable to be apart of the dance team when they are in school for dance. Why would the department refuse dancers the opportunity to dance? Here at Slippery Rock University we have two dance teams that is connected with the dance department. Dance Express consists of all dance majors and Jam Rock has dance majors/minors and others who wanted to continue on performing in college on a dance team.

Myth #3: "You'll gain the 'freshman 15.'"

That is a curse and a scare for incoming freshman that are going to college. You are away from home, no restrictions on limit of food at the cafeteria and also down time to have a snack. I was worried that I would gain weight here at school but between classes and rehearsals all week I was able to watch what I ate. In between dance classes we have a half hour sometimes my friends and I would go to the dining hall to get some food or we just walk to our next class and eat a snack there and get ready. Plus as dancers we are able to know what is good for our body before class or rehearsal, that we should not eat a big meal that might hinder our dancing. My friends and I always joke when classes are done and we walk to lunch it is like a reward for the 4.5 hour dance class we had that day. Honestly I feel I gained the freshman 15 but I gained 15 pounds of muscle from classes! Do not worry about gaining the freshman 15, be cautious as to how much you eat but like I said before dancers know what is best for their body.

Myth #4: "College programs are a last resort for dancers who couldn't get company contracts after high school."

For me I do not believe this (anymore), I was naive in my junior year until I figured out that a college degree is beneficial for my future. I actually do not know many people who have received company contracts after high school. When I was in the competition/convention world I knew many amazing dancers who would always get scholarships to go to L.A. and take classes at the top dance studio but never get a contract after going. Rivers in her article mentions that "this rumor is beyond outdated." Also that many "companies require the kind of versatility and maturity you'll learn in a college program." I had an interview with the head of the dance department here at Slippery Rock, Ursula Payne, and she mentioned that in today's society having a college degree always helps students get jobs in the future. Also with an interview with my friend who is a senior dance major Tori Muellauer she mentions that she wanted to get a degree in dance because she felt that she was not there in her dance training she wanted to get better to help her career. Overall just know that you always grow as a dancer, you are never at your best, you get better everyday that you work.

To conclude all the information:

• Continue dancing; usually dance teams are apart of the dance department. Plus you will get opportunities to perform in the department
• You know as a dancer what to and not to eat. Be prepared to become stronger and in shape.
• Dancing in college helps you grow as a dancer; become more versatile and quick on your feet for auditions.

Any questions comment below. Two more myths coming up soon. Remember to keep on dancing!