Many dance jobs and auditions specify for the dancers to be skilled in particular dance styles whether it's commercial dance or breakdance. So if you're self taught and learnt all your moves by watching MTV videos can you become a dancer on TV as well?



The answer is yes you can - but you make it 100 times harder for yourself than if you trained in some other dance styles as well. Most dance auditions will teach a dance routine or choreography in a particular dance style. If you've never been to a single dance class in your life you're unlikely to pick it up and perform it at the required standard.

The chance you have of dancing on TV will arise mainly from freestyle dance auditions. If an audition has choreography and freestyle they'd usually expect you to be good at both. However at freestyle only auditions there is no choreography so you're free to let loose.

The disadvantage you have over trained dancers at freestyle auditions is that you'll be dancing your own way and whoever is judging the audition may not be able to pinpoint your dance style. Many judges like to know what they're seeing - if only for their own ego boost!

However if your freestyle is truly amazing and they like you then there is no reason why you cannot get the same parts that trained professional dancers are also auditioning with you for.

If you are a self-taught dancer with aspirations of dancing on TV or in music videos you would be strongly advised to go to a dance college or start training at a dance studio though. By being able to pick up choreographies in different styles and learning the subtleties of each one you'll become a better dancer.

If you train at dance classes and dance studios and are able to pick up choreography you of course give yourself many more opportunities. You'll be able to attend more auditions which of course means you'll have a better chance of getting more jobs.

Also the new moves and skills that you learn in the classes you'll be able to incorporate into your freestyle also and make your freestyle even better. So if you just want to try your luck then you can use your current skills, but if you want to make a real go of it start training at your local dance studio!