Building a career in dance isn’t always easy. Jobs are competitive, funding can be limited and roles often aren’t full time.  As a result, it’s important that as an aspiring dance professional you approach your career in the spirit of entrepreneurship in order to identify and pursue the most productive professional path for you. In this article we explore the challenges you may face and the qualities you will need to forge a successful career in dance, adapted from Ali Duffy’s Careers in Dance. Qualities for a successful dance career Self-motivation There is rarely a time in a dance career that does not demand your persistent drive toward the next goal or job or promotion. You must be prepared to keep pushing yourself throughout your career because dance requires you to be completely present—and completely you—every day. Resilience and self-care Since many jobs in dance are highly competitive, you will likely experience a lot of rejection in the field. As a result, many dance professionals highlight the necessity for resilience and strategies for self-care. It’s important …