Dancers perform rhythmic and expressive movements, usually to music, to entertain audiences. These movements, along with facial expressions, are meant to tell a story, communicate an idea, or display physical agility and grace.

JOB DUTIES 

Dancers may:

Audition for parts in productions

Study and practice the dance moves required in a role

Rehearse with partners or other troupe members

Work with the choreographer to refine or modify dance steps

Perform in productions, which may include singing and acting

Remain aware of current trends and innovations in the field

Maintain a high level of technical proficiency

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Dancers may specialize in these areas:

151.047-010 DANCERS perform rhythmic and expressive movements of the body, ordinarily to music, to entertain an audience.

151.047-010 ACROBATIC DANCERS perform a style of dancing characterized by difficult gymnastic feats.

151.047-010 BALLET DANCERS perform a style of dancing which is known for its technique based on the turned out leg, pointed foot, and five fundamental foot positions. Women ballet dancers may dance "enpoint" (on the tips of their toes).

151.047-010 BALLROOM DANCERS are generally a male/female duo who demonstrate social dancing ranging from the waltz to the latest popular dance. They distinguish themselves in social dancing by their charm, sense of timing, and style.

151.047-010 TAP DANCERS perform a style of dancing that is distinguished by rhythm tapped by the feet in time with the music.

151.027-010 CHOREOGRAPHERS develop original dance routines and plan the movements of a dance, especially modern or ballet. They may also train and rehearse dancers and direct and stage dance presentations.

151.047-010 CHORUS DANCERS, show Dancers, and ethnic folk Dancers. Modern dance is another specialized and popular type of dancing.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Dancers may dance alone, with a partner, or in a group. They may work with no supervision, or be guided by a choreographer or dance director.

Dancers may work under a variety of environmental conditions. They may work indoors in comfortable, well lighted and ventilated clubs, theaters, hotels, and other establishments. They may work outdoors at events such as fairs or carnivals.

Dancers work schedules are usually irregular. A performance week generally averages 30 hours and usually consists of 8 performances and 12 hours of rehearsals. Overtime may be required. Most stage performances take place in the evening, and rehearsals require long hours, often on weekends and holidays. For shows on tour, weekend travel is often required. Dancers may have periods of unemployment. Concert Dancers usually have seasonal contracts.

Dancers may have to purchase their own costumes and dancing shoes. They may also have to pay for their musical accompaniment.

Dancers may belong to various unions, depending on the field in which they perform. Those in the major opera ballet, classical ballet, and modern dance corps belong to the American Guild of Musical Artists Inc.; those on live or videotaped television belong to the American Federation of Television & Radio Artists (AFTRA); those who perform in films and television belong to the Screen Actors Guild or the Screen Extras Guild; and those in musical comedies belong to Actors' Equity Association. Dancers who are union member pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving the communication of thoughts and ideas

• Activities requiring abstract or creative thought

• Activities performed before an audience

You Should Be Able To:

• Direct, control, or plan an entire production

• Use feelings, ideas, and facts in a creative way

• Visualize movements from diagrams and instructions

• Coordinate your moves with those of the other Dancers and the music

• Adjust to frequent change and variety

• Perform precise moves

• Make decisions based on personal experience and judgment

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

How many counts of eight are in a 2 minute song?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Read and understand dance steps and other dance terminology.

"We will be performing a dance sequence starting in the 4th position, moving to a 1st Arabesque, Arabesque Penchee, Attitude Devant, Attitude Derriere, and ending in the 3rd position."

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

For instructional purposes, write out all of the dance steps for the dance to be performed for the recital at the end of the year.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You need to be able to make decisions about which dance moves coordinate with each type of music to convey different emotions or elicit audience reactions.

Prospective Dancers should obtain as much training and experience as possible, both to develop professional level skill and to assess their potential for success. Some employers have strict physical requirements also.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond High School) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2400 MUSIC , 2500 PERFORMING ARTS , 2700 PHYSICAL EDUCATION

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

039 DANCE

Programs in Dance provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for professional careers as dancers, choreographers, and teachers of dance. Programs in Dance focus attention upon the human need for participation in aesthetic, creative, and physical activities. Technique and theory are included. Individuals who teach Dance at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

• Local dancing schools may be located in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under the heading of "Dancing Instruction."

    Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Experience may be gained in high school dance classes or in 2-4-year postsecondary programs. Dance recitals, and amateur or semi-professional performing groups offer aspiring Dancers opportunities for experience. Intensive summer dance courses and dance camps are also available.

Dancers may find jobs by auditioning for stage productions, registering with talent or booking agents, and applying to establishments known to employ Dancers. Assistance in locating employment may be obtained from placement offices of schools offering dance instruction. Information on job openings may be found in trade magazines. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of most professional Dancers are governed by union contracts. The union and producers sign basic agreements specifying minimum salary rates, hours, and other standards. The separate contract signed by each Dancer with the producer of the show is sometimes more favorable. Other variables include the type of dancing, geographic location, media worked in, and individual Dancer's talent.

In 1998, the minimum compensation for dancers in ballet and modern productions varied according to the type of dancing:

Dancers on tour received an additional allowance for room and board. In the motion picture industry dancers were paid a minimum performance rate around $500 per day of filming. The normal workweek is 30 hours, but compensation was paid for additional hours worked.

Choreographers earn performance royalties ranging from about $1,000/week in small professional theaters to over $30,000 for a 5 day week in high budget films. For television productions earnings may range from $8,000 to $12,500 for up to 14 work days.

For on-camera television commercials, dancers received the following Minimum national rates in 1999:

Union rates for Dancers performing on television programs in Michigan and the Detroit metropolitan area are similar to national rates. Earnings for Dancers performing in stock theaters in Michigan in 1999 ranged from $533.00 to $574.50 per week.

Dancers frequently supplement their wages by working at other occupations because pay is so low. Some dancers are covered by union contracts and receive various health and pension benefits, but most dancers do not receive these benefits. Dancers on tour receive a daily allowance for room, board, and local transportation.

Some Dancers supplement their incomes with other work, such as teaching. Dance instructors at colleges and universities generally earn salaries equal to those of other faculty members.

Unionized Dancers receive paid vacations and sick leave; and life, health, hospitalization, and disability insurance. Some also qualify for retirement benefits.

Advancement depends on specialization, experience, personal ability, and professional reputation.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

There were approximately 23,400 Dancers and Choreographers employed nationally in 1996. Employment of Dancers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Growth will occur primarily in new dance companies, dance groups affiliated with colleges and universities, and television. A growing interest in dance has increased the need for dance teachers. Those with the training and skills to teach may enjoy steady employment. The number of Dancers will continue to exceed the number of openings. Currently, the demand for male Dancers is greater than the demand for female Dancers. However, those seeking professional careers in dancing are likely to face keen competition. About 30.2% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Dancers and Choreographers looked like this:

Approximately 250 Dancers are employed in Michigan. Most Dancers in Michigan worked in urban areas. They were employed in a variety of establishments, including restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, theaters, and television studios.

The employment of Dancers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Most openings will occur due to growth rather than a need to replace Dancers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Many Dancers are likely to experience employment difficulties since the number of trained Dancers greatly exceeds the number of jobs available.

Opportunities for Dancers in Michigan will result from increased recognition of dance as an art form and the growing number of community and civic dance companies.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development