If I have spent more than 7 years away from dance, but I still love dancing is it worth it to go after a career in dance even though I'll be behind all of those people who've danced for over 15 years straight?

There are some questions that should be asked to give an appropriate answer for you...how old are you now? What do you mean by a career...paid professional in Equity shows in a major city? entertainament park type shows? Cruise ships? Each type of performing will require different levels of professionalism in your technique and ability. Having danced 10 years as a professional but getting too old to audition against the younger men for broadway type shows, I left the field. I didn't start studying until I was in my twenties so 10 years later, I knew I couldn't compete against the younger men. I performed in entertainment parks, summer stock and night club, as well as choreographed fashion shows. They were all a blast but I had to live pay check to pay check and wait tables in between to pay my rent. Depending on your age, you could try it for a year or two to give yourself a chance, such as...If I don't get hired after auditioning for one year/two years, I will leave, knowing I gave it my best shot. Do you have the financial resources to support yourself while auditioning? Do you live in a city that has a lot of audition opportunities? You may have a challenge because you haven't studied or danced in 7-8 years. I have seen the abilities and what is expected from dancers reach a more difficult level over the past decade - watching a show on tv like "Can You Dance? requires a high level of skill and technique, along with stage presence. If you have other things you enjoy as much, you can always continue dancing in community theater but you would not get paid. If you wanted to try the cruise ships, audition for a few and see if you have, at this point, what is required. That could afford you the opportuity to see other parts of the world while you dance. Not knowing where you live, I don't know what type of access you have to the type of performining you are considering. Depending on your age, know that having left for 7-8 years you will need a period of time to get back into shape and then compete against many others. Have you auditioned before? How have you dealt with rejection? If you get back into it and don't make the cut at auditions, how will you feel? These are things you should ask yourself to see how badly you really want it. What about dancing do you enjoy? Is it being on stage in front of others or dancing to express yourself? You never have to stop dancing but to do it professionally, it takes sacrifice, time, focus and commitment. Do you want it bad enough to do what it takes? I had always wanted to perform on Broadway, but as the years passed and I got older, I found other careers and opportunties to use my talents that were satisfying and rewarding. If you are doing things with your talents and enjoying it, then there should be no regrets. I wish you luck in whatever you decide to do.