ANSWERS 4 DANCERS.

TONY AWARD-WINNING CHOREOGRAPHER GROVER DALE IS EDITOR OF DANCE & FITNESS MAGAZINE. FOR THIS COLUMN, HE DRAWS ON HIS EXPERIENCES AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH 16 BROADWAY SHOWS, 8 FEATURE FILMS, AND OVER 100 TELEVISION SPECIALS.

MOM AND DAUGHTER TEAM RESEARCHING COLLEGE PROGRAMS

I need some advice regarding dance programs in college. My daughter is an advanced rhythm tapper, currently a junior in high school, and starting to look at colleges. She is interested in doing a double major in dance/psychology and is looking for a school with a good dance program that offers tap. So far, we have found what looks like a good program at Cal State Long Beach, taught by Steve Zee, but that school is literally in our back yard, and our daughter is looking to go a little farther away from the old homestead. Have you heard of any good dance programs in California colleges that incorporate tap? I know that Orange Coast College has a wonderful tap program, but that's a two-year school, and our daughter is looking for a four-year college. What about UC San Diego's program? Or UCI? USC? Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Brooke

It sounds like you and your daughter have done your homework. College tap programs are a step removed from my experience. I've always viewed choosing college dance programs as a very personal decision. As of now, the best options can be found in Dance Magazine's College Guide.

Frankly, most college programs have a long way to go to catch up with current employment demands in the dance world. When talking to college recruiters, ask strong questions. Here are a few to consider: Does the school invite active professionals to participate as guest professors? How up-to-date is the regular faculty on industry practices? How, when, and where does the school showcase students for agents, casting directors, etc.? The school's answers to these questions will indicate how dedicated the school is to producing employable dancers. You'll find more interesting questions on the "College vs. the Biz" page on www.answers 4dancers.com.

MY SON IS A NATURAL, WHAT CAN I DO WITH HIM?

My son is 6 years old, and he loves singing and dancing. His favorite group is 'NSYNC; he is always singing and dancing to their music. He wants to be in the spotlight. He is very friendly and outgoing. But I have no idea where to look to get him started. This is his dream, and it would mean so much to us if you could help.

Kellie

If you want to help your son, praise him every chance you get. Tell him how happy his dancing makes you feel. Your acknowledgements will help build his sense of himself. While you're at it, you can start trusting that he's smart enough to speak up and ask for what he wants. Let him tell you what he wants to do. If he comes up with a good idea, like, "Mama, can I go to a school where they teach this stuff?" it's his forever! And you can smile wisely, knowing that your encouragement played an important part in bringing about that idea. On the other hand, if taking the class is your suggestion, the results could become about pleasing mom. That may or may not be what you really want.

With 6-year-olds, there are ways to give options of walking through the door or not. Take a casual field trip to a children's hip-hop class at your local dancing school and see how he responds. It may or may not interest him. The freestyle movement he does in front of the TV, no matter how amazing, may only be possible in the safety and comfort of your living room. The classroom setting, even in the best of circumstances, can be intimidating.

Go easy, Mom. Have patience and see what happens. If there's a dancer inside your son that needs to be expressed, no one knows it better than he does.

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT MY MULTIPLE TALENTS

I have been jazz dancing for over fourteen years. I am now 21 years old and work part-time as a professional jazz-dance instructor and choreographer. Additionally, I perform regularly in local city theaters in the Netherlands, as well as participate in various workshops in New York and throughout Europe.

I will be moving to the United States in approximately two years. I'm concerned that there are not a lot of opportunities for jazz dancers nor a large demand for jazz instructors in the U.S. Is this true? If not, where are the best locations for teaching jazz?

Also, I've recently been developing my newly discovered ability for opera singing. I would like to combine my jazz-dance abilities with my singing. What area of the performing arts field should I explore? Would I have a better chance with this pursuit rather than staying exclusively with jazz dance?

Brigit Roberts

Opera singing and jazz dancing? Wow. I'm impressed. Do you have to choose? Why not both? Singers reach their vocal peak when they're in their 30s, while dancers peak much earlier. You can dance while you're preparing to realize your singing career.

Your concern about employment for jazz dancers is a valid one. Concert jazz dance has always struggled for survival in America. However, jazz dancers leaning toward Broadway musical employment are another story. Well-rounded dancers with singing skills are enjoying healthy employment in New York these days. Jazz teachers, too, are keeping very busy. The best locations certainly are the major dance cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, and Dallas.

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www.dancemagazine.com, www.answers4dancers.com, www.auditions4dancers.com.