Dancer

Dancers use body movement and expression to entertain, tell stories and communicate ideas through live and recorded performances

As a dancer, you'll use movement, gesture and body language to portray a character, story, situation or abstract concept to an audience, usually to the accompaniment of music. This typically involves interpreting the work of a choreographer, although it may sometimes require improvisation.

You can work in a variety of dance genres, including classical ballet, contemporary, Latin, modern ballroom, modern theatre and street, as well as the different styles and genres of African, South Asian and other global dance traditions.

You may perform to a live audience or take part in a recorded performance for television, film or music videos or digital media.

Many dancers follow portfolio careers, combining performance with teaching, choreography, community arts practice or arts management and administrative roles within dance organisations or companies.

Responsibilities

As a dancer, you'll need to:

• prepare for and attend auditions and casting sessions
• maintain your physical fitness and flexibility through regular rehearsal, training and conditioning
• perform to live audiences and for television, film, digital platforms and music video productions
• study, create and adapt choreography across a range of dance styles
• collaborate with choreographers, directors and other performers to interpret and develop choreography
• learn additional performance skills such as singing, acting and improvisation - many roles, particularly in musical theatre or commercial dance, require a combination of skills
• take responsibility for your costumes, props and equipment
• apply your knowledge of anatomy, physiology and safe dance practice to prevent injury and support others' health and safety
• manage your own promotion and career development - this may involve sharing a digital portfolio, creating content for social media, running workshops or networking with industry professionals.

Depending on your interests, you may also do some or all of the following:

• teach dance in schools, colleges, community settings or privately
• support dance participation and engagement, helping people of all ages and backgrounds access and enjoy dance
• run workshops in the community, for example with groups of disabled people or older people
• undertake administrative, marketing or production roles - particularly if you're freelance or working in a small company
• liaise with arts and dance organisations, theatres and other venues regarding projects, funding and partnership opportunities.

Salary

Dancers' salaries are notoriously variable, but Equity, the trade union for the performing arts, has negotiated minimum weekly pay rates with the Independent Theatre Council (ITC).

• Weekly pay rates for theatre productions vary depending on whether you're performing in a commercial theatre production or West End theatre, and on the capacity of the venue. As an approximate guide, the minimum rates can be anywhere from £561 to £981 per week.
• Film rates are set according to the overall film budget, with dancers' earnings often ranging between £996 and £2,523 per week.

Subsistence and accommodation payments are included in Equity contracts and some contracts may include royalties for recorded work. Payment and conditions for non-Equity work can be lower and some employers try to contract dancers for no payment at all.

Additional payments can include a touring allowance and understudy obligation payment.

Income figures from Equity. Figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Hours can be long and unsocial and often include evenings and weekends. Training and rehearsals are typically held during the day, with most performances taking place in the evening. Some productions run for six days a week, including matinee performances.

Many dancers work on a freelance basis on short-term or project-based contracts, often combining performance with other roles such as teaching or choreography. While there are some full-time positions with dance companies, they are limited and highly competitive.

Rehearsal and performance schedules can vary widely depending on the production, venue and type of work, and may also involve travel or touring.

What to expect

• Work environments vary and may include theatres, studios, schools, film sets, outdoor spaces and digital platforms. Adapting to different performance spaces and collaborative settings is often part of the role.
• While many dance jobs are based in London, opportunities exist throughout the UK with regional and touring companies, independent dance projects and community or participatory dance organisations.
• The working environment is physically demanding and competitive, with daily training required, even when you aren't performing, to maintain fitness, prevent injury and stay performance ready.
• A dancer's performance career may be relatively short, so career planning is essential. Many dancers combine performing with teaching, choreography, producing or arts management to build sustainable careers.
• Dancers often work freelance and need to be flexible, with schedules that can include evenings, weekends and travel for auditions, rehearsals, residencies or touring both in the UK and internationally.

Qualifications

To become a dancer, you must have a high level of training and ability in at least one form of dance. Training often begins early, particularly for classical ballet, with many attending private dance or performing arts schools that follow graded examination systems to develop technical and performance skills.

It's possible, however, to begin training in some dance styles during your teens or even when you're at university. Dance can be studied at GCSE, A-level, Scottish Higher, BTEC or equivalent levels, providing a foundation for further training.

When considering professional training, research courses carefully to ensure they offer the practical skills, knowledge and performance experience needed for a dance career. Courses vary in focus, structure and cost, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your goals and personal circumstances.

The Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) accredits a number of vocational course providers, many of which offer full-time diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate-level courses. Courses typically last three years and combine studio training, academic study and live performance experience. Search for CDMT-accredited schools.

Many CDMT-accredited schools offer the Trinity College London Level 5 or Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance, which can be topped up to a full honours degree through part-time options like the BA (Hons) Professional Practice: Arts and Creative Industries (Dance) at Middlesex University.

Dance degrees are also available at universities, with some courses focusing more on performance and others on choreography, dance science or education. For a list of courses, use the UCAS course search. Vocational dance training is also offered by conservatoires.

Entry requirements vary. Most courses require an audition, and some may ask for a personal statement or portfolio.

