Today's focus: how to afford all the technique classes one needs to stay competitive in this industry.
Figuring out how to maintain a budget that enables you to afford your apartment, your food, your dance classes, and your headshots can be a challenge when you're struggling to make it as a performer in this city. Fortunately for the New York dancer, there are many different avenues to pursue!
For ease of experience, friendly coworkers, and a central location, Broadway Dance Center (www.broadwaydancecenter.com) offers an ideal work study program. At BDC, there is no cost to sign up beyond the purchase of an affordable "Crew" member shirt. The program involves a two-hour orientation and two three hour trainings. For each of these introductory periods, dancers receive one class at an incredibly discounted rate per HOUR of their presence in the studio). Once you are assigned a position, whether it be at the front desk, reception, the store, or cleaning crew, you can suddenly afford 4 classes for the price of one. Fantastic!
As much as I love and will always be loyal to BDC for their commendable customer service and lovely employees, I have to admit that the diverse class schedule offered at Steps often lures me away. Be warned: do not expect the warm welcome that you will find at BDC amongst these. After spending weeks trying to pin down the work study coordinator for an interview, you must pay a $15 fee, be oriented, and train for 10+ hours. You will receive no discounted classes for these hours at the studio. After receiving a position, you must make a lifetime membership payment of $25 in order to be involved in work study.
After months of going back and forth with She Who Must Not Be Named at Steps (yes that is a Voldemort comparison, she really is that icky...) I've honestly gotten to the point where I'd rather focus on work study and soaking up the positive vibes at BDC. Paying full price for a few classes at Steps feels like a bit of a bummer, but definitely worth it to avoid attitudes and dramz. In a business with as much rejection as we deal with on a daily basis, why add another source of negativity to the mix? That said, I know plenty of people who somehow manage to do both studios. I'll miss looking longingly at the ABT and NYCB dancers while I work at the front desk, but will settle for dancing next to them instead!
Whatever you decide, remember that working these opportunities into your daily schedule requires careful deliberation of your priorities. To maintain membership in Steps' work study program, you have to work 8-10 hours per week... not easy to fit in when you're trying to balance a job or two and audition schedules. At BDC, you only work one 3-4 hour shift. If neither of those studios gives you quite the modern fix you need, there's always work study opportunities at the indefatigable Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre as well as similar programs at other studios throughout New York City.
If it comes down to needing an affordable gym membership, never fear! You can get a year's worth of gym memberships at half the price of a typical membership by being crafty about new member deals & student IDs. New York City Sports Club has a one-time-only 30 days for $30 program, Crunch gym (and their competitors) has a free week, Yoga Vida in Union Square is liberal with their Student ID class rates, Groupon & Living Social often offer month or week long work out programs (e.g. Bikram Yoga, Pilates studios) at incredibly discounted prices.
For the really crafty performer, you can finagle a free gym membership by working only a few days a week, or even just a few days a month at a gym as either a lifeguard, a personal trainer, or a teacher of a specific type of dance or aerobic class (go for Equinox if this sounds right for you... dreamy personal trainers, gorgeous facilities, and fantastic fitness classes).
Navigating the New York performer waters can be overwhelming - if you can't get the woman at Steps right away, do NOT give up, you must call her once a week until she relents to meet with you - but with focus and determination you can and will find the right port in the storm to bring balance to your hectic schedule!
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