BACK-UP DANCING IS THE CAREER FOR ME!

Dear Grover,

I went to an audition up in Seattle but did not get a call back. I've been danc ing since the sixth grade. I dream of being a back up dancer in Music Videos but don't know how to prepare myself. I live in Oregon and there is not a mar ket for Music videos over here. I need to look in California and New york but don't know who can tell me what I need to do. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Sean

Dear Sean,

You've got plenty of company. Many young dancers share the dream of dancing back-up. Dreams like that are very powerful. They stir up the longings in our souls, connecting us to something deep inside that we intuitively know, someday, we must act on. If we're lucky, those same dreams open our eyes to developing the personal presentation we need to compete for the jobs we're seeking.

In the world of music videos and pop tours, choreographers have the finest dancers in the industry to choose from. These dancers know their "game" and are prepared to "prove it" when they walk into every audition. Convincing the choreographer (and the team of suits behind the desk) that within the next four or five hours, you are wonderful to work with is totally up to you. Somehow, everything about you, from the way you dance, to the way you present and conduct yourself, should convey that you are an ideal choice for the job. You're not only personable and dance with fire in your veins, you give off the vibe that you respect the process, pick up quickly, make instant adjustments when needed, and absolutely function like a professional who understands that the workplace is always a complaint-free zone. That's what choreographers look for.

Yes, it's a tall task, but if you're committed to rolling up your sleeves and gluing yourself to the task of gathering good work habits, you can do it. There's no greater gift you can give yourself.

Regards,
Grover D.

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