More information on training to become a dancer and potential funding support is available from One Dance UK in A Guide to Careers in Dance.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• excellent dance technique and performance across relevant styles and genres
• high levels of physical and mental fitness, stamina and body awareness
• creativity and the ability to interpret choreography expressively
• motivation, discipline and determination
• resilience, including the ability to cope with rejection, physical strain and career uncertainty
• the ability to take direction or to work collaboratively with choreographers and other dancers, depending on the nature of the production
• strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with choreographers, directors and other dancers
• confidence and self-belief, especially in auditions and live performance settings
• adaptability to different performance contexts such as theatre, film, TV, live events and digital platforms
• problem-solving skills to help resolve any difficulties during rehearsals
• self-promotion, networking and digital marketing skills to build and sustain a freelance career
• commitment to continuous training and improvement.

Work experience

Having a range of practical experience is essential if you want to become a professional dancer. Professional work experience schemes, internships and apprenticeships are occasionally offered by dance companies, theatres or festivals. However, there are many other ways to build your experience.

Joining a local dance school, youth company or community performance group, for example, can help you build confidence and develop stage presence.

Performing in showcases, competitions or at local festivals and events will also allow you to experience choreography, rehearsal processes and working as part of an ensemble. Organisations such as One Dance UK have details of youth opportunities such as the Dance Ambassadors programme.

Work shadowing or assisting a dance teacher, especially in community or educational settings, can be a valuable way to understand different learning needs and develop leadership skills. You could also volunteer at local holiday clubs, school workshops or community arts programmes to find out more about teaching and outreach work.

You could also consider setting up your own project or dance collective, especially if you're interested in choreography.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Typical employers include:

• professional dance companies, including ballet, contemporary, street, hip hop, South Asian, African and fusion styles
• musical theatre productions in London's West End, on UK and international tours, and at regional venues
• entertainment venues such as cruise ships, cabarets, theme parks and holiday resorts (UK and abroad)
• media and commercial sectors, including TV, film, music videos, fashion, advertising and online content
• community and participatory dance organisations delivering outreach and education in schools, hospitals, care settings and local communities.

Many dancers combine performance with other roles in the wider dance sector. Other employers include:

• private dance schools and studios employing qualified teachers for recreational, competitive or vocational training
• schools, colleges and higher education institutions (with relevant teaching qualifications)
• local authorities and arts organisations offering public engagement, education or wellbeing programmes
• national funding and development bodies such as the UK Arts Councils, One Dance UK and People Dancing, which may employ dance officers or coordinators.

Some dancers set up their own companies or projects and may secure funding from:

• Arts Council England
• Arts Council of Northern Ireland
• Arts Council of Wales
• Creative Scotland

Look for job vacancies at:

• Arts Jobs (Arts Council England)
• Backstage
• Dance Europe
• One Dance UK
• Mandy
• People Dancing - the foundation for community dance
• The Stage - musical theatre, commercial dance, contemporary and sometimes ballet.

Equity, the performing arts and entertainment union, offers advice, advocacy and support, particularly for dancers in musical theatre, commercial and variety performance. Membership includes access to industry-standard contracts, legal support and insurance.

Success in the dance industry requires creativity, persistence and networking. Foster contacts through previous work, open classes, workshops and auditions. Use Instagram and LinkedIn to showcase your work and connect with professionals.

You may also need an agent. Research and target those who align with your dance style and goals. Submit tailored emails including a CV, headshot, showreel and performance invitations.

Versatility in multiple dance styles may improve your chances of finding work across a range of sectors.

Professional development

You'll continue training and attending classes throughout your career. Regular classes help maintain technique, fitness levels and flexibility, even when you're not in work. Ongoing training also supports injury prevention and career longevity.

You must remain healthy to stay in work. One Dance UK's Healthier Dancer Programme (HDP) offers resources, workshops and events focused on dancers' health, safe dance practice, and dance medicine and science.

You could take further qualifications in other types of dance to help increase your employability. Many dancers also train in related areas to diversify their careers and increase income. Popular options include:

• choreography
• community theatre and participatory arts
• arts administration
• dance teaching (in schools of private studios)
• notation
• scenography
• singing and acting.

Some dancers undertake further training in fitness and wellbeing to become yoga, Pilates or Alexander Technique teachers, for example, or personal trainers.

Short courses in IT, project management or business skills may be useful if you're looking to work in dance development or arts management roles.

Career prospects

There is no fixed career path in dance, and most dancers follow a portfolio career, combining performance with other roles such as teaching, choreography or community work. Over time, many move away from performing into related areas as they transition into the next stage of their careers.

Teaching is a popular progression route, either in private dance schools, vocational training centres or within the education sector (with appropriate teaching qualifications). Some dancers run their own classes or studios, or work through franchises in health and fitness settings.

Other options include moving into choreography, often starting as an assistant choreographer, or exploring dance writing, research, producing or arts management.

Some dancers retrain as a dance movement psychotherapist, which requires a relevant Masters degree recognised by the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy UK (ADMP UK). This therapeutic approach uses movement to support emotional and psychological wellbeing.

When looking to move into a different profession later in life, you can access free support and guidance about retraining from Dancers Career Development (DCD).