Median annual earnings of salaried dancers were $21,100 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $14,570 and $34,660. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12,880, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $53,350.
Median annual earnings of salaried choreographers were $29,470 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $19,590 and $43,720. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $57,590. Median annual earnings were $29,820 in other schools and instruction, which includes dance studios and schools.
Dancers who were on tour received an additional allowance for room and board, as well as extra compensation for overtime. Earnings from dancing are usually low, because employment is part year and irregular. Dancers often supplement their income by working as guest artists with other dance companies, teaching dance, or taking jobs unrelated to the field.
Earnings of many professional dancers are governed by union contracts. Dancers in the major opera ballet, classical ballet, and modern dance corps belong to the American Guild of Musical Artists, Inc. of the AFL-CIO; those who appear on live or videotaped television programs belong to the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; those who perform in films and on television belong to the Screen Actors Guild; and those in musical theater are members of the Actors' Equity Association. The unions and producers sign basic agreements specifying minimum salary rates, hours of work, benefits, and other conditions of employment. However, the contract each dancer signs with the producer of the show may be more favorable than the basic agreement.
Dancers and choreographers covered by union contracts are entitled to some paid sick leave, paid vacations, and various health and pension benefits, including extended sick pay and family-leave benefits provided by their unions. Employers contribute toward these benefits. Those not covered by union contracts usually do not enjoy such benefits.
From ancient times to the present, dancers have expressed ideas, stories, and rhythm with their bodies. They use a variety of dance forms that allow free movement and self-expression, including classical ballet, modern dance, and culturally specific dance styles. Many dancers combine performance work with teaching or choreography.
Dancers perform in a variety of settings, such as musical productions, and may present folk, ethnic, tap, jazz, and other popular kinds of dance. They also perform in opera, musical theater, television, movies, music videos, and commercials, in which they also may sing and act. Dancers most often perform as part of a group, although a few top artists perform solo.
Many dancers work with choreographers, who create original dances and develop new interpretations of existing dances. Because few dance routines are written down, choreographers instruct performers at rehearsals to achieve the desired effect. In addition, choreographers often are involved in auditioning performers.
.Dancers and choreographers face intense competition for jobs. Only the most talented find regular employment.
Employment of dancers and choreographers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012. The public's continued interest in dance will sustain larger dance companies; however, funding from public and private organizations is not expected to keep pace with rising production costs. For many small and midsize organizations, the result will be fewer performances and more limited employment opportunities. Although job openings will arise each year because dancers and choreographers retire or leave the occupation for other reasons, the number of applicants will continue to vastly exceed the number of job openings.
National dance companies should continue to provide jobs in this field. Opera companies and dance groups affiliated with colleges and universities and with television and motion pictures also will offer some opportunities. Moreover, the growing popularity of dance in recent years has resulted in increased opportunities to teach dance. Finally, music video channels will provide some opportunities for both dancers and choreographers.
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Training varies with the type of dance and is a continuous part of all dancers' careers. Many dancers and dance instructors believe that dancers should start with a good foundation in classical dance before selecting a particular dance style. Ballet training for women usually begins at 5 to 8 years of age with a private teacher or through an independent ballet school. Serious training traditionally begins between the ages of 10 and 12. Men often begin their ballet training between the ages of 10 and 15. Students who demonstrate potential in their early teens receive more intensive and advanced professional training. At about this time, students should begin to focus their training on a particular style and decide whether to pursue additional training through a dance company's school or a college dance program. Leading dance school companies often have summer training programs from which they select candidates for admission to their regular full-time training programs. Formal training for modern and culturally specific dancers often begins later than training in ballet; however, many folk dance forms are taught to very young children.
Many dancers have their first professional auditions by age 17 or 18. Training is an important component of professional dancers' careers. Dancers normally spend 8 hours a day in class and rehearsal, keeping their bodies in shape and preparing for performances. Their daily training period includes time to warm up and cool down before and after classes and rehearsals.
Because of the strenuous and time-consuming dance training required, some dancers view formal education as secondary. However, a broad, general education including music, literature, history, and the visual arts is helpful in the interpretation of dramatic episodes, ideas, and feelings. Dancers sometimes conduct research to learn more about the part they are playing.
Many colleges and universities award bachelor's or master's degrees in dance, typically through departments of music, theater, or fine arts. The National Association of Schools of Dance accredits 57 programs in dance. Many programs concentrate on modern dance, but some also offer courses in jazz, culturally specific, ballet, or classical techniques; dance composition, history, and criticism; and movement analysis.
A college education is not essential to obtaining employment as a professional dancer; however, many dancers obtain degrees in unrelated fields to prepare themselves for careers after dance. The completion of a college program in dance and education is essential in order to qualify to teach dance in college, high school, or elementary school. Colleges and conservatories sometimes require graduate degrees, but may accept performance experience. A college background is not necessary, however, for teaching dance or choreography in local recreational programs. Studio schools usually require teachers to have experience as performers.
