Gone are the days when a dancer could define themselves simply as a "jazz dancer" or a "ballet dancer." Such narrow labels no longer serve a dancer’s career or their potential, and limiting oneself to just one style can even hinder growth. In today’s world, versatility is key. A dancer's ability to adapt and perform across various genres not only broadens their opportunities but also makes them more valuable to choreographers who are looking for multifaceted performers.
It’s essential to prepare our young dancers for a market that demands flexibility. Training them to be well-rounded and capable of tackling a wide range of dance styles makes them more employable. The more tools they have in their repertoire, the greater their chances of landing consistent work. While not every dancer may love or excel in every style, the benefit of learning various techniques—whether they are skills they enjoy or not—is undeniable. Having a wide-ranging skill set is priceless and provides dancers with an advantage that others may not have.
We’ll always encounter students who aren’t particularly fond of certain styles—whether that’s ballet, tap, or something else—but it’s crucial to encourage them to develop an appreciation for each one. Teach them the value of every genre, and help them explore things they may have initially resisted. I’ve had many students return to me after they’ve started auditioning professionally, eager to learn what they once avoided. Some of them are even revisiting skills they neglected in their pre-professional training, recognizing that a narrow focus on one type of job or performance isn't always the wisest approach. These dancers are now taking classes in acro, aerial, ethnic dance forms, tap, and more, all to expand their range and prepare for unexpected opportunities. When a choreographer asks, “Who can do this?” the dancer who confidently raises their hand is the one who gets the job.
Our role as teachers is to train dancers to be adaptable. True dancers are more than just performers—they are thinkers, athletes, storytellers, and artists who bring something unique to the table. The more diverse their skill set, the more likely they are to find success. With so many talented dancers out there, how will your students stand out in an audition? Choreographers don’t want to hear what a dancer can’t do—they want to know what they can do.
That’s where you, as a teacher, come in. The only way to create versatile dancers is by being a versatile teacher. We must continue learning and evolving so that we can meet the needs of our students, no matter what skills they’re seeking to develop. Always challenge yourself, so that you can introduce fresh concepts and techniques to your students. Create an environment where learning is exciting, and where dancers leave your studio with a diverse set of skills that will catch a choreographer's attention. While technique and talent are everywhere, versatility is a rare and invaluable trait. Teach your dancers to be irreplaceable, and by doing so, be the kind of teacher who inspires them to grow into adaptable, well-rounded artists.
Good luck!
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
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