Tennessee Association of Dance (TAD) has created special portals for each membership type offering information relevant to members at that level. Emerging Dance Members will be able to gain access to college dance program data, instructions on ACT testing, scholarship and government tuition aid tips, health and injury prevention advice, and more. There is also information about Summer Intensives and other opportunities for young dancers. 

Preparing for college takes time and effort. It is important to find a school that matches a student’s needs and plans for the future. In the Emerging Dance Members portal, TAD has pulled together information and connections with many resources to help make those decisions. 

In college, dance students gain employable skills like presentation skills, the ability to work effectively with others, concentration, observation skills, collaboration skills, self-discipline, the ability to meet deadlines, patience, the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, problem solving, communication skills, and organizational skills. However, to succeed they will need to gain experience and make helpful connections. 

Most students thinking about a career in dance envision being a professional dancer or dance teacher. There are, however, many other options. The Emerging Dance Member portal offers a list of multiple career possibilities within the ever-growing field of dance broken down into a number of different fields. It is important to keep an open mind when looking for a dance-related career. Dance can be combined with other interests offering expanded opportunities – like being a dance photographer, dance-related non-profit administrator, or therapist using dance to help those with mental or physical health issues. 

It is helpful to start looking into colleges over the summer of junior year in high school, or before. Make plans to visit schools the student is accepted to by the spring of his or her senior year. 

According to the National Endowment for the Arts, students who regularly participate in dance earn higher GPAs; perform better in science, math, and writing; score high in SATs; and when enrolled in a four-year college they tend to earn mostly A’s. 

Dance also improves social and communication skills; teaches teamwork, trust and cooperation; and can help to reduce anxiety related to social situations according to Family Talk Magazine.  It also allows self-expression through movement. 

Participating in regular dance classes increases flexibility, range of motion, physical strength, stamina and core strength. It helps to improve muscle tone and posture, which in turn increases balance and coordination. Being an aerobic form of exercise, dance promotes cardiovascular health and weight loss. 

To learn more, join TAD today! Members gain exclusive access to benefits and education.