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How to become a
Dancer
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What you should know about a career as a dancer
So you’ve decided to be a dancer. Great! Just remember that professional dancing doesn’t always mean signing up with the National Ballet Company or competing on So You Think You Can Dance. Here are two important things you should know.
Professional dancers are paid performers who use various styles of dance to move their bodies to rhythms or music. Many dance for a very long time—usually since childhood—before dedicating themselves to a career in dance. “My mom put me in
Dancing is a very demanding—but often rewarding—field that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Think you’re up for the challenge? Here are tips on how to prepare for pursuing a professional dancing career. Be honest about your ability
Passionate about becoming a dancer? Here are the top 5 sites you should check out. Want to Dance This site is an excellent resource for new or aspiring dancers where you’ll find how-tos on everything from buying the right shoes
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Quick facts
Average salary
- Dependent on employer
Education
- Graduate of a post-secondary from a university, college, or private dance school
Requirements
- Performers may require membership in a guild or union
- Demonstrable talent and ability in dance
Employment potential
- Low.Though high turnover provides a balanced demand, positons are highly competitive.
Work environment
- Formal training happens in specialized studios.
- Performance venues can vary greatly.
- Dancers have one of the highest rates of nonfatal job injuries.
Schedule
- Dancers often work very long and late hours to balance rehearsals and practice during the day and performances at night.
- Requires unpredictable long-term travel if part of a tour.