What does it take to become a dancer?

Many people think it requires stubborn determination. Competition can be fierce. Dancers might feel discouraged if they are not given permission to join a dance company. But if dancers are talented enough to join a company, a choreographer creates dances for them. They must practice, practice, practice to music of all kinds, from mournful to lively. Those dancers who finally make their debut often feel a great sense of triumph.

Several famous dance companies have toured the world, crossing border after border, hauling costumes and sets. Perhaps one of them will be performing on a stage near you.

stubborn (adjective)“Performers with a stubborn desire to succeed will continue to work hard” (Journeys, p. 246).

Definition: refusing to change your ideas or stop doing something

Different forms: stubbornly

discouraged (adjective)

“Dancers might feel discouraged if they are not given permission to join a dance company” (Journeys, p. 248).

Definition: feeling less hopeful, determined, or confident

Different forms: discourage (verb); discourages (verb); discouraging (verb); discouraged (verb)

permission (noun)Musicians apply for permission from the city to play music in subway stations.

Definition: the right or ability to do something that is given by someone who has the power to decide if it will be allowed or permitted

Different forms: permit (verb); permits (verb); permitting (verb); permissible (adjective)

mournful (adjective)

“The mournful songs of some musicians are more memorable than their happy ones” (Journeys, p. 247)

Definition: full of sorrow, very sad

Different forms: mournfully (adverb)

debut (noun)

“A performing artist is always excited at his or her debut, or first public show” (Journeys, p. 246).

Definition: the first time an actor, musician, or athlete does something in public for the public, for example, a play, a performance, or a game

Different forms: debuts; debut (verb); debuts (verb); debuted (verb); debuting (verb)

triumph (noun)“Becoming a star is a triumph, or victory, most performance artists long for” (Journeys, p 247).

Definition: a great or important victory

Different forms: triumphs (noun); triumph (verb); triumphs (verb); triumphed (verb); triumphing (verb); triumphant (adjective)

tour (verb)“Several famous dance companies have toured the world” (Journeys, p. 248).

Definition: a journey through the different parts of a country, region or even the world

Different forms: tours; toured; touring; tour (noun); tours (noun)

border (noun)“Touring performers often cross international borders” (Journeys, p. 247).

Definition: a line separating one country or state from another; a boundary between two places

Different forms: borders; border (verb); borders (verb); bordered (verb); bordering (verb)

haul (verb)

“When a band is traveling, workers are hauling equipment from city to city” (Journeys, p. 246)

Definition: to pull or drag something with effort

Different forms: hauls; hauled; hauling

tower over (verb)tower above (verb)

“Performers on stilts have always towered above their audiences” (Journeys, p. 246).

Definition: to be much taller than someone or something

Different forms: towers over; towered over; towering over

What does it take to become a dancer?

Many people think it requires stubborn determination. Competition can be fierce. Dancers might feel discouraged if they are not given permission to join a dance company. But if dancers are talented enough to join a company, a choreographer creates dances for them. They must practice, practice, practice to music of all kinds, from mournful to lively. Those dancers who finally make their debut often feel a great sense of triumph.

Several famous dance companies have toured the world, crossing border after border, hauling costumes and sets. Perhaps one of them will be performing on a stage near you.