Although dance is fun for many people, it’s not for everyone. It takes a specific type of person to succeed in dance school. Because auditions are necessary and most dance schools have strict requirements, it takes a high level of commitment and passion to do well in dance school. Those interested in dance school must genuinely love to dance and be willing to spend long hours practicing to perfect their moves.

A good dance-school student is willing to practice for long periods of time. There is that saying “practice makes perfect.” This is especially true for dancers. Many dance schools have rigorous practice schedules so that dancers can perfect their moves. Because each dance move is crucial in a performance, it is not uncommon for some dance-school students to spend several hours a day trying to execute each move flawlessly until the routine is perfect. Just like with a sport or an instrument, hands-on practice is necessary.

A good dance-school student loves to dance. Dancing is more than just a hobby for these people–it’s a passion. For novice dancers or those who are experimenting with dance, local classes and dance studios can teach the fundamentals of a particular dance. However, for those who are more experienced and cannot live without dance, a dance school gives a well-rounded and extensive education in dance that will prepare students for a professional career.

Dance-school students must also be committed to keeping themselves well groomed. Because they will often be performing in front of crowds, physical appearance is extremely important. They need to keep themselves looking good. For men, that means being clean cut without any facial hair or visible tattoos or piercings. For women, it may mean learning how to dress and apply makeup appropriately. For both men and women, it means being on a strict diet, especially for those studying ballet or other dances where even a few pounds of weight gain can be a big issue.

Dance-school students must also be able to take constructive criticism. This can be hard for many people; however, criticism will be given in almost every job. Performing artists are reviewed by critics from magazines and newspapers all the time, so it’s best to learn to handle it early on. Instructors will need constantly to evaluate your performances so they can tell you what you need to improve. It’s important to listen to constructive criticism and use it to your advantage instead of getting upset over it. Remember, good instructors want all their students to succeed and do their best, so don’t take criticism too personally.

A big part of being a dance-school student is being in good physical shape. Dancing requires a lot of movement, so being able to move quickly and gracefully is very important. Some types of dances don’t require as many restrictions as others. For example, ballet dancers must be very small and thin. However, as a general rule, the more you weigh and the less healthy you are, the more difficult it is to be a successful dancer. The trick is to be able to manage your weight, which can be hard for many people, especially women. Some end up with eating disorders in the quest to become rail-thin. However, too much exercise and not eating enough are unhealthy habits, so there needs to be a balance. If you get out of breath after moving a few steps, or have any serious health conditions, then dancing may not be for you.