Dancers use performance as a way to tell stories, interpret music and express emotion. They may perform for live audiences or dance for recorded media, including television, film or music videos.
Working alongside other dancers, they are usually cast for a role by a choreographer, producer, director or casting director. Dancers are expected to improvise and interpret the vision of a choreographer. Although they may train in many different styles, professional dancers often specialise in one dance form, like:
- classical ballet
- contemporary dance
- modern stage dance – jazz, tap, and in some cases singing and acting in musical productions
- Irish Dancing
- cultural African or South Asian dance
- street dance.
In theatre, TV and film work, the more skills and dance styles they have, the more likely they are to secure work. Whilst a few may work as solo or lead/principal dancers, the collaborative process of dance means everyone involved must train, rehearse and work together to create an effective production.
Rehearsing and attending auditions and daily classes to maintain skills and fitness is usually part of a dancer’s daily routine. As a performance approaches, they need to learn steps and styles quickly, retaining the energy and repeating the same scene many times over.
Many dancers combine performing with related work, such as teaching, working on community projects or arts administration.
Hours and environment
Working hours can often be long and unsociable, owing to performance timings. Most performances occur in the evenings, but dancers may do daytime matinee shows. Touring may mean working away from home for long periods, possibly overseas, and may involve rehearsing at each new venue. Dancers may perform in theatres, film and TV studios, nightclubs, hotels, halls, holiday resorts and cruise ships.
Some work regularly, others part time or just weekends, combining performing with other jobs. They may be booked for one-off performances, tours or, in the case of residential theatre productions and cruise ships, whole seasons.
The work itself is physically demanding, involving participation in daily classes, rehearsals and performances. Even when not performing, dancers must maintain fitness levels, attending classes and gym sessions.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer, contracts and the regularity of performances.
Salaries range from €18,000 for trainee dancers to in excess of €55,000 for experienced dancers in large touring international productions.
Skills and personal qualities
Dancers need:
- a strong sense of rhythm and timing
- excellent physical fitness and stamina
- focus, with good concentration skills
- excellent memory, to learn and remember complex movements and numerous roles within a performance, including several understudy routines
- motivation, enthusiasm and commitment
- talent and creativity
- to be patient and rational when injured, to prevent further long-term damage
- reliability and punctuality
- teamworking skills
- acting and interpretation skills and in some cases singing ability.
Interests
It is important to enjoy:
- movement and music
- working with other dancers and choreographers
- performing for audiences.
Most dancers, especially classical ballet dancers, train from a very early age. They often take graded examinations from awarding bodies like the British Ballet Organisation or the Royal Academy of Dance.Irish Dancing schools also train students from an early age to prepare them for the graded examinations.
Useful Links:
The National Ballet of Ireland