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Do you need to know how to tap dance in order to be on Broadway ?
Hi! I’m a freshman in High School and my goal is to be on Broadway someday. I have been in performing arts since I was 4, but I’m nowhere near an expert performer. I love to dance and want to get better at it so I can get cast in more shows. However, I hate tap dancing. I tried it this year and I hate it. However, we all have to do things we hate to get to our goals, but is it an essential skill?
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Katharine’s Answer
I am not a dancer, but I think if you hate something you should not make yourself study it or use it every day. I defer to performers, but it seems there are so many roles that don't require even any type of dancing! Be familiar enough that you can do it if necessary, but leave the tap to those who love it and focus your energies on dance that brings you joy.
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Fred’s Answer
(I am not, nor have I ever been a performer of any kind)
No. But like any skill, having it opens more opportunities, and not having it closes some off. You'll probably never be in a show like "42nd Street", but it would not be an issue for a show like "Sweeney Todd" (unless some revival REALLY goes off the deep end...).
My suggestion would be to try and learn at least the basics. It is something you can put on your resume/c.v. as a basic skill. Even that would allow you to make it through a little further on some auditions. Also, you may come to like it - stranger things have happened.
No. But like any skill, having it opens more opportunities, and not having it closes some off. You'll probably never be in a show like "42nd Street", but it would not be an issue for a show like "Sweeney Todd" (unless some revival REALLY goes off the deep end...).
My suggestion would be to try and learn at least the basics. It is something you can put on your resume/c.v. as a basic skill. Even that would allow you to make it through a little further on some auditions. Also, you may come to like it - stranger things have happened.