A Former Professional Dancer's Guide to Choosing Your Post-16 Path

There’s a pause that happens right after GCSEs. A moment when dancers start thinking about whether they want to keep moving, train more seriously, or just dance for fun around their studies. That was me, too. I remember having the opportunity to dance "full time" when I was 16, and it changed everything. That step didn’t make me a professional right away, and it didn’t have to. It simply gave me the space to dive deeper into something I already loved. That same choice is now ahead for many dancers, and it can feel like a lot to figure out.

This post is based on what I learned from my own path as someone who became a professional ballet dancer and later helped others find their way. Think of it as a former professional dancer’s guide to choosing your post-16 path. Whether you’re eyeing a dance sixth form in London or just curious what your options might look like, we’re here to help make things feel clearer. Not everyone will choose dance as a job, and that's completely okay. What matters is finding a way to keep what you love part of your life, in a way that actually feels fun.

Getting Clear on What You Like (and Don’t Like)

Before choosing between different types of training, take a moment to look at what actually makes you feel excited about dance. Is it performing on stage? Training with others? Feeling fit and strong? Or maybe you just like the way dance gives structure to your week.

Some dancers love the idea of doing technique classes every morning. Others prefer dance as a way to relax a few evenings a week. Both are valid. You don’t have to want a dance career to make use of good training. In fact, some dancers make their biggest progress just by doing it for fun. Knowing what you enjoy, and what you’d rather skip, can help you pick a path that fits who you are right now.

It’s also okay if you’ve got other interests too. If you love science, writing, sport, or art just as much, don’t ignore that. Post-16 life doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can shape your next step in a way that leaves room for all the things that matter to you.

Dance All Day or Dance After School?

One big difference in post-16 options is how much time you want to spend dancing each week. A full-time dance course usually means dancing every day, Monday to Friday, as part of your main studies. You'll likely be in practical classes for most of the day, with theory or coursework built in. These programmes are great if you want to train more seriously, build stamina, and get used to the rhythm of daily technique.

A dance sixth form in London, on the other hand, gives you the chance to study A-levels or vocational subjects alongside specialist dance training. You might have two or three focused dance sessions a week, with the rest of your time spent on other courses. This balance works well if you still love learning across subjects while having creative movement as a regular part of your week.

Think about what kind of day you enjoy. Some dancers thrive in a studio atmosphere, surrounded by people working toward similar goals. Others prefer having different classes, moving from dance to literature to science. Personality plays a role here. Do you get energy from change and variety? Or do you feel best diving deep into one area? Your answer will help guide what kind of setting could work best.

How Friends, Teachers, and Family Can Help

It’s easy to feel like you have to figure it all out on your own, but this is a time when talking things through makes a big difference. Sharing your thoughts out loud with someone else often brings things into focus more quickly.

A teacher who knows your dancing style can be a great support. They’ve likely seen many students make similar choices and can help spot things you might not notice about yourself. Are you someone who picks up choreography fast? Do you love team projects more than solo work? These clues all play a part in what kind of training will help you feel confident.

Family can help in practical ways, too. They might point out what’s close to home, help you plan transport, or look up open days. They can also help you reflect on what makes you happy, what stresses you out, and what kind of balance actually works for your life beyond dance.

Make Spring the Start of Your Planning

Mid-March might still feel early, but spring is the perfect time to get started. Many schools and colleges offer taster sessions and open days in the spring term, before summer diaries fill up. Taking part in one can give you a feel for the building, the teachers, the energy in the room, all of which matter more than a website ever can.

Planning a few small steps now gives you space to think things through without pressure later on. Start a simple list of schools or programmes that interest you. You don’t need full decisions yet, just ideas to explore. That list becomes your starting point, not your final draft.

If exams are coming up, do what you can when it feels right. Ask questions when you’re ready. Visit when you can. You don’t have to do it all at once.

Don't Stress, Enjoy Choosing What’s Right for You

With so many choices, it’s easy to put pressure on yourself to "get it right." But here’s the truth, there isn’t just one right answer. Making a plan doesn’t mean locking yourself into one track forever.

Some dancers train full time for a year, then decide they want more variety. Others start with part-time classes and later switch into more hours. What matters most is how you feel in the moment. If your programme makes you look forward to your week and keeps you growing, that’s a good sign.

You can love dance without needing to make it a career. Following what feels fun now might lead to much more than you expect, whether on stage or somewhere entirely different.

If you’re searching for a place where passion and ambition meet, explore how Adore Dance can support your next chapter. Now is the perfect time to learn more about our dance college in London and see how it can shape your future, whether you want to dance every day or balance movement with your studies. Take the first step toward a creative, fulfilling experience with guidance and encouragement tailored just for you. Let your love for dance inspire your next move.