For ambitious high school students dreaming of making a college dance team, life can feel like a constant balancing act. Between AP classes, dance studio, high school team commitments, college applications, and the looming pressure of college auditions and recruitment events, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. The good news? You can absolutely handle it with the right mindset, goals, and strategy.
Prioritize and Plan Like a Pro
One truth about balancing academics and dance: it doesn’t happen by accident. Successful student-dancers are fierce planners. Use a planner or digital calendar to map out school deadlines, studio rehearsals, and important college recruitment events. Work backward from significant dates (like auditions or finals) to set manageable weekly goals. Treat dance and school equally when scheduling — cramming for a test at midnight after a three-hour rehearsal isn’t sustainable.
Learning how to say “no” is part of the growth process. You don’t have to participate in every studio showcase or social event if it compromises your bigger goals. Smart time management now will prepare you for the demands of collegiate-level dancing, where balancing 20+ hours of practice with coursework is the norm.
College Recruitment Events: A New (Exciting) Layer of Commitment
Recruitment events, college prep clinics, and audition weekends can (and will) disrupt your normal high school and studio routine. It’s not unusual to miss a few classes, rehearsals or even competitions to attend these critical opportunities. And you should — they are invaluable for making connections, getting scouted, and understanding what different programs expect.
However, be strategic. Ask: What will I get out of this event, and is the time and expense worth it? Overcommitting to too many recruitment events can burn you out and hurt your performance, both academically and physically.
Most dance studios understand the importance of college auditions and will work with you to adjust your schedules when necessary. If your studio is less flexible, consider different training options. Communication is key. Keep your teachers and coaches informed about your recruitment plans so they can support you rather than be surprised when you need to miss a class or performance.
Stay Academically Competitive
Remember: You can’t get on the team if you can’t get into the college. Coaches want well-rounded team members who can handle rigorous academics. Slipping grades can jeopardize your dance team eligibility, scholarships, and college admissions offers.
Treat your schoolwork with the same respect you give your dance training. Seek tutoring early if you’re struggling. Communicate with teachers when you’ll miss class for dance commitments. They’ll appreciate your professionalism, and you’ll build skills that will serve you well in college.
Physical and Mental Wellness Matter
All this juggling can wear you down if you’re not careful. Prioritize sleep, eat healthy meals and snacks, and carve out downtime to avoid burnout and physical injury. It’s not a weakness to step back when you need to. Elite dancers know that recovery is part of training.
Mindset is everything. Stay flexible. Sometimes a curveball, like a rescheduled audition or a tough grading period, will hit. Trust that you are building resilience and skills that will set you apart, not just on the dance team but in life.
The Bottom Line
Pursuing a collegiate dance career while staying on top of your academics in high school isn’t easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. If you can learn to balance rigorous training, challenging coursework, and the college recruitment circuit now, you’ll be light years ahead when you hit campus.
Stay organized, stay realistic, stay positive. Your future dance team is out there — and they’re looking for someone exactly like you.
Kathy Hain-de Jong is the President of College in 3-2-1, LLC and its brand, Dance into College. Dance into College not only offers comprehensive college counseling services for high school students throughout the U.S. but also expert guidance on dance team preparation, recruiting, and auditions through our partnership with Sharpen Up Dance Team Training. Dance into College removes the guesswork, charts a unique academic and dance path, and minimizes stress for each student. Look for Kathy’s new book coming out this fall www.danceintocollege.com or @danceintocollege on Instagram or YouTube.