I'm a Senior in high school and I have been dancing my entire life. My big sister owns the studio I take lessons at and dance is a central part of my life.
Recently I was accepted to Columbia University (my dream school) along with several others. NYC is about 8 hours from my home and the problem isnt that I am going to miss home but I dont know how I can let go of dance and being at the dance studio. (by the way I'm a bio major).
I miss it already and its not even over yet. . .

You mean there are no dance programs, clubs or studio's where you're going to college at all?

Don't let go of dance.

Columbia will have lots of opportunities for you and there are a TON of places to take class in New York.

You're not leaving your studio behind, you are taking it to New York with you. Get involved, keep an open mind, and make your sister proud!

Best wishes.

Keep On Dancing*

ps Congratulations on your acceptance to Columbia.

You don't need to let go of dance just because you're going to college. My is a college freshman and still dancing. It's a great stress reliever. She's a bio major too, though not at Columbia. Congrats on being accepted to your dream school! You can certainly dance in NY if you want to.

You don't have to let go of dance just because you don't want to be a dancer. If you love it, you'll find a way to keep it part of your life.

I don't know anything about Columbia's course offerings, but many schools now offer dance classes and many offer them to non-majors. Also check the surrounding area for potential studios. You'll be in NYC - what better place to be for the arts? If you are feeling homesick for your studio, think of this as an opportunity to explore the dance world outside of it, and bring something back with you to share with them when you come home on breaks. Enrich your life and theirs as well.

I understand how you feel - it's a difficult transition to leave high school, and the routine and familiar settings that you've grown up with. But, as others said, when you move to NYC, you won't need to give up dance. Your dance experience will change - you won't be going to your old studio - but it doesn't have to disappear from your life (plus, if your sister owns the studio, chances are you'll always have a link there!).

At Columbia, there'll be student-run dance groups, or dance classes in NYC, or other things you can experience like musical theatre or some other type of performing.

I was in your shoes 15 years ago. Leaving my hometown and dance studio, to move to a big city (Montreal, Canada), 12 hours away to become a bio major. And I've been dancing ever since. I danced in (and eventually lead) the student-run dance group. I took classes at amazing studios. I took classes when I went home in the summer. I taught classes. I even did my first ballet exam when I was 30 years old. Don't worry - if you love dance, you'll always find a way to keep dancing.

I understand that you are a biology major, but check out this link
www.college.columbia.edu . . .

There are so, so, many opportunities and people to guide you. Columbia is its own little nation within a city.

Keep On Dancing*

You're moving to NYC! If that place doesn't have neough arts for ya, I don't where will

But I understand how daunting it is for everything to be new and scary when you're moving. But change is as good as a holiday! There is no reason to let go of dance, the only way you ever stop dancing is because it slips away without your notice.

Everyone's already mentioned that going to NYC is a wonderful place for the arts! But one other thing. As far as being a dancer (who says you have to stop just because you're a bio major?), it is oftentimes better for you to get your classes from a new source and open your horizons. It will make you a better dancer.

You will miss your home studio. That's natural. But embrace this chance to get another point of view on your particular dance of choice or go after another type of dance while you have the opportunity! Pardon the pun, but it will stretch you, lol!

Also, I almost applied to columbia but got into my dream school first. BUT I did my research- through Barnard, since Barnard and Columbia can take classes at each other, there are up to 7 levels of ballet offered, as well as extensive modern, a variations class, pas de deux, and more. I would be thrilled if I were you. Also, you can "audit" classes- just go, even though its not for credit. This would help your schedule.
I know you might miss your current studio, as I am sure I will next year, but this is an amazing opportunity too! Just thought you should know.

dance.barnard.edu . . .

Sorry meant to add to previous post!