Dancer

Dancers use movement to interpret an idea, character or story for their audience, or simply to entertain. They may specialise in a particular type of dance, such as classical ballet.

Work activities

Dancers perform in a range of settings, from theatres to nightclubs, hotels to holiday centres, cruise liners to Christmas pantomimes. Many professional dancers have had dance lessons from an early age. They usually learn several techniques, and then specialise in one area. Because dancers use movement to communicate an idea, they must be able to interpret the music and choreography effectively. They sometimes do some research into their role, to help them understand the character or concept they are portraying.

Dancers are often multi-talented and sometimes use acting or singing skills during a performance. Performances can be in a group with other dancers or as a solo or duet role. Dancers spend a lot of time rehearsing. They exercise so they are fully fit at all times. While on tour, dancers stay in temporary accommodation and may spend weeks away from home. Whether working or not, dancers spend hours practising and learning new steps. Sometimes, they rehearse for two shows - the one in production currently and the one following - as well as performing in the evening. Some dancers combine their work with teaching, notation, choreography or dance therapy.

Personal qualities and skills

As a dancer, you need to be:

• Physically fit and agile.
• Versatile, with a good sense of rhythm.
• Extremely committed and determined.
• Self-confident and able to take rejection.

You should have:

• Good concentration skills.
• The ability to remember complicated steps and routines.
• The commitment to get through long, sometimes painful, practice sessions and rehearsals.

Some dance styles, such as classical ballet, have specific physical requirements.

Pay and opportunities 

Salaries for dancers vary depending on the type of dance and the company they are with. Equity, the performers’ union, recommends minimum wage levels for all types of dancers. Many dancers experience periods of unpaid unemployment.

In theatre, dancers sometimes perform two shows a day (matinee and evening). Dancers in film and television sometimes have to do early starts, late finishes, weekend work and work on public holidays.

Dancers work in theatres, clubs, holiday camps, and on cruise ships. Some work in film and television. Opportunities for dancers occur at venues in towns, cities and leisure resorts throughout the UK.

Many dancers are self-employed.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on:

• The Stage website.
• The StarNow website.
• The Mandy Dancers website.

However, new entrants normally have to promote themselves by contacting promoters, agents, theatres and concert organisers.

Entry routes and training 

Most professional dancers have had dance lessons from an early age, with further training later. Many have passed a graded set of dancing exams.

There are some specialist dance schools, which train talented young dancers. These schools often develop skills in dance, singing and acting as a general preparation for a career as a performer.

Ballet schools offer specialist training, with the ultimate aim of joining an adult ballet company. Only a few entrants are successful.

A list of full-time accredited dance schools/colleges offering training courses is available on the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) website. Most courses run for three years, with entry by audition. After qualifying, most people audition for jobs with dance companies or shows. Some dancers become performers after completing an academic course that contains elements of performance training. Dance and performing arts degrees can develop dance potential, but these courses are not primarily intended as training courses for performers. Aspiring dancers should consult their dance teacher.

Some experienced dancers move into choreography.

Qualifications

Entry requirements vary between dance schools – check their prospectuses/websites carefully. There will usually be an audition and interview. Potential performance ability, physique and personality are more important than exam passes. However, useful subjects to study include dance, drama, music, performing arts and biology. It is also useful to get as many academic qualifications as possible, should your dancing career not work out (due to injury, for example).

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Most successful dancers have taken lessons from an early age. Relevant skills and abilities can be gained in community dance troupes, cabaret, musical theatre shows and local amateur dance companies.

Some forms of dance training, such as contemporary dance, are available for talented adults. Many colleges and dance schools relax entrance requirements for applicants with substantial paid or unpaid dance/movement experience.

Dance and Drama Awards (DaDAs) are available to a limited number of talented dance and drama students each year.

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