|
How to become a Dancer1. Dancer job description:Dancers and Choreographers
Significant Points:
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, Other Qualifications, and Advancement: 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. Education and training. 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. Because of the strenuous and time-consuming training required, some dancers view formal education as secondary. However, a broad, general education including music, literature, history, and the visual arts is helpful in the interpretation of dramatic episodes, ideas, and feelings. Dancers sometimes conduct research to learn more about the part they are playing. Many colleges and universities award bachelor’s or master’s degrees in dance, typically through departments of dance, theater, or fine arts. The National Association of Schools of Dance accredits 65 programs in dance. Many programs concentrate on modern dance, but some also offer courses in jazz, culturally specific dance, ballet, or classical techniques. Courses in dance composition, history and criticism, and movement analysis are also available. A college education is not essential for employment as a professional dancer; however, many dancers obtain degrees in unrelated fields to prepare themselves for careers after dance. The completion of a college program in dance and education is usually essential to qualify to teach dance in college, high school, or elementary school. Colleges and conservatories sometimes require graduate degrees but may accept performance experience. A college background is not necessary, however, for teaching dance or choreography in local recreational programs. Studio schools prefer teachers to have experience as performers. Other qualifications. Because of the rigorous practice schedules of most dancers, self-discipline, patience, perseverance, and a devotion to dance are essential for success in the field. Dancers also must possess good problem-solving skills and an ability to work with people. Good health and physical stamina also are necessary attributes. Above all, dancers must have flexibility, agility, coordination, and grace, a sense of rhythm, a feeling for music, and a creative ability to express themselves through movement. Because dancers typically perform as members of an ensemble made up of other dancers, musicians, and directors or choreographers, they must be able to function as part of a team. They also should be highly motivated and prepared to face the anxiety of intermittent employment and rejections when auditioning for work. Advancement. For dancers, advancement takes the form of a growing reputation, more frequent work, bigger and better roles, and higher pay. Some dancers may take on added responsibilities, such as by becoming a dance captain in musical theater or ballet master/ballet mistress in concert dance companies, by leading rehearsals, or by working with less experienced dancers in the absence of the choreographer. Choreographers typically are experienced dancers with years of practice working in the theater. Through their performance as dancers, they develop reputations that often lead to opportunities to choreograph productions. Employment: Professional dancers and choreographers held about 40,000 jobs in 2006. Many others were between engagements, so that the total number of people available for work as dancers over the course of the year was greater. Dancers and choreographers worked in a variety of industries, such as private educational services, which includes dance studios and schools, as well as colleges and universities; food services and drinking establishments; performing arts companies, which include dance, theater, and opera companies; and amusement and recreation venues, such as casinos and theme parks. About 17 percent of dancers and choreographers were self-employed. Most major cities serve as home to major dance companies; however, many smaller communities across the Nation also support home-grown, full-time professional dance companies. Job Outlook: Employment of dancers and choreographers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations. Dancers and choreographers face intense competition for jobs. Only the most talented find regular employment. Employment change. Employment of dancers and choreographers is expected to grow 6 during the 2006-16 decade, more slowly than the average for all occupations. The public’s continued interest in dance will sustain large and mid-size dance companies, but funding from public and private organizations is not expected to keep pace with rising production costs. For many small organizations, the result will be fewer performances and more limited employment opportunities. Job prospects. Because many people enjoy dance and would like to make their careers in dance, dancers and choreographers face intense competition for jobs. Only the most talented find regular employment. However, there are always some jobs available. Although job openings will arise each year because dancers and choreographers retire or leave the occupation for other reasons, the number of applicants will continue to vastly exceed the number of job openings. National dance companies likely will continue to provide jobs in this field. Opera companies and dance groups affiliated with television and motion pictures also will offer some opportunities. Moreover, the growing popularity of dance for recreational and fitness purposes has resulted in increased opportunities to teach dance, especially for older dancers who may be transitioning to another field. Finally, music video channels will provide opportunities for both dancers and choreographers. Earnings: Median hourly earnings of dancers were $9.55 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $7.31 and $17.50. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $6.62, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $25.75. Annual earnings data for dancers were not available, because of the wide variation in the number of hours worked by dancers and the short-term nature of many jobs—which may last for 1 day or 1 week—make it rare for dancers to have guaranteed employment that exceeds a few months. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest number of dancers were as follows:
Median annual earnings of salaried choreographers were $34,660 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,910 and $49,810. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $15,710, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $64,070. Median annual earnings were $34,460 in “other schools and instruction,” a North American Industry Classification System category that includes dance studios and schools. Dancers who were on tour usually received an additional allowance for room and board, as well as extra compensation for overtime. Earnings from dancing are usually low because employment is irregular. Dancers often supplement their income by working as guest artists with other dance companies, teaching dance, or taking jobs unrelated to the field. Earnings of dancers at many of the largest companies and in commercial settings are governed by union contracts. Dancers in the major opera ballet, classical ballet, and modern dance corps belong to the American Guild of Musical Artists, Inc. of the AFL-CIO; those who appear on live or videotaped television programs belong to the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; those who perform in films and on television belong to the Screen Actors Guild; and those in musical theater are members of the Actors’ Equity Association. The unions and producers sign basic agreements specifying minimum salary rates, hours of work, benefits, and other conditions of employment. However, the contract each dancer signs with the producer of the show may be more favorable than the basic agreement. Most salaried dancers and choreographers covered by union contracts receive some paid sick leave and various health and pension benefits, including extended sick pay and family-leave benefits provided by their unions. Employers contribute toward these benefits. Dancers and choreographers not covered by union contracts usually do not enjoy such benefits. Sources of Additional Information: For general information about dance and a list of accredited college-level programs, contact:
For information about dance and dance companies, contact:
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Dancers and Choreographers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos094.htm (visited June 21, 2009).