Because of the rigorous practice schedules of most dancers, self-discipline, patience, perseverance, and a devotion to dance are essential for success in the field. Dancers also must possess good problem-solving skills and an ability to work with people. Good health and physical stamina also are necessary attributes. Above all, dancers must have flexibility, agility, coordination, grace, a sense of rhythm, a feeling for music, and a creative ability to express themselves through movement.
Dancers seldom perform unaccompanied, so they must be able to function as part of a team. They should also be highly motivated and prepared to face the anxiety of intermittent employment and rejections when auditioning for work. For dancers, advancement takes the form of a growing reputation, more frequent work, bigger and better roles, and higher pay.
Choreographers typically are older dancers with years of experience in the theater. Through their performance as dancers, they develop reputations that often lead to opportunities to choreograph productions.
.People who work in other performing arts occupations include actors, producers, and directors; and musicians, singers, and related workers. Those directly involved in the production of dance programs include set and exhibit designers; fashion designers; and barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers. Like dancers, athletes, coaches, umpires, and related workers need strength, flexibility, and agility.
For general information about dance and a list of accredited college-level programs, contact:
For information about dance and dance companies, contact:
On this page you can read their bios, find out their dance styles, and download your favorite dancers in small, medium, or large sizes. Dancer Download Utility, and they are available automatically the next time you start Plus. Return To Top Arkantos Arkantos of Atlantis was born during a time of great turmoil. Return To Top Ben As the son of a jazz musician and jazz singer, Ben grew up dancing with the customers outside the dance clubs where his parents performed. Return To Top Chanel Chanel is a 20-year-old dancer based in Washington.
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They spend a great deal of time rehearsing on their own. If they dance with partners, they practice together and coordinate their moves. If they are selected for parts, dancers attend rehearsals. Work ActivitiesThe following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities.
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We offer high standard production shows for your Hotel Company, Cruise Ships, Casinos, Promotional and Corporate Events. Choreographers also available for independant work. Our stunning cast of dancers and singers will tailor make any event into a most memorable occasion. Showstoppers has been providing quality entertainment worldwide since 1993. Rambert Dance Company UK Founded in 1926, Rambert is Britain's oldest dance company.
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The project on international base, lasting approx. 18 month, has been started in February 2003 and will last 10 Sundays, every 4th Sunday of the month ( 6-7 h each) additionally one intensive week of studies ( 27. In June 2004, we are going to organise an oriental dance show as highlight of the project. We recommend booking the complete project for a special rate, payable monthly or by 4 rate. Mounier, 1200 Brussel - W.
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They use a variety of dance forms that allow free movement and self-expression, including classical ballet, modern dance, and culturally specific dance styles. They also perform in opera, musical theater, television, movies, music videos, and commercials, in which they also may sing and act. Many dancers stop performing by their late thirties because of the physical demands on the body. However, some continue to work in the field as choreographers, dance teachers and coaches, or artistic directors. Ballet training for women usually begins at 5 to 8 years of age with a private teacher or through an independent ballet school.
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For professional and advanced level dancers. Founded in 1979, The Council is a membership organisation governed by the Dance and Education Training Board (DETB). The wide ranging programme of Council continuing professional development initiatives is developed in consultation with its membership and is designed to meet its identified needs. Membership of the Council is available to qualifying organisations and individuals in the dance world. The Royal Ballet in rehearsal at the Royal Opera House.
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The career of a dancer is challenging, creative, and exciting. Dancers and choreographers also need commitment, patience, perseverance, and self-discipline. The life of a dancer/choreographer is often stressful and uncertain. Often, a dance company will go on tour to perform in other cities, so dancers need to be resourceful and flexible about their personal needs. If you don't attend an arts school, try to take more than one class per week, and sometimes, in various dance disciplines.
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more RiverGrass at Taman Paramount WILL CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME. Photos by The Shashin Photo Club.
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Most dancers begin formal training at an early ageÑbetween 5 and 15Ñand many have their first professional audition by age 17 or 18. Dancers and choreographers face intense competitionÑonly the most talented find regular work. They use a variety of dance forms that allow free movement and self-expression, including classical ballet, modern dance, and culturally specific dance styles. Dancers most often perform as part of a group, although a few top artists perform solo. However, some continue to work in the field as choreographers, dance teachers and coaches, or artistic directors.
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Agent Listings Janet Jackson Sampler Working Pro Guide Pre Pro Guide Teaching JobsOutstanding ClassesAre Agents Good for Dancers. More than just a clearing house for job opportunities and career guidance, A4D is also a public place where anyone can show up and gather around topics that interest them. By Suzy Miller 20-year-old A4D member Stephanie Moseley from Vancouver knew from the age of nine that life would not be complete until she danced onstage with Janet Jackson. At home, at work, on tour, at play, in class, at auditions, paying bills, shopping, making ends meet, etc. Videos must be submitted in 60-second episodes or chapters.
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