@USdncrUSSRsoul No, my daughter did not consider deferring. I think as she got older (15/16), she thought it was less likely that she could get a trainee position with a company. She is a lovely, well-trained dancer, but probably not in the top 1%. Also, she was burned out and ready to lead a more “normal” life.
But I did want to mention to you that one of the girls at our studio who did recently go pro (she is now with Joffrey’s studio company), was also a great student and had been accepted to Northwestern. When she got a trainee offer from Joffrey she was able to defer Northwestern.
I think it is smart to work both angles – apply to college but also do auditions for trainee positions – then your daughter can consider all of her options.