2. How to Be a Dancer
from wikiHow - The How to
Manual That You Can Edit Steps
Tips
Warnings
Related wikiHowsArticle provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Be a Dancer. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.
3. How To Become A Dancer according to Gistweb:
Do you want to become a dancer more than anything in the world? In her new book, Advice for Dancers, Dance Magazine's columnist explains the factors that make a dancer--and how you can choose the most appropriate technique to bring out the true dancer in you. 1 How do I become a dancer for like, concerts and music videos etc.? I'm 13 and really need some help! 2 In order to become a dancer, an individual should first try out a number of different dance classes, such as ballet, jazz, tap and salsa. Find out how to advance from beginning dance classes with help from a professional dance instructor in this free video on dancing careers. 3
Decide what kind of dancing you would enjoy doing. Whether it be ballet, disco, tap, jazz, swing, hip-hop, breakdance, pointe, modern, or belly dancing. Just be sure to choose one that suits your style. 4 Being a naturally talented dancer has its benefits as well as downfalls. The benefits are that you can of course already dance your own way without needing too much help. The downside is that being naturally gifted stops many dancers from going to dance classes and learning other skills. 5 Many dance jobs and auditions specify for the dancers to be skilled in particular dance styles whether it's commercial dance or breakdance. So if you're self taught and learnt all your moves by watching MTV videos can you become a dancer on TV as well? 6 Ask for information from each school about how students can prepare for and obtain professional auditions with regional ballet companies or national dance companies. A good school should have some connections. 7 Sign up for as many dance classes as possible. Remember that it is important to have a base in ballet as well as to branch out into other classes. You do not have to take every class offered, and you can always sign up for more classes. 8 The disadvantage you have over trained dancers at freestyle auditions is that you'll be dancing your own way and whoever is judging the audition may not be able to pinpoint your dance style. Many judges like to know what they're seeing - if only for their own ego boost! 9 Maybe you could ask your teacher for some private lessons. I wouldn't want to be with little kids either. I'm pretty shy too, but dancing has really helped me overcome it. 10 Continue to improve your dancing skills and to develop your uniqueness. You can then promote your career by marketing that unique skill or dance style until you become famous for it. 11 If you train at dance classes and dance studios and are able to pick up choreography you of course give yourself many more opportunities. You'll be able to attend more auditions which of course means you'll have a better chance of getting more jobs. 12 You can be dancing up to four hours a day, but remember to schedule your time. Make sure you are able to do your homework every night. Schedule in friend time for your friends who do not take dance classes with you. 13 If you don't understand a dance, ask for help, you're not going to learn it by standing in the corner watching! Always talk to your dance teachers if you are having a problem. 14 Work toward a bachelor's degree if you decide you want to teach dance in a school or university setting. Go to the National Association of Schools of Dance Web site (see nasd.arts-accredit.org) for a list of accredited colleges offering dance programs. 15 References 4. How to Become a Professional at Dance Dance Revolution
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit Steps
Tips
Warnings
Things You'll Need
Related wikiHowsArticle provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Become a Professional at Dance Dance Revolution. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license. 5. Dancing with the Stars Video:
You can also buy the e-books separately for personal use: How do I break into Show Business? Meet me tonight in dreamland. This e-book promises to become the authoritative reference for aspirant Actors, Actresses, Producers and Directors:
How to become a Super Star in the World of Music. This e-book promises to become the authoritative reference for aspirant Singers, Musicians, Song Writers and Teachers:
So, you think you can dance? Learn to dance better. This e-book promises to become the authoritative reference for aspirant Choreographers and Dancers of all styles:
Dancer video news:
A rare and hot Super Star career opportunity has popped up on the horizon for those who are looking for a good product to sell and for moms and dads who want to encourage their children from an early age to become super stars. It is in the form of three e-books with the following titles: 1. How to become a super star in the world of music (for aspirant musicians and singers); 2. How do I break into show business? (for aspirant actors); and 3. So, you think you can dance? (for aspirant dancers).
Buy DVD's and CD's here:
|
