Dance is both a physical activity and an art form that is enjoyed by people of all ages, all over the world. People are involved in dance for numerous reasons - to learn about the world, to explore different cultures, as a form of physical activity or as an avenue for self expression. Being a professional dancer is a vocation that requires passion, talent, and commitment. It can be difficult to know what dance job is right for you. Or maybe you know what you want to do but your plans have had to change (hello COVID). Pursuing a career in dance can be a beautiful journey where friendships are formed, dreams are fulfilled and the passion for performing is being lived daily. But achieving a career in dance isn’t always the easiest of feats. There are often trials and tribulations along the way which can lead to changes in direction and desires. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a successful and fulfilling career. There are numerous pathways and opportunities that dance can lead you to.

Growing up dancing, we all envision ourselves hitting the big stage, performing night after night to adoring audiences. Having the opportunity to share our love and passion with others. This is generally the most obvious and sought after career choice for trained dancers. Jobs for professional dancers may either be short or long term contracts, casual employment or full-time employment within a company. However, dance jobs are highly competitive and many freelance dance artists may find the need to supplement their income with a second or third job, particularly in between gigs. It’s often through these additional jobs that other passions start to emerge, leading many dancers to pursue careers still involved with dance but not necessarily as a dancer.

A career in dance isn’t just something that takes place on stage or in a rehearsal room. Careers in dance can take place in all kinds of settings. The creativity and artistry that’s achieved and developed through dance can be transcended through to different avenues - spilled into words on a page, snapped in a photograph or passed onto others through the sharing of skills. Here’s a list of some of the other career options that can be pursued for those with a background in dance:

Choreographer/Director

Often a logical progression for those who decide to step off the stage. A difficult path with many of the same pitfalls as a performance career, but some find they are better suited to creating dances rather than performing them. Choreography doesn’t have to be limited to the stage either. It can be for TV, film, sporting events, fashion shows, weddings, parties - anything that requires learnt movement!

Lighting Designer or Set Designer

A great option if you love the theatre and have an artistic eye. Whether you’re a technology wiz or are good with your hands, both of these are great career options for those who are creatively inclined yet are more comfortable back or side stage instead of on stage.

Stage Manager

A good Stage Manager is essential for the smooth running of a show. If you have good attention to detail, enjoy overseeing others, and are good at problem solving in a crisis - this is the job for you. Stage Manager’s support and organise all the different teams involved in the day-to-day running of a theatre production from rehearsals right through to performances and then post-show. They liaise and communicate with the full company and organise each team to ensure the smooth running of a production.

Dance Writer

You can turn both your passion for dance and writing into a career. From advice articles to show reviews, you can support the dance community through the use of the written word. A dance writer will have a strong knowledge of dance, who writes about the work in a number of possible ways. They may write previews, reviews, interviews or guidance pieces.

Arts Administration

A great option for those who are interested in communications and relationship building. Within an Arts Administration role you may be involved with arranging rehearsal spaces, venue hire, international tours, general office management, budgeting, marketing and fundraising. You may also write show synopses, press releases for art journalists and invite them to review shows.

Dance Teacher/Educator

One of the most popular jobs for dancers. Becoming a dance instructor is a great way to share your knowledge and love of dance with others. When it comes to teaching you can teach people of all ages, from young children through to the elderly. You can have regular teaching work or hold one-off workshops, even substitute for other dance teachers. A great way to start is by being an assistant teacher. Often picked up as work between dancing jobs, some end up turning to teaching full time because they just love it.

Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor

Turn your passion for fitness into a career. Fitness classes are a fun way to exercise and dancers already have so much knowledge about the body to share in this format. Many dancers choose to teach in a related field (such as pilates) and often these classes will complement dance training.

Costume Designer

Costume designers are a major part of the dance world as they not only create outfits that represent the messages presented in the movements, but they also ensure the movements can be executed. Creating costumes that allow for exaggerated movement without risking injury is a major task that may sometimes be overlooked by the glitz and glam of the actual outfits but are a result of hard work, a skilful eye and a whole lot of creativity.

Dance Physiotherapist

As a dancer you know your body very well. You gain knowledge of anatomy and physiology along the way too. Injuries in dance are common and your ability to relate and understand the dancer’s body will give you an advantage as a therapist. It may require further study but it’s worth it in the end.

Dance Nutritionist/Dietician

Another avenue that may require further study but also a great way to maximise a dancers capabilities both in the studio and on the stage. Dance nutritionists or dieticians educate dancers about how they can best fuel their bodies, support endurance and build strength. You can steer impressionable dancers away from fad-diets and explain what will best support them as they are dancing and performing.

Specialty Retail

Most dancewear stores will employ those who are currently dancing or have a background. This is to ensure that they can provide the best service to their customers from those who truly understand the requirements of dancers and the dance world, making their experience that bit easier and much more enjoyable.

In the end you need to decide for yourself what is best for you and what will make you truly happy. Create an idea of the life you want to have and work out what that involves. This will help you have a clear focus when you’re trying to determine your dance journey. Don’t deny your innate nature and find what you genuinely love and are passionate about. By being true to yourself you will discover avenues that you hadn’t initially considered that may be perfect for you. While it may not be the journey you first anticipated, it will still be an adventure for you to grow, learn and explore!

Article by Sheree Ronai-Horvath
Photography by Elly Ford (Energetiks images only).

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