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

Feb 5, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Cruise ship dancers are professional performers who travel to exotic locations while entertaining onboard passengers. As a result of their on-stage successes, they enjoy a wide range of benefits, including a competitive salary, international travel opportunities, and learning different styles of dance. However, with such an exciting lifestyle comes a lot of hard work and dedication.

Cruise ship dancers must maintain rigorous schedules that involve rehearsals, classes, and performances. Furthermore, they must stay in top physical condition to meet the demands of their roles. All of this requires a great amount of discipline and commitment, but the rewards can be great for those who are up to the challenge.

Steps How to Become

Research Cruise Ships. Research various cruise ships to determine which cruise lines feature dance troupes and what types of dancers they are looking for. Check websites such as Cruise Ship Job Seekers and the Cruise Lines International Association to learn more about the types of jobs available on cruise ships.
Get Experience. Look into local dance classes, theater groups, and other performance opportunities to gain experience and build your resume. Consider specializing in a specific type of dance, such as jazz, ballet, hip-hop, or tap.
Build Your Portfolio. Create a portfolio of your best work to showcase your skills. Include pictures and videos of performances, choreography, and any other type of dance experience you have.
Network. Reach out to dance studios, theater companies, and other performers to build contacts and let them know you are looking for opportunities as a cruise ship dancer.
Apply. Reach out directly to the cruise line you are interested in working for and apply for a position as a dancer. You may need to provide a resume, headshots, and videos of your performances.
Audition. If your application is accepted, you may be asked to audition in person or via video. Be prepared to show off your best moves and demonstrate why you are the right fit for the job.
Prepare. If you are selected as a cruise ship dancer, be sure to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the job. Research the cruise line and its dancers, practice your dancing skills, and pack the appropriate clothing for onboard performances.

In order to stay ahead and capable as a Cruise Ship Dancer, it is important to consistently practice and hone your craft. This means setting aside time each day to practice the various dance moves, physical conditioning, and learning any new choreography or piece of music that you may use for your performances. staying current on the latest trends in the dance industry is beneficial, as this can help you bring something new and exciting to your performances.

Finally, having a positive attitude and good energy is essential, as this will help you captivate and engage with your audiences, ensuring they have an enjoyable experience. With these tips, you can be sure youre prepared and ready to take your cruise ship dancing career to the next level.

You may want to check Dance Company Manager, Dance Promoter, and Hip-Hop Dancer for alternative.

Job Description

Rehearse and perform dance routines in line with the production shows produced by the Cruise Director
Interact with guests in a professional manner while performing
Prepare for performances by stretching and warming up muscles
Create choreography for performances
Demonstrate proper technique and form in dance movements
Maintain the appearance of the costumes and stage area
Attend rehearsals and shows in a timely and professional manner
Work alongside other dancers, actors, and singers in the production shows
Follow directions from the Cruise Director and other members of the production team
Participate in promotional events and activities onboard the ship

Skills and Competencies to Have

High level of physical fitness
Ability to learn and perform various dance styles and techniques
Excellent coordination and rhythm
Good stage presence
Ability to learn quickly and memorize choreography
Ability to work well with a team
Comfort in performing in front of large audiences
Flexibility in adapting to different environments
Professionalism and punctuality
Knowledge of basic music theory

Being a successful cruise ship dancer requires a wide range of skills, from the technical aspects of dance to the ability to engage and interact with an audience. The most important skill one needs to possess is to be versatile, as cruise ship dancers are often tasked with performing a variety of different dance styles. This requires an extensive knowledge and understanding of different genres of dance, so dancers must be well-versed in multiple styles of dance such as hip hop, jazz, ballet, and contemporary.

they must be able to quickly learn new choreography and perform it with poise and confidence. Another important skill is the ability to engage with the audience, since cruise ship dancers are expected to entertain and interact with their audience. They must be personable, have strong people skills, and be able to capture the audiences attention for the duration of the show.

Lastly, having a strong work ethic is essential for cruise ship dancers, as they will often be required to work long hours under challenging conditions. Being able to work hard and stay motivated in such an environment is key for success as a cruise ship dancer.

Dance Publicist, Dance Team Manager, and Dance Competition Judge are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career as a cruise ship dancer?
What experience do you have in the field of dance?
What genre of dance are you most comfortable performing?
How have you prepared yourself for the physical demands of a cruise ship dancing job?
How would you adapt your choreography to suit different audiences?
Describe a time when you had to manage multiple tasks while performing a dance routine.
How do you collaborate with other dancers to create an entertaining show?
Describe a time when you had to quickly learn a new dance routine.
How do you handle difficult crowd reactions?
How do you ensure that every show is unique and engaging?

Common Tools in Industry

Dance Shoes. Specialized shoes designed for dancers to provide extra support, cushioning and stability. (eg: Ballet slippers)
Dancewear. Clothing and accessories specifically designed for dance performance. (eg: Tutu skirts)
Flexibility Training. A method of exercising and stretching to increase flexibility. (eg: Yoga or Pilates)
Choreography Software. Software used to create and store dance routines. (eg: DanceForms2)
Music Production Software. Software used to create and edit music in a studio environment. (eg: Logic Pro X)
Stage Lighting. Lights used to create a desired atmosphere and special effects on stage. (eg: SmartFade)
Microphone Technology. Microphones used to capture sound in a live performance environment. (eg: Shure SM58)
Video Editing Software. Software used to edit and enhance video footage. (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro)
Makeup and Hair Styling. Products used to enhance a performers appearance for the stage. (eg: False eyelashes)

Professional Organizations to Know

Equity (Equity UK)
Dancers' Alliance
Dance/USA
The International Association of Blacks in Dance
The National Dance Education Organization
The National Dance Council of America
The American Ballet Theatre
The Royal Academy of Dance
The American Dance Guild
The International Dance Council

We also have Flamenco Dancer, Ballerina, and Musical Theater Dancer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Auditions. Auditions are an important part of the hiring process for cruise ship dancers. Auditions allow the cruise director to assess a dancer's skills and abilities in order to determine if they are suitable for the job.
Choreography. Choreography is the process of creating a dance routine, usually with the help of a choreographer. Cruise ship dancers must be able to learn and perform choreography quickly and accurately.
Performance. Performance is an important part of being a cruise ship dancer. Dancers must be able to perform their routines in front of an audience with confidence and energy.
Costumes. Costumes are an important part of a cruise ship dancer's job. A dancer must be able to move comfortably and confidently in their costume in order to give a great performance.
Rehearsals. Rehearsals are an important part of cruise ship dance performances. Rehearsals give dancers the opportunity to practice their routines and ensure that they are well-prepared for their performances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age requirement to be a Cruise Ship Dancer?

Most cruise lines require dancers to be at least 18 years old.

What kind of dance training is necessary to become a Cruise Ship Dancer?

Cruise ship dancers should have experience in ballet, jazz, and modern dance techniques, as well as a good knowledge of hip hop dance.

How much do Cruise Ship Dancers typically get paid?

Cruise ship dancers are typically paid a salary plus tips, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per month.

What other skills are needed to become a Cruise Ship Dancer?

In addition to dance training, cruise ship dancers must also possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work with a team.