Dancer

Your Fit

Income

$34K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

5.3%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Dancer?

A Dancer is a performing artist who expresses ideas, stories, and emotions through the medium of dance. They perform in a variety of styles, from classical ballet to modern dance, in live performances, and may also work in film and television.

Sample job titles:

Ballet Dancer, Company Dancer, Dancer, Soloist Dancer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Dancer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Dancer earn

According to ZipRecruiter, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$30K per year	$32K per year	$34K per year	$35K per year	$38K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $16K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Dancer do?

Work environment

Dancers often work in theaters, dance companies, studios, schools, and on film and television sets. The work can be physically demanding and usually requires evening and weekend commitments, especially during performances. Rehearsals and practice take up a significant part of their schedule.

Quick task list

Learns and rehearses dance routines.
Collaborates with choreographers to interpret and express the dance concept.
Maintains high levels of physical fitness and technique.
Participates in auditions for dance roles.
Performs in front of live audiences and for film or television.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Ballet: Performing classical dance techniques and often working with ballet companies.
Contemporary Dance: Focusing on expressive dance movements that depart from traditional ballet.
Commercial Dance: Performing in movies, TV shows, music videos, or commercials.
Cultural Dance: Specializing in dance forms specific to a culture or region.
Dance Education: Teaching dance techniques and performance skills.

Description

Dancers dedicate their lives to the art of movement and expression. A career in dance requires a combination of talent, discipline, and relentless training. Dancers must continually work to improve their technique and stay in peak physical condition. They often collaborate closely with choreographers to learn new routines and develop performances that may convey a story, an emotion, or a concept.

The career of a dancer is driven by passion and commitment. It involves long hours of rehearsals, often with a highly disciplined lifestyle focused on physical well-being. The profession can be highly competitive, with auditions playing a critical role in securing roles and engagements. Dancers may perform in a variety of settings, from grand theaters to intimate studios, and every performance requires a blend of technical skill and emotional expression.

Job satisfaction for dancers comes from the thrill of live performance, the joy of artistic expression, and the appreciation of audiences. They may also find fulfillment in collaborating creatively with other artists and the continuous journey of artistic growth and discovery. However, the career can also be challenging due to its physical demands, the uncertainty of freelance work, and the competitive nature of the field.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The thrill and adrenaline of performing.
Expressing creativity and emotion through movement.
The applause and appreciation of audiences.
Collaborating with other artists and creating something beautiful.

You might make a good Dancer if you are...

Passionate about dance and artistic expression.
Physically fit, with strong endurance and flexibility.
Disciplined, with a strong work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.
Resilient in the face of rejection and competitive challenges.
Willing to maintain a rigorous schedule of rehearsals and performances.

Pros:

Opportunity to pursue your passion for dance.
The joy of creative expression and storytelling.
The excitement of live performances and travel.

Cons:

Physical strain and a high risk of injury.
Often short career span due to the physical demands.
Uncertainty of employment and income, particularly in freelance roles.

How to become a Dancer

Typical education

Formal education requirements vary; however, most dancers begin training at a young age. Many pursue formal education in dance through bachelor's degree programs, conservatories, or specialized dance academies, which can take 4 years or more.

High school preparation

Courses:

Dance classes to develop foundational skills.
Physical Education to understand body mechanics and maintain physical fitness.
Anatomy or Biology to gain knowledge about the human body and injury prevention.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a dance team or club at school.
Participating in local or regional dance competitions.
Attending dance workshops or summer programs to enhance skills.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a professional dance academy, conservatory, or pursue a bachelor's degree in dance.
Take diverse dance classes to become versatile in various styles.
Participate in auditions regularly to gain performance experience.
Network with professionals in the dance community through workshops, master classes, and performances.
Consider teaching dance to develop communication skills and supplement income.

More resources

Dance/USA - Provides resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for dancers and dance companies.
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) - Offers professional development and educational resources for dance educators.
Backstage - A platform for finding dance auditions and casting calls.
International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) - Provides information on dancer health, wellness, and injury prevention.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.