A dancer is a performing artist who uses movement to convey stories and ideas. He or she usually has expertise in a particular type of dance including jazz, ballet, modern dance, ballroom or tap, but some excel in more than one of these areas. Dancers perform on stage, in movies, on television, in music videos, at theme parks, and on cruise ships.
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What to do to become a Dancer?
If you’ve never taken a dance lesson, you may have come upon this article a little late. Many, but not all, professional dancers began their training when they were children.
Regardless of when you began training, you must spend a great deal of time taking classes and practicing.
You can look into summer or after school dance programs or pre-professional programs with dance companies.
A college degree isn’t a must—only 14% of dancers have a bachelor’s degree—but some people earn bachelor’s degrees from theatre or fine arts programs. Many professional dancers train at a vocational dance school, with an intensive three-year degree or diploma or a one-year postgraduate course in professional dance or musical theatre.
Since many dancers also sing and act, honing these skills can prove to be worthwhile.
I hope you are enjoying this article which is about how to become a dancer
Skills:
Active Listening: You must be able to give your full attention to choreographers and directors.
Active Learning: You need the ability to easily pick up new dance routines.
Creativity: Artistic ability will allow you to convey ideas through your movements.
Interpersonal skills: As a dancer, you will often have to work as part of a team including other dancers, choreographers, and other performers. You must be able to interact with them successfully.
Persistence: Dancers must commit to years of intense practice. They need to be able to accept rejection after auditions and to continue to practice for future performances. Choreographers must keep studying and creating new routines.
Physical stamina: Dancers are often physically active for long periods, so they must be able to rehearse for many hours without getting tired.
Teamwork: Most dance routines involve a group or pairs, so dancers must be able to work together to be successful.
Job:
The employment of dancers is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment of choreographers is projected to grow 3 percent over the next ten years, slower than the average for all occupations.
Positions in large dance companies are competitive, so dancers may find positions in smaller companies or in companies that stage professional dance competitions. There may be better opportunities for dancers and choreographers in large cities, such as New York and Las Vegas, or for dancers who join a traveling company.
A continued interest in dance and in pop culture may provide opportunities in venues outside of dance companies, such as TV or movies, casinos, and theme parks, or as judges in dance competitions. Many dancers and choreographers, nonetheless, struggle to find opportunities to express themselves; dance companies rely on word of mouth, grants, and public funding.
What Employers Expect From a Dancer?
The following requirements come from actual job announcements:
Able to perform multiple high-energy shows each day
Practice regularly and prepare for auditions and weekly rehearsals
Works as part of a team to increase productivity while providing excellent guest service
Has to generate excitement and youthful energy
Can pick up choreography quickly
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