Dancer
Job Description:Dancers use movement to perform for live audiences or in recorded performances.
Job Category:What you will do:
You’ll specialise in a form of dance, like:
- classical ballet
- contemporary dance
- modern stage dance, like jazz, tap, and musical theatre
- African or Asian dance
- street dance
Typically you could:
- rehearse routines
- prepare for and go to auditions
- take part in dance classes and maintain your fitness
- perform in front of a live audience or to a camera
- promote yourself as a performer
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of the fine arts
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure (leadership skills)
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- persistence and determination
- ambition and a desire to succeed
- the ability to use your initiative
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- physical fitness and endurance
Entry Requirements:
To become a dancer, specific subjects are not mandatory, but having a strong educational foundation and relevant skills can be beneficial in preparing for a career in dance. Here are some relevant subjects:
- Dance or Performing Arts: Enrolling in courses related to dance or performing arts can provide you with fundamental knowledge and skills in dance techniques, choreography, and performance.
- Physical Education (PE): PE courses can help you develop a good understanding of fitness, anatomy, and the principles of movement, which are important for dancers.
- English Language: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are valuable for dance professionals, especially if you plan to write about dance or teach dance classes.
- Mathematics (Maths): Basic math skills can be useful for managing finances and budgets if you plan to pursue dance as a profession.
- Art or Creative Subjects: Courses related to art, drama, or creative expression can foster creativity and an appreciation for the arts, which can be beneficial in dance.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- applying directly
- specialist courses
University
You’ll usually need a degree or diploma in professional dance or musical theatre. These take 2 to 3 years to complete and are offered by dance schools, performing arts schools and universities.
Academic qualifications may not be essential if you show enough talent at audition.
You could get a Dance and Drama Award to help with fees and living costs.
College
There is no set entry route to become a dancer but it may be useful to do a relevant subject. In the UK, for example, courses include:
- Diploma in Performing Arts
- Extended Diploma in Performing Arts – Dance
- Level in Dance
For entry to some courses you may need to attend an audition.
Volunteering
Dancing is very competitive and you’ll need to develop your skills by getting as much dancing experience as possible.
You could do this through:
- amateur dance clubs
- college and university dance societies
- student dance festivals and competitions
This can also help you to build a network of contacts in the dance profession. This will be useful when looking to get experience or a job.
Direct Application
You can apply directly to become a dancer, if you have a high level of training and ability in at least one form of dance.
Other Routes
Most professional dancers start taking dance classes from a young age. You can take graded exams from awarding bodies.
Career tips
Classical ballet dancers start training very young, usually at 10 or 11 years old. It’s possible to make a career in contemporary dance if you start at a later age, if you’re prepared to work hard and put in a lot of training.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 28-30 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends/bank holidays away from home.
You could work in a creative studio, in a theatre, at a TV studio, at a film studio, on a cruise ship or in the community. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding, you’ll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.
Career Path & Progression:
Many dancers combine their performance work with part time teaching or behind the scenes work in the arts.
With experience, you could become a choreographer or become self employed and set up your own dance school.
With further training, you could go into community arts development or dance therapy.