Dancer
Nature of the Work
From ancient times to the present, dancers have expressed ideas, stories, and
rhythm with their bodies. They use a variety of dance forms that allow free
movement and self-expression, including classical ballet, modern dance, and
culturally specific dance styles. Many dancers combine performance work with
teaching or choreography.
Dancers perform in a variety of settings, including opera, musical theater,
and other musical productions, and may present folk, ethnic, tap, jazz, and
other popular kinds of dance. They also perform in television, movies, music
videos, and commercials, in which they also may sing and act. Dancers most often
perform as part of a group, although a few top artists perform solo.
Dancers work with choreographers, who create original dances and develop new
interpretations of existing dances. Because few dance routines are written down,
choreographers instruct performers at rehearsals to achieve the desired effect.
In addition, choreographers usually are involved in auditioning performers.
Work environment.
Dance is strenuous. Many dancers stop performing by their late thirties
because of the physical demands on the body. However, some continue to work in
the field as choreographers, dance teachers and coaches, or artistic directors.
Others move into administrative positions, such as company managers. A few
celebrated dancers, however, continue performing most of their lives.
Daily rehearsals require very long hours. Many dance companies tour for part
of the year to supplement a limited performance schedule at home. Dancers who
perform in musical productions and other family entertainment spend much of
their time on the road; others work in nightclubs or on cruise ships. Most dance
performances are in the evening, whereas rehearsals and practice take place
during the day. As a result, dancers often work very long and late hours.
Generally, dancers and choreographers work in modern and temperature-controlled
facilities; however, some studios may be older and less comfortable.
Training
Most dancers need long-term on-the-job training to be successful. Some earn a
bachelor’s degree or attend dance school, although neither is required. Becoming
a choreographer usually requires years of dancing experience.
Training varies with the type of dance and is a continuous part of all
dancers’ careers. Many dancers and dance instructors believe that dancers should
start with a good foundation in classical technique before selecting a
particular dance style. Ballet training for girls usually begins at 5 to 8 years
of age with a private teacher or through an independent ballet school. Serious
training traditionally begins between the ages of 10 and 12. Boys often begin
their ballet training between the ages of 10 and 15. Students who demonstrate
potential in their early teens may seek out more intensive and advanced
professional training. At about this time, students should begin to focus their
training on a particular style and decide whether to pursue additional training
through a dance company’s school or a college dance program. Leading dance
school companies often have summer training programs from which they select
candidates for admission to their regular full-time training programs. Formal
training for modern and culturally specific dancers often begins later than
training in ballet; however, many folk dance forms are taught to very young
children. Many dancers have their first professional auditions by age 17 or 18.
Training is an important component of professional dancers’ careers. Dancers
normally spend 8 hours a day in class and rehearsal, keeping their bodies in
shape and preparing for performances. Their daily training period includes time
to warm up and cool down before and after classes and rehearsals.
