Dear Katie: I'm Not Ready to Move Away to Study Ballet!

September 21, 2017

In our “Dear Katie” series, former NYCB soloist Kathryn Morgan answers your pressing dance questions. Have something you want to ask Katie? Email [email protected] for a chance to be featured!

Dear Katie,

I know I’m not getting good enough dance training from any of my local studios. But I’m not sure I’m ready to move away to study at a big-name school, either. How do you know when you’re ready to leave home to pursue your passion?

Marisa

Dear Marisa,

A lot of students are unsure about when to move away from home. I’d suggest starting with a smaller step: Try a summer course. It’s almost like a rehearsal for a year-round school. Leaving home for five to six weeks in the summer is a great way to figure out how you’ll feel about leaving full-time, and it’ll also help you assess where you stand technically relative to the other dancers out there.

While you’re at the summer course, ask yourself questions: Am I ready to be permanently away from my parents? Are they ready? Can I keep up with the other dancers? Am I overwhelmed? Make sure you talk to your parents, too. They know you better than anyone else, so they can help you figure this out.

For more of Katie’s helpful tips and advice, click here.