The Worst Advice I've Ever Received

Keltie Colleen (courtesy Keltie Colleen)

Dancers receive many pearls of wisdom over the course of their careers—but sometimes they also get some less-than-awesome advice. We asked eight dancers to spill about the worst tips they’ve ever been given.

Keltie Colleen, commercial dancer

When I was dancing for an NBA basketball team, I booked an Apple iPod commercial that conflicted with the team’s schedule. I was torn: Should I risk jeopardizing my steady job and do the commercial, or should I be a team player and pass on a huge opportunity? Someone advised me to turn down the commercial, and I did. But I’ve always wished I tried harder to work it out with the team. In show business, you have to seize your opportunities as they come. Someone will always be there to take your spot, and there was another perky blonde who took mine in the iPod commercial!

Jenny LaRoche (by Bobby Aruajo)

 

 

Jenny LaRoche, “Smash” dancer

It’s easy to lose yourself in this industry. I’ve been told by teachers to dye my hair and wear bright colors so I’ll get noticed in auditions. But you can look the part you want to be hired for without altering yourself. Just amplify your own assets. Now I know to show up to an audition with a fresh face and clean hair.

 

 

 

Ray Hesselink (by Jen Nishino)

 

Ray Hesselink, 
tap dancer and teacher

I often hear people say, “Being a dancer is too competitive—you’ll never make a living.” Don’t let fear stop you from doing what you love. Yes, dance is a business. But follow your instincts in forming relationships with teachers, mentors and friends who believe in you and make you feel good about your talent and commitment to your goals.

 

 

Lauren Fadeley and Ian Hussey in Giselle (by Alexander Iziliaev)

 

 

Lauren Fadeley,
Pennsylvania Ballet principal (and Indiana University alum)

The worst advice I received was not to go to college. There’s a misconception that the only time to dance is when you’re young. But I wasn’t ready to be a professional at 16. Going to college was the best path for me, because it let me grow and work on my technique. If I hadn’t taken the time to go to college, I would be burnt out by now.

 

Rebecca King in The Nutcracker (by Leigh-Ann Esty)

 

Rebecca King, 
Miami City Ballet dancer

When I was a teenager, a teacher discouraged me from pursuing ballet, saying I would probably never become a professional ballet dancer. I had started at a new dance school, and I was quite behind my peers. But thanks to other wonderful teachers and mentors along the way, I found myself onstage with Miami City Ballet after high school. One person’s judgment isn’t the opinion of everyone in the dance world. Ballet is a subjective art form, which is what makes it so special.

 

Lacey Schwimmer on “Dancing with the Stars” (by Adam Taylor/ABC)

 

 

Lacey Schwimmer,
“Dancing with the Stars” pro

The worst advice I ever got was to lose weight or change my body because I “didn’t look like a dancer.” The dancer comes from within. Be wary of pressure to lose weight.

 

 

 

 

Jon Bond (by Nathan Sayers)

 

Jon Bond,
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet dancer

When I first decided to join Cedar Lake, I had a mentor who didn’t think it was a wise choice. He felt I wouldn’t grow there because at the time Cedar Lake was not the premier company it is now. Against his guidance, I followed my gut and took the opportunity. Six seasons later, I’m still happy I did!

 

James Whiteside in Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes (by Gene Schiavone)

 

James Whiteside, 
American Ballet Theatre soloist

When I got into the corps in Boston Ballet at age 19, a friend told me that if I wanted to be taken seriously in the company, I would have to stop being friendly with the apprentices. That advice taught me exactly how not to behave. Treat every dancer with respect, and you will be respected in turn.