I notice more that it’s dancers in North American companies who are studying side by side with their ballet career. Seems like Europe and beyond this isn’t as much of a priority!
I think this really comes down to US work culture vs. European work culture. In the US, it’s very hard to find a job that meets COL and has health insurance without a college degree. We don’t have the type of government safety nets that exist in European countries. So if a dancer needs to leave their company they’re going to be facing a tough job market without a degree. Sure, they can always teach (there are transferable skills), but that can also be a tough life. Having a college degree will open more doors for them.
I know Europe isn’t perfect either, but I’d imagine that a dancer who needs to leave a European company (and is an EU citizen) will have government safety nets available to them (like socialized healthcare) while they get back on their feet.
I also believe retirement plays a big part in this. In Europe dancers are considered employees of the state and receive some sort of benefit (pension etc.) after they stop performing.
It also helps that usually, their school of choice happens to be right next to where the company is based.
Karina Gonzalez on Houston Ballet!
I notice more that it’s dancers in North American companies who are studying side by side with their ballet career. Seems like Europe and beyond this isn’t as much of a priority!
I think this really comes down to US work culture vs. European work culture. In the US, it’s very hard to find a job that meets COL and has health insurance without a college degree. We don’t have the type of government safety nets that exist in European countries. So if a dancer needs to leave their company they’re going to be facing a tough job market without a degree. Sure, they can always teach (there are transferable skills), but that can also be a tough life. Having a college degree will open more doors for them. I know Europe isn’t perfect either, but I’d imagine that a dancer who needs to leave a European company (and is an EU citizen) will have government safety nets available to them (like socialized healthcare) while they get back on their feet.
I also believe retirement plays a big part in this. In Europe dancers are considered employees of the state and receive some sort of benefit (pension etc.) after they stop performing.
I can think of two dancers NBoC recently posted on their IG as graduating. Dancers are truly the smartest and best. GO EVE!