Give Your Goals Room to Grow.

EVERYTHING I NEED IS THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY!

My dream is to dance in pop concerts or music videos. The problem is that all the work and the agents are in L.A., and I live in Puerto Rico. I'm 14. Where I live there is no dancing school or things like that, so I don't know if I have a chance. But I would do anything. What can I do?

Clara del Rocio Moreno

For now, take comfort in the fact that you have something big inside you that wants to be realized. Not everyone in this world is fortunate enough to have that. Nurture it in the best way you can. (You're already doing it by visiting Web sites like answers4dancers and reaching out for advice!) Surely San Juan is home to a number of good dance schools. Too many wonderful dancers have come from there for there not to be. Seek them out. Share your hopes with trusted friends and family members. Talking about goals gives them room to grow. See as much dance as you can, read about it, inform yourself and assemble your resources. When you're ready, act on them. The choice is up to you.

SHOULD I HOLD BACK MY DREAM UNTIL I TURN 13?

I'm a 12-year-old dancer and have been dancing since I was 3. I'm currently at the Frank Rey Dance Studio in Tampa, Florida. My question is, what would be the appropriate age to go on to a summer dance session? I am very interested in the San Francisco Ballet and would like to try out there. Our studio in Tampa only allows me to dance four nights a week. I am aware this is not as much as a "big city" company would require of its dancers. One of my dance instructors suggests I should wait another year till I am 13 before applying. What do you suggest?

Brenda

First of all, congratulate yourself for the goals you've already created for yourself. Your willingness to ask for advice is an asset that will always serve you well. A few suggestions:

1. Discussing hopes with your teachers is a very good idea. Regardless of what advice they offer you, it indicates that you're serious about your development as a dancer. Get as many opinions as you can. Don't stop at one. Feedback from them will help you arrive at the decision that's right for you.

2. Age, in any summer program, is not the only consideration. Technique, strength of character, confidence levels, family situation and financial resources play important roles as well.

3. San Francisco Ballet's study program is certainly one of the best, but research other programs as well. Prepare a list of backup choices. Why not be accepted for several programs and choose the one that's best suited to your particular needs?

4. Go for the gold. Take the time to recognize your own potential. There are several ways to do this, one of which you're already doing: talking to your teachers. In addition, when guest teachers visit your studio, talk to them as well. They may offer you insights to your potential that you or your teacher may have overlooked. Also, revisit answers4dancers.com and pull up the "How Do I Start?" page. There, in Mandy's letter, you'll find eight steps you can take to realize the potential you already have inside you. Good luck.

AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO'S BLOCKED IN EVERY DIRECTION?

I am a senior in high school and I have always wanted to dance professionally in a ballet company. I don't want to go to college unless I have no other option, but I am having problems finding audition dates for any companies, or even what company requirements are for new dancers. I also am having problems convincing my parents that even if I don't go to college, I will still have a future. Money is an issue to my parents as well. They realize that I need to go away for decent dance training, but they don't know how they will be able to afford it. Help me, please.

Stressed

The circumstances you describe seem like a sure-fire recipe for anxiety.

Your concerns about company auditions and requirements can easily be addressed. If you're willing to do the footwork, you'll find what you need. Stern's Directory publishes extensive information about hundreds of American and European dance companies. If the details don't satisfy your specific concerns, nothing is stopping you from writing to (or phoning) individual companies to get the answers you want. Contact information is in the directory. College education and affordability issues are on almost everyone's agenda. If you're a senior, how much time have you devoted to researching colleges, conservatory programs, scholarships, student loans, work-study programs, apprenticeship programs or part-time jobs for yourself?

I WAS BORN WITH THE WRONG FEET!

I'm a ballet dancer and have been dancing for ten years. Because my technique is limited (my turnout is practically nonexistent), everyone seems to think that my dancing is a hobby. It's not! I love dancing more than anything in this world! But because I don't have the perfect technique, people seem to treat me with less importance.

I've been told that I possess a dramatic quality and my performance is outstanding, and yet I can't get anywhere because I have no turnout! Is there any hope for me?

I'm Missing a Turnout

So. No turnout and you're feeling hopeless. My, my, my. What's to be done with you? Funnily enough, I just saw Evelyn Cisneros's question-and-answer column on dancemagazine.com where she responded to a young dancer's concern about turnout limitations. She offered the girl an interesting floor exercise to improve it. Check it out. Evelyn was a ballerina with the San Francisco Ballet.

Cheer up. Careers are not dependent on turnouts. Talk to your teachers if you want more attention in class. Become proactive. Let them know of your willingness to work harder to get what you want.

Got questions that won't go away? Want answers from a pro? You can reach Grover Dale directly through www.dancemagazine.com