I walked into the college process with only one thing certain: I love the arts. Whether its dance, graphic design or simple coloring sheets, my passion for anything creative has existed long before I could walk.
But now, I am forced to look at my passions in a different lens. As I tell people that after high school I plan on pursuing dance professionally, even while studying at university, I am met with disgusted faces. I’m told that I’m “too smart to throw my future away,” or asked “what’s your back up plan?”
Sometimes, I understand why people are so shocked. I am acutely aware that dancers receive little to no pay. As of February 2026, the average professional dancer makes between $29,000 and $73,500 a year. So yes, I get why it’s surprising that a girl from Westport wants to put herself in this position economically.
But for me, it’s never been about money. When I was two years old, my mom enrolled me in dance classes because I loved it, not because it was going to make me a millionaire. So why now should my passions be diminished simply because they aren’t profitable?
While I will always be an advocate for dancers receiving more pay, there is an underlying issue here. People who have interest in the arts are constantly being told to redirect their paths, and choose practicality over passion. Now, In a process that’s already so uncertain, I am met with even more confusion as I doubt the future that I’ve dreamt of for years.
If society is so celebratory towards art being made, then why don’t we celebrate the artists? Singers like Taylor Swift, Tate McRae and Beyoncé are all commended for their tour productions, which are only possible with the backup dancers. We all celebrate art like photography, dance and music daily, so it’s important to encourage people to keep producing it. In a world that is already losing human connection with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, it’s more important than ever to preserve art rooted in human, real world experiences.
Now, I’ve been pressured to take a conventional path, not because it’s right for me, but because it’s the safer option. However, I will not succumb to these pressures. I will continue to pursue what I am passionate about, even if others look down upon me for it. I hope that at a school like Staples, where competition surrounds conventional futures, we can learn to make space for the arts, and push our peers to pursue what they are actually passionate about.
