Dance Life— Post Grad
By Paolo Aragona
For some 20-something year old college graduates who have juggled dance and other academic pursuits, this question often comes up-
“Will I continue to dance after college?”
For some, entering the “real world” and all its increased responsibilities and time commitments means reaching a crossroads.
“Does my life still have room for dance?”
“What do I ultimately want from dance?”
“Am I willing to go out of my way to keep it a part of my life?”
These are just a few thoughts that may arise, but as with anything, it comes down to asking yourself if it is still something that still brings happiness and fulfillment. Sometimes, when we are brought up on doing something for so long, it can be easy to just go through the motions and develop a routine- losing a sense of purpose. But if its something that still ignites a fire within you, then you have a responsibility to keep that flame burning.
As a graduate myself working in advertising as a copywriter, there have been times where I have had to work late nights to meet tight deadlines, needed to run to a late hell night rehearsal for an upcoming performance, only to return to the office to continue working well into the night. Exhaustion was an understatement, but I never thought twice. I knew it was something I wanted to do- something I needed to do. It has led to my almost living a type of "double life".
Dance is my passion and its who I am, and I figure since I’ve dedicated so much of my life to it thus far .. why stop now? I know a lot of you fellow dancers in similar situations can feel me on this.
What about YOU? Are you a college graduate juggling dance and a professional career? How do YOU feel?
