Older student - do I have a chance?

College Majors Dance Major
1

Hi there!

I’m an adult nontraditional student in my late 20s looking to go back to college and get a degree. I’ve just been working since I graduated high school, but now that I’m in a more financially stable place I’d love to go back and get my bachelor’s. I have always loved the performing arts but know that I’m not good enough to make a career out of it. I’ve danced since I was 7 and consider myself intermediate level at most of the typical college dance forms (ballet, jazz, modern).

Majoring in dance has always been my dream. I plan to double-major dance and business. My question is - would my age work against me? I think my technique is comparable to others who are auditioning, but I would hate for the teachers to see that I’m 28 and immediately go, “Oh no, she won’t be a dedicated student / she’s too old / she’s past the age of pursuing dance.”

Thoughts?

2

Are you looking to change fields? How are you hoping to apply your degree in dance in your career? I think it’s wonderful that you are going back to school! I also went to college in my mid-twenties, so I understand being older than the typical college student.

I think the answer would depend on where you are looking. Some schools may be harder than others, I only say that because many are hard for ANY dancer, no matter the age! Many older students return to get their masters degrees so many dance programs are used to having “older than typical” students in their programs and would not bat an eye on the age of the dancer, so I wouldn’t worry.

I’m not sure where you are located or what schools you are thinking of pursuing, that info may help as well.