How to Be Ballet Dancer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 21, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Ballet dancing is an art form that is both physically and mentally demanding. To be successful, ballet dancers must possess a combination of physical strength, flexibility, and grace, as well as mental discipline and determination. The physical demands of ballet require the dancer to have strong muscles, joints and ligaments, as well as a good range of motion and agility.

The mental demands include concentration, focus and the ability to remember complex steps and patterns. The cause and effect of these physical and mental requirements are clear: only through dedicated practice and consistent training can a dancer achieve the level required for success in ballet. As a result, ballet dancers must commit to long hours of practice, often starting from childhood, in order to gain the skills necessary to reach their goals.

Steps How to Become

Take ballet classes. Start by taking ballet classes at a dance studio or school. You can find beginner classes, which are great for those who are new to ballet. Ballet classes typically focus on proper alignment, basic ballet steps, and ballet terminology.
Increase flexibility and strength. You will need to increase your flexibility and strength in order to dance ballet. Take classes that focus on stretching and conditioning like yoga or pilates. You can also practice strengthening exercises like push-ups, planks, and squats.
Study technique. Learn about the different ballet techniques and steps. There are many books and online resources that can help you understand the basics of ballet.
Participate in performances. As you progress in your ballet training, you may be asked to participate in performances. This is an important step if you want to become a professional dancer.
Train with a professional company. Many dancers train with a professional company in order to hone their skills and learn from experienced professionals. This is a great way to learn the nuances of ballet and gain experience in a professional setting.
Audition for a professional ballet company. Audition for a professional ballet company once you feel ready. Professional companies often hold auditions for dancers, so research companies and audition opportunities in your area.

To become a skilled and competent ballet dancer, one must dedicate time and effort to practice and perfect their technique. This requires consistent and regular attendance at classes, as well as additional practice outside of class. As a ballet dancer works to increase their technical ability and strength, they must also develop their artistry and musicality.

The more time a dancer invests in studying the music, understanding the steps and story of a ballet, and performing with emotion, the more successful they will be. Furthermore, ballet dancers must also maintain a healthy lifestyle: eating balanced meals, staying hydrated, and getting adequate rest. These factors together lay the foundation for a successful ballet dancer: one who is both technically and artistically proficient.

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Job Description

Rehearse and perform ballet routines
Follow instructions from the artistic director
Demonstrate proper ballet technique
Master choreographed routines
Maintain physical stamina
Perform in a variety of styles
Attend regular rehearsals and classes
Train with teachers in order to improve technique
Demonstrate flexibility and strength
Participate in costume fittings and make-up sessions
Work collaboratively with other dancers
Maintain proper nutrition and exercise habits
Ability to work long hours and travel for performances

Skills and Competencies to Have

Demonstrated expertise in ballet technique
Proficiency in pointe work
Ability to execute complex choreography
Advanced skill in partnering
Ability to perform under pressure
Physical endurance and strength
Awareness of proper body alignment and posture
Knowledge of music and timing
Ability to interpret and convey emotion through movement
Creativity and versatility in performance

Having the right skills and training is essential for a ballet dancer. A dancer must have strength, flexibility, stamina and artistry in order to perform well. Strength allows a dancer to hold difficult positions with ease, while flexibility helps them move with grace and fluidity.

Stamina is necessary to make it through long rehearsals and performances without tiring quickly. Artistry allows the dancer to interpret the choreography and bring emotion to their performance. In addition to these physical skills, ballet dancers must have discipline and dedication.

They need to be focused and practice regularly so they can perfect their technique and performance. Without these essential skills, a ballet dancer may struggle to reach their full potential and be successful in their art.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How did you first become interested in ballet?
What experiences have you had that have prepared you for a career in ballet?
What is your favorite type of dance and why?
What challenges have you faced as a dancer and how did you overcome them?
Are you comfortable performing in front of large audiences?
How do you stay motivated and continue to improve as a dancer?
What techniques do you use to help maintain strength and flexibility?
How do you manage injuries or fatigue while dancing?
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in ballet?
What do you believe sets you apart from other dancers?

Common Tools in Industry

Pointe Shoes . Specialized shoes for ballet dancing, designed to be worn on the tips of the toes. (eg: Bloch, Capezio)
Ballet Slippers . Soft leather shoes with a sole made of suede or leather, used in classical ballet. (eg: Grishko, Gaynor Minden)
Tutus . Short, multi-layered skirts often worn by female ballet dancers. (eg: Bloch, David Charles)
Leotards . Skin-tight bodysuits worn by both male and female ballet dancers. (eg: Wear Moi, Sansha)
Legwarmers . Knitted tube garments worn on the legs to keep them warm and protect them from injury. (eg: Dream Duffel, Capezio)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Council of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (ICCPC)
Dance/USA
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
The Society of Russian Ballet
The Royal Academy of Dance
American Ballet Theatre
The National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS)
The Cecchetti Council of America
World Dance Alliance

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Common Important Terms

Ballet. A form of performance dance that originated in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century and later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia.
Plié. A basic ballet technique consisting of bending the knees while keeping the heels on the floor.
Pointe. A ballet technique that involves performing steps on the tips of the toes while wearing special shoes called pointe shoes.
Pirouette. A ballet technique consisting of a full turn on one foot, usually with the arms held in various positions.
Adagio. A slow section of a ballet where the dancer is given time to show off strength and balance.
Grand Jeté. A ballet jump in which the dancer takes off from one foot and lands on the other.
En pointe. When a dancer is standing on the tips of their toes, usually with pointe shoes on.
Pas de deux. A duet dance performed by a pair of dancers, usually a male and female, in which they perform synchronized steps and movements.
Relevé. Rising up onto the balls of the feet while maintaining balance.
Battement. A ballet technique consisting of a rapid beating motion with one foot against the other while in relevé position.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an arabesque in ballet?

An arabesque is a basic ballet technique when a dancer stands on one leg with the other leg extended behind the body, arms in a curved position.

How many positions are there in ballet?

There are five positions in ballet. They are first, second, third, fourth, and fifth position.

What is the difference between a pirouette and a fouette?

A pirouette is a spin on one leg with the other leg extended outward, while a fouette is a spin on one leg with the other leg held in attitude or passé position.

What is the difference between pointe shoes and demi-pointe shoes?

Pointe shoes are designed for full pointe work, which includes dancing on the tips of the toes, while demi-pointe shoes are designed for dancing on half-pointe and are generally softer and more flexible than pointe shoes.