Do you love to dance? Would you like to turn this passion into an exciting and rewarding career on the stage?
If so, consider becoming a professional dancer.
In this article, we'll talk about the many pathways to a career in dance and the steps you can take to give yourself the best chance of success.
Steps to Becoming a Professional Dancer
So, are you ready to pursue a career as a professional dancer? There are many paths you can follow to achieve your goals, but the steps outlined below will give you an idea of the time and effort it will take.
1. Train Extensively
Many dancers begin taking dance lessons when they are very young. For example, the majority of ballet dancers begin training around age five and go professional by age 18.
Regardless of the type of dance you specialize in, you will need to commit yourself to hard, continuous training.
If you are just starting, attend dance classes in your community. Learn all you can, and begin networking with your instructors and peers to learn about more advanced classes and opportunities.
As your skills improve, you may begin taking more advanced classes and workshops. You may even have opportunities to work privately with dance instructors or small groups.
Though there are no formal education requirements for professional dancers, you'll want to earn your high school diploma or GED and consider attending college.
2. Gain Relevant Experience
As you train for your career, take advantage of opportunities to practice your dance skills in real-life settings.
Participate in non-professional dance or theater productions in your community or with your school. Consider attending local auditions for small, entry-level productions.
Continue building relationships with instructors, peers, and anyone else you meet who may be able to help you as your career advances. You can even gain a degree in dance.
Becoming a professional dancer isn't just about having talent and training hard; it's also about putting yourself out there, gaining experience, and building your network.
3. Consider Joining a Union
If you don't want to spend your entire career freelancing and would like opportunities to get noticed by large dance companies, you may want to join a dance union.
Some good unions to consider include:
- American Guild of Variety Artists
- American Guild of Musical Artists
- Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Joining a union enables you to qualify for large or exclusive auditions you wouldn't have access to on your own.
4. Prepare for Auditions
As you prepare to take your dance career to the professional level, you'll want to do all you can to stand out at auditions. When you register for an audition, you'll be expected to present:
- A current headshot
- A resume
- A dance reel
Your headshot will give directors and producers a glance at your face, helping them identify whether you have the right look for certain parts.
Your resume provides a snapshot of your contact information and dance-related experience. If you are just starting, feel free to include relevant training classes and education you have received.
Finally, your demo reel is a collection of short clips of you showcasing your dancing skills. If you don't have performance clips, you can have a friend record you dancing in a dance studio or outside.
5. Hire an Agent
Not all dancers need agents, but many find that having an agent makes it easier to find work.
An agent acts as an advocate for you and your career, using their extensive network of connections to find work opportunities that fit your look and style of dance.
Agents can help you find jobs you may not be able to access on your own, and they can help you manage your business if you are working on a freelance basis.
What Is it Like to Be a Professional Dancer?
Professional dancers generally fall into three broad categories: company dancers, commercial dancers, and dance teachers or instructors.
Company dancers work for dancing companies, performing in shows and concerts. They enjoy steady, consistent work, sometimes for years on end.
Commercial dancers work independently, performing in various individual projects such as music videos, musicals, and tours. They typically work on a freelance basis.
Dance instructors teach the next generation how to dance. They may be employed by community organizations, dance companies, and schools.
Professional dancers spend much of their time training and cross-training to keep their skills fresh and their bodies in shape.
What Qualities Are Needed to Become a Professional Dancer?
Professional dancers must be physically strong, fit, and active. They need to have an excellent sense of balance and athleticism to perform the complex moves required in dancing.
They must have excellent stamina, as they commonly train for hours a day and perform exhausting routines over long periods.
They should have artistic and creative tendencies, as well as an ability to express ideas and emotions through their dance moves.
They must be dedicated to their work and willing to persevere in the face of hardship, as they often face years of hard work and frequent rejections.
Finally, they must be good leaders and willing to work as part of a team, as they commonly train and perform in pairs or groups.
Become a Professional Dancer Today
It takes years of hard work and dedication to become a professional dancer. For those looking to study dance but need a more flexible schedule, there are online dance courses and degrees available.
If you are willing to put in the work, following the steps outlined in this article can help you reach your goals.
