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

Jan 19, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Dancing professionally requires a commitment to long hours of practice, dedication, and hard work. Professional dancers must have the physical strength and mobility to perform precise movements, often for long periods of time. When pursuing a professional dance career, dancers must also be aware of the risk of injury.

Without proper preparation and technique, an injury can set back a dancer's progress and even jeopardize their career. As such, professional dancers must be dedicated to proper warm-up and stretching routines in order to prevent injury, as well as following healthy nutrition and exercise habits to maintain their physical and mental health. With the right attitude and determination, professional dancers can achieve success and enjoy a long and fulfilling career.

Steps How to Become

Take dance classes. Start by taking dance classes in the style(s) of dance you are interested in pursuing. Take classes from different teachers and different studios to find the best fit for you.
Practice, practice, practice. Dedicate yourself to practicing your technique and perfecting your moves. Take classes, watch videos and practice with friends to improve your skills.
Develop a network. Make connections with other dancers, choreographers and teachers in the industry. Join a local dance organization or attend events that focus on professional dancing.
Get formal training. Consider going to a dance school or college to get formal training. This will give you the opportunity to learn from professionals and gain experience in a variety of styles.
Participate in competitions. Participating in dance competitions is a great way to gain exposure and hone your skills. It will also allow you to showcase your talents and be seen by people in the industry.
Build an online presence. Build an online presence by creating a website, social media accounts and/or YouTube channel. Use these outlets to promote your work and network with others in the industry.
Find an agent. Find an agent who can help you find jobs and negotiate contracts. This will help you get more professional opportunities and make sure you are getting paid appropriately for your work.

Staying ahead and capable as a professional dancer requires an intense commitment to physical fitness, practice, and education. Regular exercise, such as cardio and strength training, are essential to maintaining the physical strength and endurance needed to perform complex routines. setting aside time to practice and perfect existing routines as well as learning new choreography is important for staying ahead of the competition.

dancers need to stay informed about industry trends, current performances, and upcoming events. By researching opportunities in the industry as well as staying up-to-date on the latest news and resources, dancers can ensure they are always ready for the next challenge and opportunity. Finally, it is important for dancers to take classes and workshops in order to stay sharp and be prepared for any new skills that might be required in their line of work.

By following this routine, professional dancers can stay ahead and capable in the ever-changing world of dance.

You may want to check Musical Theater Dancer, Ballerina, and Cruise Ship Dancer for alternative.

Job Description

Provide quality instruction in the area of dance discipline to students of all ages.
Create and teach choreography for performances and competitions.
Provide feedback and instruction on technique and style to students.
Maintain a safe and clean environment in the studio.
Collaborate with other dancers, musicians, and artists to create new works.
Maintain records of student progress and attendance.
Assist in the organization of performances, rehearsals, and special events.
Manage the costuming and stage setup for performances.
Market dance classes, performances, and products to the public.
Work with production staff to design lighting and scenery for performances.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong technical knowledge and skill in a variety of dance styles, such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and tap
Highly developed physical strength and flexibility
Excellent performance ability
Ability to learn complex choreography and teach it to others
Good improvisation skills
Ability to work collaboratively and take direction from artistic directors
Creative problem-solving and artistic vision
Ability to teach and mentor younger dancers
Understanding of music, rhythm, and timing
Knowledge of history and theory of dance

Being a professional dancer requires a great deal of dedication and commitment. To be successful, dancers need to have a strong foundation in technique, including multiple styles of dance, such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and more. dancers must have excellent physical conditioning, including strength and flexibility.

Furthermore, they must be able to quickly learn complex choreography, with the ability to interpret emotion and express it through movement. Beyond physical skills, dancers must also have strong interpersonal skills, such as communication to effectively collaborate with choreographers, fellow dancers, and directors. Lastly, a strong work ethic and passion for the art form is essential for any professional dancer wanting to succeed in their career.

All of these skills are important for a professional dancer to possess in order to be successful in their chosen field.

Ballet Dancer, Pointe Dancer, and Dance Company Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career as a Professional Dancer?
What type of dance do you specialize in?
How have you grown as a dancer over the years?
Tell us about a memorable performance youve been involved in.
What steps do you take to ensure you stay in peak physical condition?
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue to grow as a dancer?
What challenges have you faced in the industry and how have you overcome them?
What has been the most rewarding experience of your career as a Professional Dancer?
How do you handle criticism and feedback from artistic directors or choreographers?
How do you deal with creative differences with fellow dancers/choreographers?

Common Tools in Industry

Dance Shoes . High quality shoes designed specifically for dancing; provides comfort, stability and flexibility. (eg: Bloch Boost Dance Sneakers)
Dance Attire . Clothing designed specifically for dance; allows for greater range of motion and protection. (eg: Capezio Tap Shoes)
Dance Accessories . Tools and accessories used to enhance a dancer's performance. (eg: Ballet Pointe Shoes)
Safety Gear . Protective gear to help reduce the risk of injury during dance practices and performances. (eg: Harlequin Kinesio Tape)
Rehearsal Space . Secure and comfortable environment for practice and rehearsals. (eg: Studio Rental)
Music Equipment . Sound system for music playback and recording during practices and performances. (eg: Pro Audio Mixer)
Choreography Software . Software used to create, manage and share choreography with dancers. (eg: Adobe Creative Cloud)
Stretching Equipment . Exercise equipment used to increase flexibility and reduce injury risk. (eg: Yoga Mat)

Professional Organizations to Know

World Dance Council
Dance Masters of America
National Dance Education Organization
Royal Academy of Dance
British Association of Teachers of Dancing
Dance/USA
USA Dance
Dance/NYC
International Association for Dance Medicine & Science
International Dance Council

We also have Dance Costume Designer, Tap Dancer, and Dance Videographer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Choreography. The art of creating and arranging dance movements and patterns.
Rehearsal. The process of practicing and perfecting a performance.
Performance. An enactment of a dance piece in front of an audience.
Technique. The physical and mental skills used to execute a dance movement or pattern.
Costume. Clothing worn during a dance performance.
Partnering. Working together with another dancer to create a dance sequence.
Improvisation. Making up movements and steps spontaneously on the spot.
Anatomy. The study of the structure, shape, and form of the body.
Musicality. A dancer's ability to interpret and respond to music.
Conditioning. A physical training which involves strengthening, flexibility, and endurance exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of dance do professional dancers specialize in?

Professional dancers typically specialize in a variety of dance styles such as ballet, jazz, modern, hip hop, tap, and ballroom dancing.

How many hours per day do professional dancers typically practice?

Professional dancers typically practice anywhere from 3-6 hours per day.

What qualifications do professional dancers need in order to be successful?

Professional dancers need to have excellent technique and physical conditioning, as well as the ability to learn choreography quickly and accurately.

How much do professional dancers usually earn?

Professional dancers typically earn anywhere from $20,000 - $100,000+ per year depending on their experience and the type of dancing they specialize in.

What is the typical career path for a professional dancer?

Professional dancers typically begin by taking classes in various styles of dance and performing in small productions or shows. As they gain more experience, they may start auditioning for larger productions and can eventually move into full-time professional dancing.