Question

from the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics

16 Education and training requirements vary with the type of dancer; however, all dancers need many years of formal training. Nearly all choreographers began their careers as dancers.

Education and Training

17 Many dancers begin training when they are young and continue to learn throughout their careers. Ballet dancers begin training the earliest, usually between the ages of 5 and 8 for girls and a few years later for boys. Their training becomes more serious as they enter their teens, and most balletdancers begin their professional careers by the time they are 18.

18 Leading professional dance companies sometimes have intensive summer training programs from which they might select candidates for admission to their regular full-time training programs.

19 Modern dancers normally begin formal training while they are in high school. They attend afterschool dance programs and summer training programs to prepare for their career or for a college dance program.

20 Some dancers and choreographers pursue postsecondary education. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees in dance, typically through departments of theater or fine arts. As of March 2016, there were about 75 dance programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance. Most programs include coursework in a variety of dance styles, including modern dance, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop. Most entrants into college dance programs have previous formal training.

21 Some choreographers work as dance teachers. Teaching dance in a college, high school, or elementary school requires a college degree. Somedance studios and conservatories prefer instructors who have a degree; however, they may accept previous work in lieu of a degree.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

22 Nearly all choreographers begin their careers as dancers. While working as dancers, they study different types of dance and learn how to choreograph routines.

Advancement

23 Some dancers take on more responsibility if they are promoted to dance captain in musical theater companies. They lead rehearsals or work with less experienced dancers when the choreographer is not present.

24 Some dancers become choreographers. Dancers and choreographers also may become theater, film, or television producers and directors.Athleticism. Successful dancers must have excellent balance, physical strength, and physical dexterity so that they can move their bodies without falling or losing their sense of rhythm.

26 Creativity. Dancers need artistic ability and creativity to express ideas through movement. Choreographers also must have artistic ability and innovative ideas, to create new and interesting dance routines.

27 Leadership skills. Choreographers must be able to direct a group of dancers to perform the routines that they have created.

28 Persistence. Dancers must commit to years of intense practice. They need to be able to accept rejection after auditions and to continue to practice for future performances. Choreographers must keep studying and creating new routines.

29 Physical stamina. Dancers are often physically active for long periods, so they must be able to rehearse for many hours without getting tired.

30 Teamwork. Most dance routines involve a group or pairs, so dancersmust be able to work together to be successful.What was the author’s purpose for writing Passage 3?
A. to promote dancing as a way of staying fit, by supporting the idea with the details about physical stamina and dexterity
B. to help people imagine themselves as dancers by describing what it is like to spend many years practicing
C. to provide information about a career in dance by presenting details about the education, traits, skills, and challenges of the profession
D. to discourage people from becoming a career dancer by emphasizing the demands on the body and the frequency of rejection

Answer 1

C. The passage presents informational details about education, training, required traits, work experience, and advancement for a career in dance, so its purpose is to inform readers about the profession.